Leading-Edge Research and Development > Research Profiles > Profiles Archive > High School Seniors Conducting Research at CNSE Receive Recognition in Prestigious Intel Science Talent Search

From clean energy initiatives to revolutionary health-related research, three high school students took their science projects to the next level under the guidance of CNSE faculty as part of internships at CNSE's world-class Albany NanoTech Complex.

From left: Dr. Yubing Xie, Xiao Rui Guo, Arunima Deya Balan, Dr. Ji Ung Lee, Ian Michael Schneider and Dr. Harry Efstathiadis

The students, all seniors, were selected as semifinalists in the prestigious 2010 Intel Science Talent Search (Intel STS), among just 300 students chosen nationwide from approximately 1,700 applicants to compete for $1.25 million in awards.

"For a high school student to even be considered for the Intel STS, his or her work must be at a superior level," says CNSE Associate Professor of Nanoengineering Dr. Harry Efstathiadis, who worked with one of the students. "By receiving access to the facilities and tools at CNSE, the students were given the opportunity to reach that level."

Arunima Deya Balan of Niskayuna High School in Niskayuna, NY was among the Intel STS semifinalists for her clean energy research. Working with CNSE Empire Innovation Professor of Nanoscale Engineering Dr. Ji Ung Lee, Balan's project focused on using carbon nanotube diodes to mimic the photosynthesis process of plants. Using synthetic materials such as carbon nanotubes, Balan's goal was to replicate the organic process of capturing and transferring energy.

"These internships give students the opportunity to do high-level research, which is one of the most advanced ways of learning," says Dr. Lee. "By giving high school students the opportunity to participate in research with CNSE graduate students and faculty, we are preparing the next generation of scientists."

2010 Intel Science Talent Search Semifinalist Ian Michael Schneider

Ian Michael Schneider of Byram Hills High School in Armonk, NY, also spent his time at CNSE doing clean energy research. Under the mentorship of Dr. Efstathiadis, Schneider chose to focus on improving the way solar energy is captured. His project targeted development of solar cells through a unique layering of materials on a metal surface. This method is less expensive and more efficient than traditional solar cells. In addition to being named a 2010 Intel Science Talent Search Semifinalist, Schneider won Highest Honors as Speaker Presenter at the 25th Annual Upstate New York Junior Science and Humanities Symposium for his presentation on this innovative research.

Xiao Rui Guo, who studies at the Berkshire School in Sheffield, MA, worked on research involving hydrogel microarrays that contain molecules and cells that can be used for drug and product testing in place of animal testing. CNSE Assistant Professor of Nanobioscience Dr. Yubing Xie, Guo's internship mentor, says "It is impressive that a high school student like Xiao Rui Guo can make a real contribution to the pioneering research happening at CNSE."

The students clearly appreciated the unique opportunity to engage CNSE's world-class faculty and state-of-the-art facilities.

2010 Intel Science Talent Search Semifinalist Xiao Rui Guo

"My mentor, Dr. Xie, was definitely most supportive. She made sure to meet and discuss my progress with me at least once every time I was at the lab, something that I am truly thankful for and still amazed at, considering that I am just in high school," says Xiao Rui. "It was almost unreal looking at the 18 pages of my paper before having it sent off, but I am just glad that everything since August has paid off."

The mission of the Intel STS is to increase the spotlight on the need to improve math and science education in the United States. Former Science Talent Search alumni have achieved some of the world's most prestigious academic honors, including seven that have gone on to win the Nobel Prize.