Teen scientist Eric S. Chen, 17, bagged the top prize at the Intel Science Talent Search for his research uncovering important developments about possible prevention of influenza.
The Inter Science Talent Search is a research-based science competition in the United States for high school seniors. It has been awarding teen scientists since 1942 and is considered "the nation's oldest and most prestigious" science competition. Each year, about 1,700 papers are being submitted and only 300 make it on the final list.
Chen won a total of $100,000 cash prize for being the top winner. He is a senior student at the Canyon Crest Academy in San Diego and his research on the cure of influenza impressed the Intel Foundation judges. His research also featured a multidisciplinary approach to solving the problem. He also used principles of biology and chemistry to develop a list of compounds that have could be used as a treatment for influenza.
Chen's research interest began during the 2009 influenza outbreak which killed 18,000 people across the globe. He started his research by focusing on compounds which can prevent the formation of endonuclease, an enzyme that is important in the proliferation of influenza. If something were used to prevent the growth of this enzyme, it could to possibilities of developing a cure for influenza.
"I had no idea I was going to win," Chen told Tech Times. "If I had placed between fifth and 10th, I would have been incredibly happy."
Other young scientists have also won prizes and recommendations during the Intel Science Talent Search. Kevin Lee, 17, who developed a mathematical model demonstrating a beating heart, won the second place and was awarded with $75,000. The third place went to Henry Kuszmaul, who worked on modular enumeration, and was given $50,000 cash prize.
"We at Intel celebrate the work of these brilliant young scientists as a way to inspire the next generation to follow them with even greater energy and excitement into a life of invention and discovery," Wendy Hawkins,Intel Foundation executive director , told Tech Times. "Imagine the new technologies, solutions and devices they will bring to bear on the challenges we face. The Intel Science Talent Search finalists should inspire all of us with hope for the future."
