Intel Announces Winners of World's Largest Pre-College Science Fair

The Intel Foundation today announced top winners of the world's largest pre-college science fair, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair presented by Agilent Technologies. Natalie Saranga Omattage of Cleveland, Miss., Sana Raoof of Muttontown, N.Y. and Yi-Han Su of Chinese Taipei were selected from more than 1,550 young scientists from 51 countries, regions and territories for their commitment to innovation and science.

Omattage developed a more efficient and less expensive way to screen for food additive contaminants, including those responsible for the recent deaths of many pets. By developing biosensors based on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), Omattage's research provides a new way for ports and warehouses to more thoroughly screen for food additives and other contaminants that could be found in food imported into the United States.

Raoof's research provided new insight into how a better understanding of mathematical knot theory could help resolve classic biochemical problems. Specifically, her work focused on the Alexander-Conway polynomial invariant for chord diagrams to help prove how to classify molecules on a structural basis.

Su focused her efforts on identifying a high-activity catalyst that could improve methanol reforming reactions in order to generate hydrogen more efficiently. In doing so, Su has developed a method that can be used to improve the homogeneity of metal mixing and increase the surface area of catalysts which can also be used for the synthesis of other multi-composition materials with high homogeneity.

"To see young students from around the world develop innovative solutions to problems confronting society shows the true power of this international science fair," said Intel Corporation Chairman Craig Barrett. "Sana, Natalie and Yi-Han demonstrate that dedication to science inquiry can transcend boundaries and show what we can accomplish when we focus on education and science."

In addition to the three $50,000 Intel Foundation Young Scientist Award winners, more than 500 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair participants received scholarships and prizes for their groundbreaking work. Intel awards included 18 "Best of Category" winners who each received a $5,000 Intel scholarship and a new laptop featuring the Intel® Core™2 Duo processor.

Sponsorship of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair is one aspect of Intel's multi-year, multi-million dollar global commitment to education. Intel has been committed to helping students realize the promise of education for decades. In the past decade alone, Intel has invested more than $1 billion worldwide to improve education. Today, Intel invests more than $100 million annually to promote education and technological literacy around the world.

Society for Science & the Public (formerly Science Service), a nonprofit organization dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education, owns and has administered the International Science and Engineering Fair since its inception in 1950. Elizabeth Marincola, president of Society for Science & the Public said, "Inspired by their dedication to inquiry-based research, we celebrate the passion and incredible achievements of Natalie, Sana and Yi-Han. We are encouraged by the quality and depth of their work, and the hope it gives us for the future of our planet and our society."

Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live.