15-Year-Old Scientist Creates Machine Learning Software Tool to Detect Cancer-Causing Gene Mutations

Nathan Han of Boston Wins US$75,000 Top Prize at Intel International Science and Engineering Fair

• The world’s largest high school science research competition, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, a program of Society for Science & the Public, announced its top winners in Los Angeles.
• Nathan Han of Boston received the Gordon E. Moore Award, a US$75,000 prize named in honor of the Intel co-founder and fellow scientist.
• Four Malaysian students recognized for chemistry and environmental projects. 
• Two Intel Foundation Young Scientist Awards winners – Lennart Kleinwort of Germany and Shannon Lee of Singapore – each received prizes of US$50,000 from the Intel Foundation.

LOS ANGELES, May 16, 2014 – Nathan Han, 15, of Boston was awarded first place for developing a machine learning software tool to study mutations of a gene linked to breast cancer at this year’s Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, a program of Society for Science & the Public.

Using data from publicly available databases, Han examined detailed characteristics of multiple mutations of the BRCA1 tumor suppressor gene in order to “teach” his software to differentiate between mutations that cause disease and those that do not. His tool exhibits an 81 percent accuracy rate and could be used to more accurately identify cancer threats from BRCA1 gene mutations. Han received the Gordon E. Moore Award of US$75,000, named in honor of the Intel co-founder and fellow scientist.

From Malaysia, Faye Jong-Sow Fei from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Batu Lintang, Kuching, Sarawak received a First Award of US$3,000 in the Environmental Management Category for her project entitled ‘Bio-Waste Materials as Eco-Friendly Mordant in Fabric Dye Process’. She has also won the Top Winner of the Best of Category with prizes consisting of US$5,000 cash and US$1,000 cash for her school and the affiliated fair she represents. In addition, Faye Jong walked away with an all-expense-paid trip to attend the European Union Contest for Young Scientists in Warsaw, Poland this August.

Nurul Najiha Binti Mohd Roslan and Nur Hanis Suriani Binti Mohd Zaini of Mara Junior Science College Terendak, Melaka were awarded a Third Place Award  of US$1,000 for the Environmental Sciences category and First Place Award of US$500.00 for the Special Award category from Drexel Smart House for their ‘New Discovery of Eco Plyfibre via Pineapple Leaf and Recyclable Plastic for Future Sustainability’. Furthermore, Meor Zulhilmi Syahir Ahmad Shohailee from the Tun Syed Sheh Shahabudin Science Secondary Boarding School Pulau Pinang was given a Certificate of Honorable Mention from American Chemical Society for his chemistry project ‘Carbonized Pineapple Peel (CPP) Waste as Low Cost Adsorbent for Acid and Reactive Dyes Removal.’

Lennart Kleinwort, 15, of Germany received one of two Intel Foundation Young Scientist Awards of US$50,000. Kleinwort developed a new mathematical tool for smartphones and tablets that brings capabilities to hand-held devices that previously required more sophisticated and expensive computing tools. His app allows users to hand draw curves, lines and geometric figures on the touch screen and watch the system render them into shapes and equations that can then be manipulated at will.

Shannon Xinjing Lee, 17, of Singapore received the other Intel Foundation Young Scientist Award of US$50,000 for developing a novel electrocatalyst that may be used for batteries of the future. Researchers have been looking for ways to make rechargeable zinc-air batteries practical, as they would be safer, lighter in weight, and have six times the energy density of lithium ion batteries, making them ideal for hybrid vehicles. Lee found that her activated carbon catalyst, which she made entirely from carbonized Chinese eggplant, greatly out-performed a more sophisticated commercial catalyst in stability and longevity tests and will be environmentally friendly and inexpensive to produce.

 “The world needs more scientists, makers and entrepreneurs to create jobs, drive economic growth and solve pressing global challenges,” said Prakash Mallya, Country Manager, Intel Malaysia and Singapore. “Intel believes that young people are the key to innovation, and we hope that these winners inspire more students to get involved in science, technology, engineering and math, the foundation for creativity.”

This year’s Intel International Science and Engineering Fair featured more than 1,700 young scientists selected from 435 affiliate fairs in more than 70 countries, regions and territories. In addition to the top winners, more than 500 finalists received awards and prizes for their innovative research, including 17 "Best of Category" winners, who each received a US$5,000 prize. The Intel Foundation also awarded a US$1,000 grant to each winner’s school and to the affiliated fair they represent. Additionally, the Intel Foundation presented a select number of students with experiential awards, including the new 11-day trip to China to attend the country’s largest national science competition, speak with researchers at Intel’s lab in Shanghai, and visit the Panda Research Base in Chengdu.


The following lists the 17 Best of Category winners, from which the top three were chosen:  

Category	First	Last	City	State/Country
Animal Sciences	Daksh	Dua	Delhi	India
	Abhishek	Verma
Behavioral and Social Sciences	Michelle	Marquez	Midlothian	Virginia
Biochemistry	Ken	Aizawa	Jericho	New York
Cellular and Molecular Biology	Joshua	Meier	Hackensack	New Jersey
Chemistry	Tai Hei	Chan	Hong Kong	China
	Er Hai	Fang
Computer Science	Yue	Yao	Shanghai	China
Earth Science	Yu-Hsin	Chen	Taipei City	Chinese Taipei
Energy and Transportation	Shannon	Lee	Singapore	Singapore
Engineering: Electrical and Mechanical	Sarah	Galvin	Tempe	Arizona
Engineering: Materials and Bioengineering	Harry	Paul	Port Washington	New York
Environmental Management	Faye	Jong	Kuching	Malaysia
Environmental Sciences	Perry	Algappan	Houston	Texas
Mathematical Science	Lennart	Kleinwort	Wurzburg	Germany
Medicine and Health Sciences	Nathan	Han	Boston	Massachusetts
Microbiology	Logan	Collins	Boulder	Colorado
Physics and Astronomy	John	Caddell	Pebble Beach	California
Plant Sciences	Yi-Hsuan	Huang	Taipei City	Chinese Taipei

Society for Science & the Public, a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education, has owned and administered the competition since its inception in 1950 as the National Science Fair.

“In congratulating Nathan, Lennart, and Shannon, we join with Intel in seeing great hope in their research, and that of all of our Intel ISEF finalists,” said Rick Bates, interim CEO and chief advancement officer of Society for Science & the Public. “Not only are they working to discover solutions for society’s challenges, they importantly serve as an inspiration for younger students and encourage them to become involved in the amazing world of hands-on science and engineering.”

The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair honors the world’s most promising student entrepreneurs, innovators and scientists. Finalists are selected annually from hundreds of affiliated fairs. Their projects are then evaluated onsite by more than 1,200 judges from nearly every scientific discipline, each with a Ph.D. or the equivalent of six years of related professional experience in one of the scientific disciplines.

A full listing of finalists is available in the event program. The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2014 is funded jointly by Intel and the Intel Foundation with additional awards and support from dozens of other corporate, academic, governmental and science-focused organizations. This year, more than US$5 million was awarded.

To learn more about Society for Science & the Public, visit www.societyforscience.org.

Twelve Talented Malaysian Students to Represent Country at Intel ISEF 2014

• Twelve students to represent Malaysia at this year’s Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 
• Intel Malaysia celebrates and exhibits the work of Malaysian delegates at a send-off ceremony 
• Intel ISEF 2014 will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Centre, with over 1,600 students from around the globe competing for over US$4 million in awards and scholarships

BAYAN LEPAS FREE TRADE ZONE, Penang, May 12, 2014 – Ain Adibah Roslailee, and Farah Hanin Mustapha from Kolej Tunku Kurshiah, Seremban were looking to reduce the level of carbon monoxide in the environment when they embarked on the Super Spider Sieve project. Their invention that involves making use of Chlorophytum Comosum (spider plant) in the air filter of a vehicle’s exhaust is one of 8 scientific projects by Malaysian students that will be presented at the upcoming Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

Ain and Farah were among twelve other Malaysian whiz kids given a grand send-off to Los Angeles last week where they will be competing with over 1,600 students from around the globe. The annual Intel ISEF provides an opportunity for young scientists and innovators to share ideas, showcase cutting-edge science projects, and compete for international recognition and over US$4 million in awards and scholarships.

Intel ISEF 2014 finalists with (front row left to right) Pn. Hanim bt. Abd. Wahab, Deputy Director 1, Secondary Education Division, MARA, Tn. Haji Zainudin bin Abas, Director, Co-Curricular and Arts Division, Ministry of Education and Abdul Rahman Abu Haniffa, Director, Corporate Affairs, Intel South East Asia.

“Something special happens to people at the Intel ISEF. Students are inspired to pursue their passion for science, math, and engineering. Teachers return to their schools energized and motivated. Many participants who come to Intel ISEF find it to be a life-changing experience,” said Abdul Rahman Abu Haniffa, Government Affairs Director, Intel Malaysia at the send-off ceremony.

“The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair is a great platform for Malaysian students to showcase their talents in innovation and compete with other students on a global stage. The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and we at Intel are excited to be able to be part of the grooming process. Malaysia’s finalists have done a fantastic job with their science projects and I wish them all the best for the competition.” Abdul added.

Twelve talented Malaysian students to represent country at Intel ISEF 2014.

Malaysian delegates to Intel ISEF in previous years have had a fair level of success in sweeping up major awards in competition. In 2012, Benjamin Wong Ngie Xiong from SMK Batu Lintang, Sarawak won a third place award worth US$1,000 for his project describing a novel method to purify rural water sources using jackfruit seeds.

Last year, Nur Liyana Johari from Tuanku Syed Putra Secondary Science School, Perlis won two awards worth US$5,000 and US$1,000 respectively for her project entitled ‘BIO-OIL: The Use of Specially Made Catalyst’ whilst Sarah Wong Jia Xin from SMK Batu Lintang, Sarawak won a third award worth US$1,000 for her project entitled ‘Use of Bio-sorbent for Removal of Colour and Heavy Metal from Dyed Waste Water’. These wins marked Malaysia’s most successful outcomes at Intel ISEF in recent years.

Malaysian finalists taking an oath during the send-off ceremony to do their very best at Intel ISEF 2014.

“It is my privilege to be here today to witness the sending off ceremony for some of Malaysia’s brightest young scientific minds in the upcoming Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2014.  I congratulate all those who have been shortlisted to represent the country in this prestigious competition,” said Tn. Hj. Zainudin bin Abas, Director, Co-Curricular and Arts Division, Ministry of Education at the send-off ceremony.

Also present at the event was Pn. Hanim bt. Abd. Wahab, Deputy Director 1, Secondary Education Division, MARA. “Today’s send-off ceremony will not only mark these delegates’ participation in one of the world’s most prestigious competitions for young scientists and innovators but also the start of a new chapter in their young lives as well as ours. On behalf of all the Malaysian people, I wish them all the very best in ISEF 2014,” Pn. Hanim added.

Dharsyanth Rao a/l Sivarao, an Individual Finalist from Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM) Terendak explaining his abstract to Abdul Rahman Abu Haniffa, Director, Corporate Affairs, Intel South East Asia (L) and Robin Martin, Managing Director Intel Malaysia (R)

Intel ISEF finalists are selected annually from 443 affiliated fairs around the world with participating students competing in a diverse range of categories, including computer science, engineering, energy and transportation, environmental management and environmental science. Their projects are then evaluated onsite by hundreds of judges from diverse scientific disciplines, each typically with a Ph.D or the equivalent of six years of related professional experience in one of the scientific disciplines.

This year’s Intel ISEF will run from May 11-16, 2014 at Los Angeles, California. More information about the Intel ISEF 2014 can be found at https://student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef

Romanian Teenager Wins Big for Low-Cost, Self-Driving Car Innovation; Winners from Malaysia Announced

Ionut Budisteanu of Romania Wins Top Prize at Intel International Science and Engineering Fair

• The world’s largest high school science research competition, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, a program of Society for Science & the Public, announced its top winners in Phoenix.
• Ionut Budisteanu of Romania received the Gordon E. Moore Award, a $75,000 prize named in honor of the Intel co-founder and fellow scientist.
• Nur Liyana Johari and Sarah Wong Jia Xin represented Malaysia with award-winning projects
• Two Intel Foundation Young Scientist Awards winners – Eesha Khare of Saratoga, Calif. and Henry Lin of Shreveport, La. – each received prizes of $50,000 from the Intel Foundation.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 20, 2013 – Ionut Budisteanu, 19, of Romania was awarded first place for using artificial intelligence to create a viable model for a low-cost, self-driving car at this year’s Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, a program of Society for Science & the Public.

Ionut said his research addresses a major global issue. In 2004, car accidents caused 2.5 million deaths worldwide1, and 87 percent of crashes resulted from driver error2. With 3-D radar and mounted cameras, Ionut created a feasible design for an autonomously controlled car that could detect traffic lanes and curbs, along with the real-time position of the car – and it would only cost $4,000. He received the Gordon E. Moore Award of $75,000, named in honor of the Intel co-founder and fellow scientist.

(L-R) Sarah Wong and Nur Liyana.

From Malaysia, Nur Liyana Johari from Tuanku Syed Putra Secondary Science School won second award from the United Airlines Foundation and third award in the environmental management: recycling and waste management category and was awarded US$5,000.00 and US$1,000.00 respectively for her project entitled ‘BIO-OIL: the use of specially made catalyst’. Sarah Wong Jia Xin from SMK Batu Lintang won third award in the engineering: electrical and mechanical category and was awarded US$1,000.00 for her project entitled ‘use of biosorbent for removal of colour and heavy metal from dyed waste water’.

Eesha Khare, 18, of Saratoga, Calif. received the Intel Foundation Young Scientist Award of $50,000. With the rapid adoption of portable electronics, Eesha recognized the crucial need for energy-efficient storage devices. She developed a tiny device that fits inside cell phone batteries, allowing them to fully charge within 20-30 seconds. Eesha’s invention also has potential applications for car batteries.

(L-R) Nur Liyana and Azrena Mahmud, PR & Marketing Manager, Corporate Affairs Group.

Henry Lin, 17, of Shreveport, La. also received the Intel Foundation Young Scientist Award of $50,000. By simulating thousands of clusters of galaxies, Henry has provided scientists with valuable new data, allowing them to better understand the mysteries of astrophysics: dark matter, dark energy and the balance of heating and cooling in the universe's most massive objects.

 “We support the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair because we believe that science and math are the foundation of innovation, which is imperative for global economic growth and advancing society,” said Prakash Mallya country manager, Intel Singapore and Malaysia. “This competition encourages millions of students worldwide every year to explore their passion for math and science while developing solutions for global challenges.”

 (L-R) Puan Roslina Mohd. Roslin, Principal assistant director, Ministry of Education (MOE); Nur Liyana; Azrena Mahmud, PR & Marketing Manager, Corporate Affairs Group.

This year, approximately 1,600 young scientists were chosen to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. They were selected from 433 affiliate fairs in more than 70 countries, regions and territories. In addition to the winners mentioned above, more than 500 finalists received awards and prizes for their innovative research. Awards included 17 "Best of Category" winners who each received a $5,000 prize. The Intel Foundation also awarded a $1,000 grant to each winner’s school and to the affiliated fair they represent.

The following lists the 17 Best of Category winners from which the top three were chosen:  

Category	First	Last	City	State/Country
Animal Sciences	Michael	Shao	Northville	Mich.
Behavioral and Social Sciences	Zarin	Rahman	Brookings	S.D.
Biochemistry	Savannah	Tobin	Salem	Ore.
Cellular and Molecular Biology	Hannah	Wastyk	Palmyra	Pa.
Chemistry	Eesha	Khare	Saratoga	Calif.
Computer Science	Ionut	Budisteanu	Ramnicu, Valcea	Romania
Earth and Planetary Sciences	Gyou	Tanaka	Mobara, Chiba	Japan
Engineering: Electrical and Mechanical	Zeyu	Liu	Calgary, Alberta	Canada
Engineering: Materials and Bioengineering	Samantha	Marquez	Midlothian	Va.
Energy and Transportation	Evie	Sobczak	St. Petersburg	Fla.
Environmental Management	Shixuan	Li	Lynn Haven	Fla.
Environmental Sciences	Naomi	Shah	Portland	Ore.
Mathematical Sciences	Vinay	Iyengar	Portland	Ore.
Medicine and Health	Jessie	MacAlpine	Woodstock, Ontario	Canada
Microbiology	David	Zimmerman	Los Angeles	Calif.
Physics and Astronomy	Henry	Lin	Shreveport	La.
Plant Sciences	Samantha	DiSalvo	Hewlett	N.Y.
	Ryan	Kenny
	Amy	Vitha

Society for Science & the Public, a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education, has owned and administered the International Science and Engineering Fair since its inception in 1950. 

Nur Liyana Johari.

“We congratulate Ionut, Eesha and Henry on their success at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair this week in Phoenix,” said Elizabeth Marincola, president of Society for Science & the Public. “Their research demonstrates the value of hard work and creative thinking. All the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair finalists here this week show great promise in harnessing the power of science and innovation to solve problems and create opportunity for our global community.”

The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair honors some of the world’s most promising, rising student entrepreneurs, innovators and scientists. Finalists are selected annually from hundreds of affiliated fairs. Their projects are then evaluated onsite by more than 1,200 judges from nearly every scientific discipline, each with a Ph.D. or the equivalent of six years of related professional experience in one of the scientific disciplines. 

Sarah Wong.

This is the first year that all Intel International Science and Engineering Fair finalists will receive digital badges recognizing and rewarding their achievements in independent scientific and engineering research. Volunteers, judges and interpreters will also receive badges. Digital badges promote informal modes of education and provide recognition and credentialing for achievements beyond the classroom. Learn more about the badging initiative at http://badging.societyforscience.org.

A full listing of finalists is available in the event program. The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2013 is funded jointly by Intel and the Intel Foundation with additional awards and support from dozens of other corporate, academic, governmental and science-focused organizations. This year, more than US$4 million was awarded.

To learn more about Society for Science & the Public, visit www.societyforscience.org, and follow the organization on Facebook and Twitter.