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Wang, 16, will receive a $1,000 honorary award with a matching grant going to the high school’s Science Research Program, which started in 2006 and has produced three Intel semifinalists in the last five years.
Wang’s research paper, the “Effects of Water Vapor on Hydrogen Permeation through a Metal Membrane,” looked at filtering out hydrogen from other gases by passing it through a thin sheet of metal. The young researcher noted the industrial demand for hydrogen, one of the most abundant elements, and its possible use as alternative fuel sources like hydrogen fuel cells, inspired her work.
“After eighth grade I became very interested in earth science and biology and passionate about the environment,” said Wang, who hopes to have a career in the science and alternative energy field. “I would like to see hydrogen fuel sources become more readily available on a large scale to power all kinds of electronics.”
Science Talent Search is the oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition in the nation. The program is sponsored by the Society for Science & the Public, which owns and administers the Intel competition.
Wang was selected as a semifinalist from more than 1,700 entrants representing 467 high schools and was the only Rivertowns student to be recognized this year. She credits science research teacher Tom Callahan for assisting her with scientific journals during the literature phase of the investigation and helping her construct her paper to make it ready for the competition.
“All of the Intel semifinalists who have come out of our program were really motivated budding scientists and were also able to take critique well,” Callahan said. “To be named an Intel semifinalist is an incredible achievement and these are exceptional students with a passion for their subject matter.”
On Jan. 23, 40 of the 300 semifinalists will be named as finalists and will receive an all-exspense paid trip to Washington D.C. in March, where they will present their research and compete for a $100,000 grand prize.
Wang also takes international baccalaureate biology, English, French, history and art, and advanced placement calculus. She is a member of the National Honor Society, runs cross country and track, is vice president of the Green Club and the Sign Language Club and participates in Destination Imagination.
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