Eight students from the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science at the University of North Texas were named semifinalists in the 2010 Intel Science Talent Search for research ranging from developing new cancer treatments and making better pharmaceutical drugs to building more durable jet engines and designing an environmentally friendly plastic.

The academy has more semifinalists than any other school in Texas. Nationwide, 300 students were named semifinalists from a pool of 1,700 applications.  Of the 300 semifinalists, 40 will be invited to Washington, D.C., in March to compete for the top prize of $100,000.

The Intel competition is the country’s most prestigious pre-college science competition. Alumni of the competition have made extraordinary contributions to science and hold more than 100 of the world’s most coveted science and math honors, including seven Nobel Prizes and three National Medals of Science.

Research projects
• Sai Achi, 16, of Kingwood, developed linear free energy relations between a solute molecule and the surrounding solubilizing media using a new innovative methodology. Establishing free-energy relationships could help pharmaceutical chemists more effectively predict chemical reactions of drug molecules and could eventually lead to lower healthcare costs. Achi worked with Dr. William Acree, professor of chemistry at UNT. Achi previously attended Kingwood High School.

• Somak Das, 16, of Denton, developed a new, hybrid quantum mechanics method pairing two established methods to enable accurate thermochemistry for molecular systems greater than 10 non-hydrogen atoms. Understanding the thermodynamic properties of large, biologically important molecules is vital in designing new materials such as drugs and catalysts for renewable energy sources. Das worked with Dr. Angela Wilson, professor of chemistry and co-director of the Center for Advanced Scientific Computation and Modeling at UNT. Das previously attended Denton High School.

• Peter Hu, 18, of Denton, helped develop a universal biocompatible material for protein drug delivery that maintains a sustained drug release while preventing the protein from degrading inside the human body. Therapeutic proteins are critical to treating many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and hemophilia with blood clotting factors. Hu worked with Dr. Liping Tang at the University of Texas at Arlington. Before coming to TAMS, he attended Denton High School.

• Smitha Janardan, of Plano, 18, investigated various properties of diatomic nickel-aluminum, an alloy researchers believe could be used in high-performance turbine jet engines to replace aluminum-coated nickel. The results could eventually lead to stronger, more durable jet engines. Janardan worked with Dr. Thomas Cundari, UNT Regents Professor of chemistry and co-director of the Center for Advanced Scientific Computation and Modeling. Before coming to TAMS, Janardan attended Jasper High School.

• Sahil Khetpal, 17, of Plano, designed and synthesized a novel carbon nanotube-based drug delivery system for tumor-targeted chemotherapy and thermal ablation of cancer cells. Carbon nanotubes, or hollow cylinders of carbon atoms, have immense potential in the combat against cancer. Because the system is designed to specifically target cancer cells, it would lower the severe side effects of conventional chemotherapy. Khetpal worked with Dr. Iwao Ojima at Stony Brook University in New York. Before coming to TAMS, he attended Jasper High School.

• Alexander Mentzelopoulus, 17, of Murphy, solved differential equations that pertain to gas particle spirals in natural phenomena such as galaxies, accretion disks and black holes. The practical implications of the research enable a greater understanding of physics (fluid mechanics and dynamics) in the universe, especially those regarding spiral shockwaves. Mentzelopoulus worked with Dr. Santiago Betelu, UNT associate professor of mathematics. He attended Williams High School in Plano before TAMS.

• Clark Robinson, 18, of San Antonio, studied a fiber-plastic composite material combining Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) and the Sesbania bush. The work on the composite material advances research on bio-plastics, which have the potential to replace fuel-based plastics that pose environmental problems. Robinson worked with Dr. Nandika D’Souza, UNT professor of materials science and engineering. Before coming to TAMS, he attended Alamo Heights High School.

• Katheryn Shi, 16, of Sugar Land, used quantum mechanics to predict the existence of two new rare-gas compounds that have the potential to improve or provide new applications in medicine and industry. Currently known rare-gas compounds are found in lasers involved in semiconductor manufacturing and laser eye surgery, as well as oxidizers in the production of anti-tumor agents. Shi worked with Dr. Angela Wilson, UNT associate professor of chemistry and co-director of the Center for Advanced Scientific Computation and Modeling. Before coming to TAMS, Shi attended Dulles High School.

TAMS is a two-year residential program at UNT that allows exceptionally talented students to complete their freshman and sophomore years of college while receiving the equivalent of high school diplomas. Students enroll in the academy following their sophomore year in high school, live in a UNT residence hall and attend UNT classes with college students. After two years, they enroll at UNT or another university to finish their bachelor’s degrees.

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