IMSA Students Named Semifinalists in Intel Competition

For Immediate Release, January 2004
For comment, contact Brenda Buschbacher at (630) 907-5033

AURORA —Two students at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) are among only four from Illinois who were named Intel Science Talent Search (Intel STS) Semifinalists. Often considered the “junior Nobel Prize,” the Intel STS recognizes the most accomplished students and their schools for excellence in science and math.

IMSA seniors Peter Wang and Bobby Xu of Naperville were among 300 semifinalists from throughout the nation and several other countries named in the 63rd Intel Science Talent Search. Each of the semifinalists will receive $1,000 in recognition of their scientific achievements. Both Wang and Xu developed their research projects in IMSA's Mentorship Program.

Wang's research, focused in the field of molecular and cell biology, investigates the signaling mechanisms within a cell's structural integrity. “This gives us a better understanding of how certain events happen within cells and may lead to new methods to treat cancer or tumors,” said Wang.

Wang conducted his IMSA mentorship project under the guidance of mentors

Dr. Marsha Rosner and Dr. Jia Hong at the Ben May Institute for Cancer Research at The University of Chicago.

Xu's research, focused in the field of biomedical engineering, investigates the development of effective treatments for brain disorders such as epilepsy and schizophrenia. Xu's research may also lead to safer ways to perform brain surgery.

“I was always interested in the field, and I came up with the idea for my research after beginning my mentorship and reading several journal papers,” Xu said.

Xu conducted his IMSA mentorship project under the guidance of mentor Dr. Bin He at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Mentorship, a part of IMSA's Student Inquiry and Research Program, enables students to conduct research on-site with mentors, scholars and researchers throughout the Chicagoland area and beyond in their field of interest. Mentorship sites have included Northwestern University , Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, University of Chicago Medical Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Loyola University Medical Center , Drexel University ( Philadelphia ), Adler Planetarium and others.

All Intel STS entries are reviewed and judged by top scientists from a variety of disciplines. Students are judged on their individual research ability, scientific originality and creative thinking.

From the 300 Intel semifinalists, 40 finalists will be announced on January 28, 2004 . The winners will be announced at a black-tie banquet in Washington , DC on March 16, 2004 .

Participation in the STS has often served as a precursor to impressive accomplishments in science. Past STS finalists hold more than 100 of the world's most coveted science and math honors including five Nobel Prizes, three National Medals of Science, 10 MacArthur Foundation Fellowships and two Fields Medals.

Located in Aurora, Illinois, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) is an internationally- recognized pioneering educational institution created by the State to develop talent and stimulate excellence in teaching and learning in mathematics, science and technology. IMSA's advanced residential college preparatory program enrolls 650 academically talented Illinois students in grades 10-12. More than 17,000 teachers and 26,000 students in Illinois and beyond have benefited from services of The Center@IMSA, the Academy unit that provides statewide professional development and enrichment programs. IMSA serves the people of Illinois through innovative instructional programs, public and private partnerships, policy leadership and action research.