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The new, young face of science

Phoenix, Arizona - Austin Wang of Canada took home $75,000 prize at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (IntelISEF 2016).

Never before has science been as interesting, exciting, and relatively easily accessible as it is today. The new generation of geeks and nerds are cool, witty, articulate and genuinely passionate about making a change with their research. From microbial fuel cells that convert organic waste into electricity to alternative battery components, the young scientists of today produce magic in their school science labs.
"Science enables you to make a genuine change for the world... New inventions and technology can be effective and cost-efficient, making it affordable for people who really need it," said Syamantak Payra, 15, of Friendswood, Texas, who received one of two Intel Foundation Young Scientist Awards of US$50,000, for developing a low-cost electronically aided knee brace that allows an individual with a weakened leg to walk more naturally.
The benefits of doing science don't just stop with cash prizes and guaranteed entry into top varsities across the globe. The Intel Corporation and the Society for Science and the Public awarded students in each of the 17 categories, which ranged from Animal Sciences to Energy and Transportation; students won other prizes ranging from $500 to $5,000.
First- and second-place winners in each category will also get a minor planet - otherwise known as an asteroid - named after them, courtesy of MIT's Lincoln Laboratory.
Payra spoke to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the annual Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2016. ISEF is the world's biggest science fair for pre-college students from across the world. This year 1,760 students from 75 countries got together to celebrate science, innovation and creativity in all its glory.
When Payra tested his prototype with two individuals partially disabled by polio, it almost immediately restored a more natural gait and increased mobility. According to Payra, ISEF has been an excellent experience where young, like-minded students come together to 'solve the world's problems'. "If you look around. There are solutions to issues coming in from everywhere. Coming here has also bettered my perception on the way the rest of the world views science," he added.
Final year high school students from Seoul, South Korea - Chae Yeon Yu, Se In Lee and Jeong In Cha - stated that the best part about being part of the fair is the opportunity to meet like-minded students who are very passionate about science. Their project Photoelastic Analysis of the Mechanical Stress in Korean Traditional Joints identifies ways to restore traditional joints in Korea.
Jeremy Dunne (15) from Durham North Carolina's project B.I.K.E. Helmet: Bicycle Intersection 'Kollision' Eliminator focuses on the use of a sensor that can save you from crashing into moving vehicles at an intersection. He said: "It's been a really cool experience. Talking to students from other countries and looking at problems faced in other parts of the world and how science can be used to help solve it."
Dominika Bahalary, Joanna Jurek and Wojcieck Rozowski from Poland said: "Science is an excellent enabler to break boundaries. It doesn't matter if you win the competition or not. When a judge from an esteemed organisation comes to tell you that your project is good and appreciates the hard work you've put into it, there is no better victory."
Han Jie (Austin) Wang, 18, of Vancouver, Canada, is the recipient of the first place Gordon E. Moore Award and US$75,000 for developing microbial fuel cells (MFCs) that more efficiently convert organic waste into electricity.
Wang, who received the top honour, identified specific genes in genetically enhanced E-coli bacteria that enabled them to generate power efficiently. His system can produce significantly more power than existing MFC processes at a cost that is competitive with solar energy, which he believes will make MFCs commercially viable.
Kathy Liu, 17, of Salt Lake City, Utah, received the other Intel Foundation Young Scientist Award of US$50,000 for developing an alternative battery component that could significantly improve battery performance and safety. Liu's rechargeable battery is smaller and more lightweight, without the risk of fire inherent in lithium-ion batteries, which are used in planes, mobile phones and even hoverboards.
"Our top winners this year - Austin, Syamantak and Kathy - clearly demonstrate that age has no bearing on your ability to conduct research and come up with solutions to important problems," said Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of Society for Science and the Public.
She added: "We congratulate them not only for their success but on their dedication and hard work. They and the rest of the Intel ISEF finalists are the rising stars of science, technology, engineering and math, and we look forward to watching them pursue their passions and in turn make the world a better place for future generations."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com