Each year, approximately 7 million high school students around the globe develop original research projects and present their work at local science competitions with the hope of making it to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), a program of Society for Science & the Public. After the initial round of competitions, nearly 1,800 winners of local, regional, state, and national competitions from 70 countries are selected to participate in this week-long celebration of science, technology, engineering, and math. At ISEF, these young innovators share ideas, showcase cutting-edge research, and compete for more than USD 5 million in awards and scholarships. This year's ISEF was held in Los Angeles, California between May 11 and 16. Four Houston area Indian American teens were named Intel ISEF Finalists this year. These teens have created history by bringing home many accolades!
Perry Alagappan, YLDP Class of 2014 student and a junior at Clear Lake High School, won the Best of Category Award and First Place Award in Environmental Sciences. He is one of the 17 students in the world (one selected for each category) and the only one from Texas to receive the Best of Category award this year. He also won the Philip Streich Memorial Award to participate and present his work at the London International Youth Science Forum.
Perry Alagappan's Research work: Novel Renewable Filter for Heavy Metal Removal Heavy metals pose a huge threat to society by diffusing through water supplies. Many technologies have been developed for removing heavy metals from industrial wastewater and drinking water, but few are efficient, and almost none are renewable. My objective was to create an innovative, low-cost renewable multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) filter that can efficiently adsorb heavy metals from contaminated water.
A quote on my YLDP experience: YLDP has provided me with the unique opportunity to interact with many humble and inspiring leaders in our community and has given me insight on a multitude of issues ranging from humanitarian development to science and technology. I would wholeheartedly recommend YLDP to any student who wishes to broaden his or her perspective and become a future leader of society. Yours Sincerely, Perry Alagappan