Triparna Ghosh-Choudhury received $9,000 in prize money from the 2005 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, and a trip to the Taiwan International Science Fair.
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Congratulations to three exceptional high school students who received significant recognition this year for their research presented at science and engineering fairs. Each student was mentored by Health Science Center faculty members.

Triparna Ghosh-Choudhury was mentored by her mother Nandini Ghosh-Choudhury, Ph.D., assistant professor of pathology.

After six years of conducting research and winning several first-place awards at local, state and national levels, 17-year-old Triparna was invited to present her study titled, “The Beneficial Effects of Fish Oil on Breast Cancer” at the 2005 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. She received four awards for her presentation including: the INTEL Foundation Achievement Award, the Third Grand Award in the Medicine and Health category, the U.S. Army First Place Award in Medicine and Health, and the National Taiwan Education Center Award. Altogether, she received $9,000 in U.S. Savings bonds and scholarships, a gold medallion, and an all-expense paid trip to the Taiwan International Science Fair that will be held in 2006.

She advanced to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair after receiving First Grand Prize at the regional level at the Texas Junior Academy of Science competition.

Yang (Alex) Zhou was mentored by Barry K. Norling, Ph.D., associate professor of restorative dentistry.

Alex has been conducting research in the lab of Dr. Norling for several months. At the 2005 ExxonMobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair, he won the First Grand Prize for his presentation titled, “Mechanical Properties of Isobornyl Methacrylate Modified Liquid Crystal Blends” in the Physical Science Division, and Best Overall Fair Winner. As the recipient of the First Grand Prize, he was invited to compete in the 2005 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

(L-R) Nancy Satsangi and Alex Zhou. They both participated in the 2005 ExxonMobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair. Nancy's presentation was named as one of the top ten projects at the fair and Alex was named Best Overall Fair Winner.

Alex also presented his research at the Texas Junior Academy of Science competition and won Second Grand Prize at the regional level, and second place at the state level.

He will attend The University of Texas at Austin in the fall, thanks to the scholarship he received for his outstanding presentation at the state fair.

Nancy Satsangi was mentored by her mother Neera Satsangi, Ph.D., associate professor of restorative dentistry.

A junior at Health Careers High School, Nancy also participated in the 2005 ExxonMobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair. She won first place in the Biochemistry Division for her presentation titled, “A Novel Regeneration Device for Enhanced Biomimetic Response of Bone Stem-cells,” and it placed as one of the top ten projects at the fair.

In addition, Nancy participated in the Alamo Regional Academy of Science and Engineering (ARASE) Fair, and the Alamo Regional Junior Academy of Science Competition. She placed first at the ARASE Fair in the Biochemistry Division and received the first place award from the American Chemical Society. She also received the first place special award from the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center, and the Ricoh Sustainable Development Award, which is presented to a student whose research has demonstrated the principles and technical innovations that offer the greatest potential for sustainable development.

After placing first in the Biochemistry Division in the Texas State Junior Academy of Science competition, Nancy advanced to the National Meeting of American Association for the Advancement of Science. It will be held in February 2006.

All three students are involved in numerous extra-curricular activities in addition to their successful research. Each of these unique students plans to continue researching, as well as participate in other prestigious competitions.