Think Possible Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2015 Program May 10 – 15, 2015 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Intel International Science and Engineering Fair About the Intel ISEF The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), a program of Society for Science & the Public, is the world’s largest international pre-college science competition. The Intel ISEF is the premier science competition in the world and provides a forum for approximately 1,700 high school students from more than 75 countries, regions and territories to showcase their independent research annually. Each year, millions of students worldwide compete in local science fairs; winners go on to participate in Intel ISEF-affiliated regional, state and national fairs to earn the opportunity to attend the Intel ISEF. Uniting these top young scientific minds, the Intel ISEF provides the opportunity to finalists to display their talent on an international stage, while enabling them to submit their work for judging by doctoral-level scientists. The Intel ISEF provides awards of about $4 million in prizes and scholarships annually. Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2015 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2015 Greetings ..........................................................................................................2 About Pittsburgh ..........................................................................................7 Title Sponsor ..................................................................................................8 Gordon E. Moore Award ..........................................................................9 Grand Awards ............................................................................................ 10 Education Outreach Program Sponsors ........................................ 12 of Contents Table Table of Contents Table Special Award Organizations ............................................................. 14 Events and Office Hours ....................................................................... 16 General Information .............................................................................. 18 Map of Pittsburgh — Hotels ................................................................ 20 Map of Pittsburgh — Restaurants ..................................................... 22 Maps of David L. Lawrence Convention Center ........................ 24 Schedule of Events ................................................................................. 32 Opening Ceremony .................................................................................. 33 Excellence in Science and Technology Panel .............................. 35 Symposium Schedule ............................................................................. 40 Local Restaurants ...................................................................................... 47 Practical Guide and Local Information ......................................... 52 Pittsburgh Local Arrangements Committee .............................. 54 Intel ISEF Committees ........................................................................... 55 Additional Acknowledgements ........................................................ 56 About Intel .................................................................................................. 58 About Society for Science & the Public ........................................ 59 Finalist Directory ....................................................................................... 61 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2015 Intel Corporation Wendy Hawkins Executive Director, Intel Foundation To Intel ISEF Finalists, Educators, Families, and Fair Directors: On behalf of Intel Foundation, congratulations to all of you for all that you have accomplished in getting here to Pittsburgh and the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, and welcome to what I hope ­– and fully expect ­– will be one of the most memorable weeks of your life. It will be a week of…. CONNECTIONS Here in Pittsburgh there are more bridges connecting one part of the city to another than in Venice, Italy ­– as you will probably hear many times over during your stay! The symbolism will be impossible to ignore during this week at Intel ISEF. Some of the connections I hope you will forge: • Human connections between you and the other finalists, educators, or fair directors, who are here with exciting research projects, science programs, and competitions that you can learn from, ideas you can exchange. But first and foremost, simply people to meet and enjoy. Take the time to do exactly that. • Scientific connections linking your research with that of others. The fresh perspectives from scientists in so many fields, from so many different environments will enrich your point of view in ways you can’t imagine. Talk to people about ideas, even if it means struggling with a different language…especially if it means struggling with a different language. Those are moments you will remember most vividly. • International connections forming the beginning of that global network of scientists you will share your ideas with and tap into for support and advice in years to come: visiting, collabo- rating, discussing, and challenging one another to push the boundaries of what is known. Don’t limit yourself and your scientific possibilities by geographic boundaries – take full advantage of this early opportunity to explore the entire world of science and research. One of the reasons we at Intel are so committed to sponsoring Intel ISEF is to build ever stronger Welcome from Intel from Welcome connections for young engineers and scientists to the exciting challenges we see all around us. The engineers and scientists who are here with you this week as fair organizers, mentors and educators, and who will be speaking to you – scientist-to-scientist – as judges, are here for that reason as well. On Thursday, you will have the opportunity to take the senior scientist role in that equation when we have several thousand young visitors from schools here in Pittsburgh. They are excited to meet you: celebrity scientists and engineers from around the world, the really cool young men and women that they would love to be themselves. Take the time to tell them about yourselves, your research, and your experiences as scientists and engineers. You have a chance to change the world, connecting with one 11- or 12-year old at a time. So good luck, have a lot of fun, and make this the most memorable week possible for yourself and everyone you connect with. Warm Regards, Wendy Hawkins Executive Director Intel Foundation 2 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2015 Society for Science & the Public Maya Ajmera President and CEO Publisher, Science News the Society from & the Public for Science Welcome Welcome to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2015! While SSP has hosted this event since 1950, like many of you, this will be my first time attending Intel ISEF! I have been told there is really nothing like experiencing the fair first-hand and I am thrilled to be sharing the excitement of the week’s activities with each of you. I plan to take full advantage of this wonderful opportunity to be surrounded by the top young researchers from around the world, and to learn about your fantastic research and your ideas for the future of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). And I hope you do, too. As a high school student I participated in science fairs too, so I know how rewarding it is to be surrounded by your peers and experts in the field who are as interested in STEM as you are. My request for you this week is to immerse yourself with your fellow finalists … learn about their research, what inspires them, and how their vision for the future compares to yours. Then, stay in touch; because as a group our Intel ISEF 2015 alumni class will go on to do amazing things. With my colleagues at the Society, I congratulate you on the hard work, dedication and resourcefulness it has taken you to get here. I hope that you will also enjoy the moment and the celebration. I also encourage you to thank the people that helped you get here – the educators, parents and mentors who have supported you throughout the years. It takes a true community to develop and nurture talent like yours, and we deeply appreciate their efforts. We also gratefully acknowledge the Intel Foundation and Intel Corporation for their continued most special partnership with SSP around the Intel ISEF. And we thank the many organizations that have provided support and awards for Intel ISEF 2015, as well as the nearly two thousand hard-working Intel ISEF volunteers and judges in Pittsburgh and around the country who truly make this event possible. I hope all of you have a wonderful time at Intel ISEF 2015! Sincerely, Maya Ajmera President & CEO, Society for Science & the Public Publisher, Science News Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2015 3 State of Pennsylvania Tom Wolf Governor Welcome from the Governor from Welcome 4 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2015 City of Pittsburgh William Peduto Mayor Welcome from the Mayor of Pittsburgh the Mayor from Welcome Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2015 5 Allegheny County Rich Fitzgerald County Executive Welcome from Allegheny County Executive County Allegheny from Welcome 6 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2015 About Pittsburgh