Suffern High School senior Ben Silver was named an Intel Science Talent Search 2013 Semifinalist, which is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition. Silver is one of 300 semifinalists selected from more than 1,700 entrants representing some 190 high schools in 30 states and one U.S. high school abroad.
The Intel Science Talent Search brings together some of the best young scientific minds in the United States to compete for $1.25 million in awards each year.
Silver entered the competition with the project, The Relationship between White Matter Integrity and Self-Awareness in Multiple Sclerosis using Diffusion Tensor Imaging, a project he developed as part of his participation in Scientific & Technological Investigative Research (STIR), a three-year science research program governed by State University of New York at Albany. STIR students design and conduct authentic, graduate-level research with the guidance of a professional mentor. Over its 17-year history at Suffern High School, STIR has produced one Intel Finalist and more than 10 Semifinalists.
“With the Intel competition, you read about kids with these incredible projects,” said Silver. “To see my name and project on that list is such an honor.”
Silver’s selection as a semifinalist wins him a $1,000 award from the Intel Foundation, with another $1,000 going to support the STIR program at Suffern High School.
“We are immensely proud of Ben and the research he has conducted,” said Suffern Principal Pat Breen. “Suffern High School has a proud tradition of nurturing student achievement in science, technology, engineering and math and I look forward to congratulating future winners.”
“To be named one of 300 semifinalists is quite an honor,” said Suffern STIR teacher Wendell Hala. “It’s getting hard to win in this ‘STEM Age’ as more schools develop their programs. But Ben has been a pleasure to work with over the last three years; as a person, he has a lot to offer beyond the science.”
Forty finalists will be announced on January 23; these students will have the opportunity to compete for additional awards and attend the Intel Science Institute in Washington, DC in March, where the students will compete for $630,000 in awards provided by the Intel Foundation. Each finalist receives at least $7,500, while the top winner will be awarded $100,000.
“Each year, the Intel Science Talent Search honors high school seniors poised to lead in U.S. scientific innovation,” said Wendy Hawkins, executive director of the Intel Foundation. “This year, these young scientists are tackling some of the world’s greatest challenges in topics ranging from environmental conservation solutions to medical treatments.”
Photo and information courtesy of Jennifer Citrolo, Ramapo Central Schools.
