Schools

2 Troy Students Named Regional Finalists in Prestigious Siemens Competition

International Academy East students Yu Tan and Guangning An will present their research this weekend to expert university judges at the University of Notre Dame.

The following information was provided by the Siemens Foundation.

(Iselin, NJ) ― The Siemens Foundation on Wednesday named three students from Michigan, including two students from Troy who attend International Academy East, to the shortlist of Regional Finalists in the prestigious Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology. The students who will compete for the highest science honor awarded to American high school students are: 

  • Gregory Parker of Okemos, a senior at Okemos High School, competing with physics research on a novel laser technology used to determine the atomic composition of a substance that has possible applications in geology and the detection of environmental pollutants and toxins in food.
  • Yu Tan and Guangning An of Troy, seniors at International Academy East, competing with a genetics research project on potential therapeutic effects for patients of stroke and other neural diseases through axon (nerve fiber) regeneration.

“These students have invested time, energy and talent in tackling challenging scientific research at a young age,” Siemens Foundation President Jeniffer Harper-Taylor said. “The recognition they have won today demonstrates that engagement in STEM is an investment well worth making.”

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The students will present their research to expert university judges at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend Nov. 9-10.  Administered by the College Board, the Siemens Competition awards one $3,000 prize to an individual and one $6,000 prize to a team at each of six regional competitions held at leading research universities. 

Winners of the regional events advance to the National Finals at The George Washington University in Washington, DC, held Dec. 1-4, where $500,000 in scholarships will be awarded, including two top prizes of $100,000.  The winners of the Regional Finals at the University of Notre Dame will be announced Saturday evening, Nov. 10.

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2,255 students registered to enter the 2012 Siemens Competition for a total 1,504 projects submitted. Regional finalists compete at one of six regional events held over three consecutive weekends in November at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Nov. 2-3), the University of Texas at Austin (Nov. 2-3), the University of Notre Dame (Nov. 9-10), the California Institute of Technology (Nov. 9-10), the Georgia Institute of Technology (Nov. 16-17) and Carnegie Mellon University (Nov. 16-17).

For the latest competition updates, follow the Siemens Competition on Twitter and Facebook. Then visit www.siemens-foundation.org at 9:30 a.m Dec. 4 for a live webcast of the National Finalist Awards Presentation.

About the Siemens Foundation

The Siemens Foundation provides more than $7 million annually in support of educational initiatives in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the United States. Its signature programs include the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology, Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement, and The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, which encourages K-12 students to develop innovative green solutions for environmental issues.  By supporting outstanding students today, and recognizing the teachers and schools that inspire their excellence, the Foundation helps nurture tomorrow’s scientists and engineers.  The Foundation’s mission is based on the culture of innovation, research and educational support that is the hallmark of Siemens’ U.S. companies and its parent company, Siemens AG.  For more information, visit www.siemens-foundation.org.

About the College Board 

The College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of more than 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success — including the SAT® and the Advanced Placement Program®. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators and schools.  For further information, visit www.collegeboard.org.


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