Student Wins Grand Prize at Science and Engineering Fair

Alec Lai `09 was presented top prize in the North East Ohio Science and Engineering Fair at a special awards ceremony held at John Carroll University on March 5 with his entry entitled: "Thermal Optimization of Deep Boreholes for Minor Actinide Waste Disposal." This entry not only won First Place in the 11th-12th grade Physics Division, but also made Alec the Grand Prize winner for the Physical Sciences. The Grand Prize designation will take Alec on an all-expenses paid trip to Reno, Nevada in May to participate in the International Intel Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). There, Alec`s entry will be judged by Nobel prize winning scientists from around the world. In addition to this great honor, Alec also won three additional awards from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Lerner Research Institute of Cleveland Clinic, and the International Society of Automation. This NEO Science and Engineering Fair Grand Prize affirms once again Alec`s depth of scientific understanding and expertise, previously acknowledged in his impressive standings in other major scientific competitions throughout his school career. As an 8th grader, Alec won the NSTA/Toshiba Exploravision Awards with his entry on "Visible Light Photocatalysis," which resulted in a trip to Washington, D.C., lunch with Bill Nye and world scientists at the National Press Club, and a $10,000 bond. More recently, Alec won the prestigious Seimens-Westinghouse award. Congratulations on yet another outstanding accomplishment, Alec!