58th Annual STS (1998–1999)
Finalists
Emi Malia Eno

Emi Malia Eno, 17, of Kahului, submitted a five-year environmental science study on potential crop damage from ultraviolet radiation to the Intel Science Talent Search. As an avid swimmer constantly exposed to the sun's radiation, Emi became concerned about the long-term effects of increased levels of UV-B radiation reaching the earth. Her study examined four genetic lines of maize, each exposed to different levels of UV-B and each differing in levels of flavanoids—ultraviolet-absorbing pigments that protect the plant from damaging ultraviolet UV-B radiation. Her findings suggest that UV-B inhibits photosynthesis in the flavanoid-deficient maize, but further research is necessary to determine why. First in her class of 362 at H.P. Baldwin High School in Wailuku, Emi is captain of the varsity swim team, a percussionist with the marching band and winner of numerous academic and swimming awards. The daughter of Jonathan and Sharon Eno, Emi hopes to study at University of the Pacific in California to prepare for a career in dentistry, bringing advanced endodontic techniques to the island of Maui.

Back to List of 1999 Intel Science Talent Search Finalists