62nd Annual STS (2002-2003)
Finalists
Edward Joseph Su

NORTH CAROLINA
Edward Joseph Su, 18, of Cary, submitted a physics project to the Intel Science Talent Search that studies a fundamental physical property of carbon nanotubes-sheets of graphite rolled into cylinders nanometers wide. Ed's work investigates the interaction between electrons and vibrational energy known as phonons in single-walled carbon nanotubes. These nanotubes have unique electronic and mechanical properties that make them ideal materials for constructing extremely small electronic devices, causing some researchers to believe they will replace the semiconductor industry's silicon-based electronics in the future. First in his class at William G. Enloe High School in Raleigh, Ed earned a perfect 1600 on the SATs and has received awards in debate, music and science. His hobbies include bridge, cello, electronics and orienteering, where competitors locate points on the landscape using a map and compass. According to Ed, orienteering represents the essence of science because successful participants integrate their observations within a constantly changing conceptual framework. The son of Dr. Howard and Joann Su, Ed plans to study theoretical computer science at MIT.