65th Annual STS (2005-2006)
Finalists
Evan Scott Gawlik

NORTH CAROLINA
Evan Scott Gawlik, 17, of Pinehurst, studied the noble gases krypton and argon and the organo-compounds they make with fluorine and chlorine for his chemistry entry in the Intel Science Talent Search. Intrigued by the concept of noble gas bonding, thought to be impossible until the first synthesis of a noble gas compound in 1962, Evan used a quantum mechanics approach and computational programs to project the existence and stability of six potentially new halogen-containing organo-noble gas compounds. He expects these, as oxidative fluorinators, to have potential value in medicine, laser technology and the cosmetics industry. Evan is first author of a paper on his work that was submitted to The Journal of Physical Chemistry Part A. An Eagle Scout and the recipient of numerous academic and music awards, Evan plays French horn with the school orchestra at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science in Denton. He competes in track and is also active in the sports and math clubs, as well as the school's community service organization. Born in Germany to Dr. John and Darlene Gawlik, he hopes to study mathematics and computer science at MIT or Caltech.