65th Annual STS (2005-2006)
Finalists
John Cong Zhou

MICHIGAN
John Cong Zhou, 17, of Northville, developed electromagnetic biomaterials that can be used as molecular transducers in biosensor design for the materials science project he submitted to the Intel Science Talent Search. He synthesized and characterized three groups of novel organic polymers/nanocomposites with conductive, magnetic and biodegradable traits, and demonstrated their applications in a pathogen-detecting, electrochemical biosensor. John believes the polymers he developed - all part of a new class of materials known as organic magnets - have broad application in medicine and biosecurity. He is first author of a paper on his research that has been submitted for peer-reviewed journal publication, and a patent disclosure has been filed. At Detroit Country Day School, in Beverly Hills, John is a member of the varsity track team and treasurer of the student council. He is also principal clarinetist of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra. John has perfect SAT scores in critical reading, math and writing, and was recognized in 2005 as a Davidson Fellow. Born in China, he is the son of Dr. Suwei and Xiaofeng Zhou, and hopes to continue his studies at Harvard or MIT.