Abboud Rocks the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair

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This year, more than 1,600 young entrepreneurs, innovators and scientists were selected
to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the world’s largest high school science research competition. They were selected from 443 affiliate fairs in 65 countries, regions and territories, including for the first time France, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Macao SAR of the People’s Republic of China.

The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair finalists are evaluated onsite by hundreds of judges from nearly every scientific discipline, each with a Ph.D. or the equivalent of six years of related professional experience in one of the scientific disciplines. The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2011 is funded jointly by Intel and the Intel Foundation with additional awards and support from dozens of other corporate, academic, governmental and science focused organizations.

Tippecanoe High School senior Andrew Nickolas Abboud returned to ISEF for the second consecutive year to present his research in microbiology this past week, May 8-13. Andrew was one of twenty-two student’s representing the state of Ohio. Andrew’s project studied bacterial pigments and their practical implications in UV-protection. Andrew enjoyed a week at the fair in Los Angeles, CA, where he not only competed but met others from around the world who shared their love for science. This eventful week culminated with Special Awards Ceremony on Thursday evening and the Grand Awards Ceremony on Friday morning. The American Society for Microbiology selected Andrew as a third place laureate for the Special Award in Microbiology on Thursday evening. Friday morning, Andrew received the First Place Grand Award in Microbiology.

In addition, Andrew was excited to learn that MIT Lincoln Laboratory has partnered with SSP and the Intel ISEF to promote science education through the Ceres Connection. The names of first and second place category award winners at Intel ISEF will be submitted to the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in order to have a minor planet named after them..

Andrew would like to thank his family, teachers and fellow students for their continued support. He is honored to have represented his school, his state and his country at such a prestigious competition. Andrew will attend the University of Pittsburgh in the fall with guaranteed admission to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine upon completion of his bachelor’s degree.