58th Annual STS (1998–1999)
Finalists
Trevor Alan Bass

Trevor Alan Bass, 18, of Great Neck, entered a computer science project in the Intel Science Talent Search, using a genetic algorithm (GA) to study the theory of punctuated equilibrium (PE). PE holds that species evolve primarily by jumps after long periods of equilibrium. He found PE present in all models when GA parameters are selected properly, "strongly supporting" PE's existence in biological systems. He also found that the typical period of punctuation could be estimated by examining organism trends over a remarkably small number of generations. At Great Neck South High School, Trevor is math team coach, plays flute and participates in karate and bowling. He's won several awards in computer science, math, physics and chemistry and is Commissioner of the Nassau County Interscholastic Chess League. In his spare time, Trevor enjoys composing Baroque-style music and writing science and math essays. He hopes to attend Harvard to study physics and math. Trevor is the son of David and Carol Bass.

Back to List of 1999 Intel Science Talent Search Finalists