58th Annual STS (1998–1999)
Finalists
Alexander David Wissner-Gross

Alexander David Wissner-Gross, 17, of New Hyde Park, combined physics, chemistry, computers and engineering in his Intel Science Talent Search entry. For 30 years, scientists have sought to create nanometer parts—10 atoms in length. Molecular electric circuits made with such tiny components would be one-millionth the size of the smallest in use today. Alex studied ionized C₆₀ molecules, called fullerenes or "buckeyballs," as a nanoscopic, granular medium. His computer simulation shows that, when exposed to an oscillating electric field, the grains produce highly conductive "buckeytubes," usable in molecular-scale components. He did his research at the MITRE Corporation in Virginia. President of Great Neck South High School's Science, Mathematics and Engineering Clubs, Alex is also editor-in-chief of the science journal, and on the junior varsity fencing team. A singer, he has performed with the New York City Opera. Alex's long list of science awards includes placing first out of 20,000 entrants in the 1998 Canadian Mathematics Competition. He hopes to continue his studies at MIT. Alex is the son of Sigmund and Elizabeth Wissner-Gross.

Back to List of 1999 Intel Science Talent Search Finalists