59th Annual STS (1999–2000)
Finalists
Joel Christopher Corbo

NEW YORK
Joel Christopher Corbo, 17, of Ridgewood, enhanced thermal properties of leather in the chemistry project he submitted to the Intel Science Talent Search. By applying a polymer called polyethylene glycol (PEG)-a chemical relative of antifreeze-Joel was able to alter thermal characteristics so that leather would remain warm in a cold environment and cool in a hot one. PEG treatment had already been proven successful in creating temperature-regulative textiles, but Joel believes it had never been applied to leather. Over a two-year period, he filled that gap, developing his own methodologies for polymer application, temperature-data collection, and heat-transfer rate testing. At Regis High School in New York City, Joel is a four-year member of the Dramatic Society business staff, a "big brother" to incoming freshmen, and an in-school tutor. He also serves as a tutor for underprivileged elementary school students in the Bronx. Academic honors include the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal for Excellence in Math and Science; hobbies include chess and Tai Chi. The son of Giuseppe and Aymara Corbo, Joel hopes to attend MIT and plans a career in theoretical physics.