60th Annual STS (2000–2001)
Finalists
Hans Christiansen Lee

CALIFORNIA
Hans Christiansen Lee, 17, of Carmel, submitted an engineering project to the Intel Science Talent Search. Using computer modeling and a go-kart powered by two independently controlled electric motors, Hans designed, built and tested a differential torque control system (DTCS) to improve a car's handling when traction is poor or during radical steering maneuvers. The algorithm he developed estimates the vehicle's lateral acceleration, compares it to the measured lateral acceleration and calculates if the vehicle is out of control. If it is, corrective differential torque is applied to the rear wheels to keep the vehicle under control. Hans' test vehicle skidded 45 percent less when using DTCS. He believes using DTCS in production cars would save lives. Hans plays first trumpet in the orchestra at York School in Monterey and is captain of the hockey team and Junior Engineering Technical Society team. He is an Eagle Scout and founder of an engineering consulting company, Lee Innovations. His many honors include several ISEF awards and a Rensselaer Medal. The son of Michael and Linda Lee, Hans plans to study electrical engineering and computer science at MIT to prepare for a career in research.