60th Annual STS (2000–2001)
Finalists
Rishi Sahai Vasudeva

GEORGIA
Rishi Sahai Vasudeva, 17, of Roswell, submitted phase three of a three-phase, three-year study of environmentally acceptable alternatives to disposable diapers for his Intel Science Talent Search project in environmental science. In phase two of the study Rishi hypothesized that film-forming proteins already used by the food industry could be modified for use as a waterproof yet biodegradable outer shell of a disposable diaper. During phase three of his research, he experimented with improving the mechanical properties of a biopolymer made from corn protein (zein) by adding plasticizers. He believes his research will one day lead to the development of biopolymeric diapers that will biodegrade in sewage treatment plants. Rishi attends Roswell High School where he is in the Interact Club and Key Club and plays varsity soccer and tennis. His many awards and honors include a NASA Scholarship Award and back-to-back grand prizes in biological sciences at the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair. Rishi, who hopes to become a neurologist, is the son of Dr. Karan and Rekha Vasudeva. He plans to study molecular and cellular biology at one of the country's leading universities.