61st Annual STS (2001–2002)
Finalists
Suhan Li

NEW YORK
Suhan Li, 18, of Rego Park, submitted a physics project to the Intel Science Talent Search -- a study of the optical properties of atoms located near a solid surface. He is sole author of a paper on the subject published in Physics Letters A. Later research on spontaneous emission from the atom in an optical cavity is the subject of a second paper submitted to the publication. Suhan believes that optical bistability can be used to develop optical switches and optical computers, a new generation of computers that could, theoretically, process data at the speed of light. At Bronx High School of Science, Suhan plays in the orchestra and is a member of the science and math teams. His interests include bridge building, music composition and hockey. Among his numerous music performances are appearances at Carnegie Hall as principal English horn of the North America Elite Youth Symphony Orchestra, as well as principal oboist and occasional conductor with the World Journal Chamber Orchestra. A native of the People's Republic of China, Suhan is the son of Shearson Li and Li Fang Chen. He hopes to continue his science studies at a research university.