61st Annual STS (2001–2002)
Finalists
Vivek Venkatachalam

NEW JERSEY
Vivek Venkatachalam, 18, of Berkeley Heights, focused on cosmology -- studying supernovae and cosmic microwave background measurements -- for his Intel Science Talent Search project in physics. His work resulted in a number of contributions to the cosmology field, including a demonstration of how supernova distance measurements provide evidence for an accelerating cosmic expansion. Vivek's project was completed last summer on the MIT campus through the Research Science Institute program. At Governor Livingston High School, he is active in the engineering and French clubs, plays in the marching band, serves on the executive board of the science team and has been the school's top performer in math league competitions over the past two years. A Rensselaer Medalist, Vivek has received numerous awards in chemistry, math and physics competitions at the state level. Also an accomplished pianist, he received first place awards in a statewide competition in classical solo, pop solo and piano duet categories. A black belt in Tae Kwon Do, Vivek is the son of Venkat and Sai Venkatachalam and hopes to study theoretical physics at MIT.