61st Annual STS (2001–2002)
Finalists
Michael Jacob Wagner

NEW YORK
Michael Jacob Wagner, 17, of Bellmore, studied the effects of the plant hormone auxin on plant growth and development in an attempt to help clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms for his Intel Science Talent Search project in botany. Through experiments performed at Adelphi University and Queens College, Mike characterized the genetics and physiology of three auxin-resistant mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana. He believes his results not only support the hypothesis that auxin regulates plant development at many levels, but also suggest that two of the mutants are alleles (alternative forms) of a novel gene that is required for auxin response. First in his class of 251 at John F. Kennedy High School, Mike is president of the community service and science research clubs, secretary of the math team and a contributor to the yearbook. He is a percussionist with the symphonic band and runs cross-country on the varsity track team. His honors include a third place award in Polytechnic University's Rube Goldberg Competition for a machine that added chocolate syrup and sprinkles to ice cream. The son of Robert and Helen Wagner, Mike plans to attend Duke University.