63rd Annual STS (2003-2004)
Finalists
Daniel Chimin Choi

NEW YORK
Daniel Chimin Choi, 17, of Syosset, constructed and tested a two-compartment "microbial" fuel cell that derives electricity from bacterial respiration using the bacterium Shewanella oneidensis, and demonstrated a 750 percent improvement in current generation in comparison to previously developed fuel cells. To achieve this, Dan's Intel Science Talent Search project in microbiology encompassed modified microbial growth, RNA isolation, DNA microarray labeling, hybridization and data analysis, as well as development of a properly architected electrochemical graphite felt anode. In his research, Dan identified the gene in S. oneidensis that was responsible for the ability to release electrons during respiration into the anolyte medium, and hopes to express this gene in a more well-studied organism, E. coli, in effect, making a glucose-powered fuel cell. Currently Dan is the news editor of the school newspaper, co-captain of the varsity QuizBowl team and president of the astronomy club, and is a self-taught musician. After graduating from Syosset High School, Dan plans to enter Harvard and ultimately complete a doctorate in biomedical engineering. He is the son of David and Hea Young Choi.