63rd Annual STS (2003-2004)
Finalists
Ryna Karnik

OREGON
Ryna Karnik, 17, of Aloha, submitted an Intel Science Talent Search project in engineering describing a method of constructing microchips using a focused ion beam (FIB) as a "molecular pencil" to directly "write" transistors onto silicon wafers. This is a departure from traditional methods, which involve a process called photolithography. Using her patent-pending technique, she created a working transistor. Applications of her findings could save microchip developers time and money when creating and testing prototype semiconductor chips. At Oregon Episcopal School in Portland, Ryna enjoys varsity fencing, dressage, aikido and tutoring disadvantaged elementary school students in physics. As a freshman, she built a particle accelerator from an old Van de Graaff generator. She counts among her many honors, several engineering awards at the 2003 Intel ISEF as well as qualifying as a Junior Olympics competitor in sabre fencing. Although Ryna plans to study pre-med at Stanford and eventually complete an M.D./Ph.D. program, she says she is an engineer at heart, who hopes to become a medical researcher. Ryna is the daughter of Milind and Parizad Karnik.