66th Annual STS (2006-2007)
Finalists
Shu Wan

RHODE ISLAND
Shu Wan, 17, of Providence, entered the Intel Science Talent Search with a medicine and health project focused on the use of all-trans retinoic acid and anti-oxidants to protect human skin against damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and cell dehydration. Shu studied a newly discovered water channel called aquaporin-3 in the skin and how UV radiation, which is present in sunlight, damages these tiny channels - causing dehydration and promoting photoaging and wrinkles. His work suggests a new understanding of the cell-signaling pathways as well as the molecular mechanisms of UV-induced skin aging and may lead to better anti-aging products. At Classical High School, Shu is active on the indoor lacrosse team as well as the science and math clubs, and has won gold medals in Latin and science Olympiad competitions. He relaxes by playing the violin and is a member of the Chopin Musical Society for Young Musicians. Shu's activities last summer included volunteering at Hasbro Children's Hospital and directing a series of nursing home concerts. The son of Dr. Yinsheng Wan and Dongqin Yang, Shu was born in China and hopes to attend Columbia or Harvard.