Timothy Zuchi Chang

NEW YORK

Timothy Zuchi Chang, 16, of Rego Park, entered the Intel Science Talent Search with an environmental science project. He designed and constructed microbial fuel cells (MFC) using bacteria from ordinary wastewater to produce free electrons that can be harvested as electricity while cleaning sludge. Using readily available materials (Plexiglas® cubes, ceramic tubes, graphite cathode rods and carbon anode cloth), Tim assembled MFCs to grow bacterial biofilm communities. He selected the bacteria most likely to simultaneously generate electrons for power while degrading organic nitrogen and carbon in wastewater sewage sludge - dual attributes that strongly suggest the potential for bioremediation in electricity-producing MFCs. His work is part of a provisional patent filed in 2007. Tim hopes MFCs can help bring both clean water and clean energy to underdeveloped regions of the world. At Stuyvesant High School in New York, Tim edits the school paper, and participates in Model UN and Big Sibs, the freshman orientation program. The son of Hungyun and Blanche Chang, Tim enjoys science fiction, Chinese chess and cooking and plans to study engineering in college.