Paul Masih Das
New York
Paul Masih Das, 17, from Lawrence, synthesized single-layer graphene (a sheet of
carbon that's as thick as a single atom) using a relatively quick, easy and
inexpensive method that he developed for his Intel Science Talent Search
chemistry project. Graphene has higher thermal conductivity, electron mobility
and tensile strength than silicon and has the potential to replace silicon in
many applications. Using eight different analytical methods, Paul confirmed that
his milder graphene-creation method produced sheets greater than one square
micron in area with minimal defects; Paul believes these graphene sheets were
larger than any previously produced. As a member of Young Ambassadors of America
at Lawrence High School in Cedarhurst, Paul has represented the United States on
cultural tours of Japan, Spain and Italy. He plays on the school's tennis team,
is captain of the math team and is a member of the chess club. He is an
award-winning musician and manages the chamber orchestra. Paul also enjoys
soccer and baseball. The son of Wilfred and Joycelyn Masih Das, Paul hopes to
attend MIT or Cambridge to study particle physics or chemical engineering.
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