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Scholarship Winner Struts Her Science Stuff... and Makes Her Dream Come True
By Rebecca Vara
April 2002

The CollegeBound Network NewsClick -- Mariangela Lisanti will always remember the night of March 12, 2001. That's because, in Washington D.C., 10 college scholarships were awarded for the top projects from the Intel Science Talent Search, and Mariangela was among the winners. When she heard her name announced as the $100,000 grand-prize winner for her research on using single atoms and molecules to fabricate electronic devices, she was in complete shock.

"As I stood on stage, it was actually the first time in my life that I had come so close to fainting," Mariangela admits. "It was a dream come true!"

It's also been a dream of Mariangela's since she was younger. "Back in the eighth grade, I remember my science teacher talking about [the Intel Science Talent Search]. From then on, I followed it closely and dreamed of one day being able to participate."

Since 1942, thousands of students like Mariangela have participated in America's oldest and most highly regarded pre-college science contest, and have come away with a new sense of pride and college cash. Often considered the "Junior Nobel Prize," the contest gives students a chance to show off their amazing scientific talents in front of their peers and a handful of highly accredited science professionals.

"The judges are highly respected experts in their fields looking for scientific promise to be demonstrated through the students' research," explains Clint Tanner, a spokesperson for Science Service. Each year, 1,500 talented students put their science projects to the test to see if they have what it takes to win. The field is then narrowed down to 350 semi-finalists, 40 finalists, and the top 10. Not only do the top students walk away with a brand new laptop computer, they gather experience and notoriety, as well.

"The science competition is an ideal way for us to acknowledge students who achieve academic excellence, and the teachers and schools that go the extra mile to excite and motivate their students," says Intel's president and chief executive officer, Dr. Craig Barrett. For each semi-finalist, the respective school is awarded $1,000 to be used for science, math, or engineering classes.

Mariangela is all smiles about her big winnings, and she's putting her money to good use. She's currently studying physics at Harvard University with the aspiration of one day becoming a professor. "Right now, I'm very passionate about what lies in front of me, in school, as well as in my future career. And someday I would love to give back and inspire others."