Health & Fitness
Blind Brook’s Alex Lubkin Named Intel STS Semifinalist
Blind Brook High School senior Alex Lubkin was named a semifinalist in the Intel Science Talent Search, the nation's most prestigious science research competition for high school seniors.
Blind Brook High School senior Alex Lubkin was named a semifinalist in the Intel Science Talent Search, the nation’s most prestigious science research competition for high school seniors. Alex is among 300 semifinalists from around the country who will advance to compete for $1.25 million in awards. Semifinalists were selected from a pool of 1,712 applicants representing 467 high schools nationally.
Alex’s study, titled “Feasibility Assessment of a Novel Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Powered Hybrid Electric Vehicle,” examined the possibility of using solid oxide fuel cells, or SOFCs, in automobiles. Through computer modeling, he designed and constructed the vehicle and tested it on various Environmental Protection Agency driving cycles. The vehicles modeled operate on methanol fuel and incorporate a lithium-ion battery and supercapacitor into the hybrid system. Alex worked under the mentorship of Dr. Klaus Lackner, director of the Lenfest Center for Sustainable Energy and department chair of earth and environmental engineering at Columbia University.
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Alex began his research as part of Blind Brook High School’s science research program. This three-year program gives students the opportunity to conduct original research in their area of interest under the guidance of Blind Brook’s Dr. Michelle Sugantino and a scientist mentor. As part of the program, students design and conduct original experiments. The three years culminate with the presentation of their findings to their class and their school district, as well as at local, regional and national science competitions.
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“Alex is a very independent, talented and creative student who chose to design his own research project,” said Dr. Sugantino. “He shows exceptional promise and is a great role model for the students in the Blind Brook community.”
As a semifinalist, Alex received an award of $1,000 for his research. Blind Brook High School will also receive $1,000 to be used towards its science, math and engineering programs.
Westchester County legislators will honor Alex and other Intel STS semifinalists during the county legislative session on Feb. 11, 2013.
