Two from MMSD compete at premiere science research competition

The Intel Science Talent Search national competition is the most prestigious pre-college science competition.  A Madison School District student had never been selected for the finals.

So how exceptional is it that two of these 40 students chosen for the finals in Washington D.C. earlier this month were from Madison?  Yes, very, but then they are exceptional science students. 

Superintendent Dan Nerad with Suvai Gunasekaran and Gabriela Farfan

Gabriela Farfan from West HS and Suvai Gunasekaran from Memorial HS have been and continue to research in very different areas:  Gabriela investigates the color and shimmering effect of rocks called "Oregon sunstones".  Suvai's research is on new methods to inhibit the growth of bacteria on the surface of implanted medical devices.

The two 12th grade students came together on February 26 in front of local news reporters, students, families and school staff to answer questions and be recognized by Intel and others for their outstanding independent research.

Gabriela started collecting minerals when she was seven years old and has been researching Oregon sunstones for two years.  Suvai started her original research in the MMSD's Science Research Intern Program almost two years ago.  Both have been mentored by professors at UW-Madison and Northwestern.

Selection as an Intel STS finalist "comes to them because they already exhibit those personal characteristics that define a scientist: curiosity, love of learning and persistence," said Rachel Egan, coordinator of the Science Research program.

Gabriela is thankful that her parents - Carlos Peralta and Abigail Farfan - "didn't throw away my rock collection when I first started."  She was most looking forward to presenting her research at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington.

Gabriela must have impressed the judges because her work was awarded 10th place in Washington and she thus received a $20,000 scholarship. Suvai received a $5,000 scholarship.

When asked about advice for potential student-researchers, Gabriela said, "If you find something that interests you, just follow it."

Suvai's research continues into the controlled release of chemical compounds to fight biofilms that form on implanted pacemakers, catheters and other medical devices.  The daughter of Sundaram and Sujatha Gunasekaran said that meeting the other finalists and learning about their research "should really be fun."

She gave credit to her teachers.  "I really feel that all the teachers' support and their willingness and dedication for their students to actually succeed has been very helpful for me."

Intel Corporation supports math and science research because, said Intel's John Kalvin, it leads to innovation which solves some tough problems and leads to a stronger economy.

That two finalists are MMSD students, Kalvin "found ...particularly impressive and a testament to the teaching and learning going on inside this district."

Certainly, all MMSD staff members who have taught and supported Gabriela and Suvai are to be congratulated, along with the students themselves, their families and friends, and research advisors and mentors.