Blazer finishes third in Intel Science Talent Search

Senior Chelsea Zhang won third place in the 2006 Intel Science Talent Search, according to an Intel press release issued today. She received $50,000 in scholarship money.

Zhang's research project, a one-year product, examined the molecular genetic mechanisms related to heart disease. Zhang implicated CX3CL1 molecules as contributing to plaque build-up in the arteries, which, according to the press release, can "lead to the development of new medicines for atherosclerosis."

The first place award went to Shannon Babb of Highland, Utah, who received top honors and a $100,000 scholarship. Yi Sun, 17, of The Harker School in San Jose, Calif., won second place and a $75,000 scholarship.

The Science Talent Search is recognized as America's oldest and most prestigious high school science competition and serves as part of the company's $100 million annual commitment to improving education around the world, according to the Intel web site.

Last year's finalists included Blair's Michael Forbes, Abigail Fraeman, Sherri Geng and Justin Kovac, the last of whom placed 7th in the final round of judging.

Senior Minh-Phuong Huynh-Le, a finalist in the competition, did not place in the final round, but received $5,000 for placing as a finalist in January.