Townsend Harris H.S. Student Is Intel Semifinalist

(L. to r.): Townsend Harris Assistant Principal for Science and Technology Susan Brustein, Townsend Harris Senior Research Teacher Katherine Cooper, Townsend Harris Student Reynaldo Lopez, an Intel Corporation 2009 Science Talent Search Competition semifinalist, and Townsend Harris Principal Kenneth Bonamo stand before an Intel Science Talent Search banner at Townsend Harris H.S. at Queens College, Flushing. On January 14, the Intel Corporation announced the results of its 2009 Science Talent Search Competition. Three hundred semifinalists from 36 states, the District of Columbia and accredited overseas schools in India and South Korea were selected from 1,608 independent research papers submitted. Reynaldo Lopez, a student at Townsend Harris H.S., Flushing, was named a semifinalist for research establishing that a correlation exists between the structural dimensions of the mass of a galaxy and the mass of the supermassive black hole residing within it. His research provides astronomers with a tool for searching the galaxies for as yet unidentified black holes. Lopez conducted his research at Queensborough Community College under the auspices of Professors George Tremberger, Jr., Tak David Cheung and Paul J. Marchese. While conducting his research, Lopez also competes on behalf of his school as a member of its winning Science Olympiad Team (covering Astronomy, Sumobot, Electric Vehicle and two other events), and captains the Steel Hawks, the Townsend Harris US First Robotics Team.

"I am delighted that Rey won," Katherine Cooper, Townsend Harris senior research teacher, said. "He balances so many activities that demand his time and intellect, and does it with equanimity."

Townsend Harris Assistant Principal for Science and Technology Susan Brustein praised Lopez' scholarship, dedication, and his ability to overcome obstacles. "Rey continued to work on this project long after his mentors believed the work would not bear fruit," she said. "Rey believed in what he was doing and persevered. His determination to see things through to the end is an example we all would do well to follow."

"This accomplishment validates the diligence and insight Rey put into his research," Townsend Harris Principal Kenneth Bonamo said. "Our school community is so proud of Rey, and we gladly celebrate his selection because of the modest and kind student he is. The humanities focus of Townsend Harris trains students to express incredible ideas in all fields in a way that others can understand and appreciate."

Townsend Harris H.S. at Queens College, a public magnet high school, currently ranks 71 among the top 100 high schools in the United States, according to U.S. News and World Report.

The Intel Science Talent Search encourages students to tackle challenging scientific questions and develop the skills to solve the problems of tomorrow. Projects submitted for consideration cover all disciplines of science, including biochemistry, chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, behavioral science and medicine and health. In the course of the past 67 years, young innovators chosen to participate in the Science Talent Search have gone on to receive some of the world's most prestigious honors. Seven former finalists have won the Nobel Prize, while others have been awarded the Fields Medal, the National Medal of Science and MacArthur Foundation Fellowships.