National Gallery for America's Young Inventors
2004 Inductees
Hyeyeon Choi, Age 19 - The Effect of Supercritical
Fluids on Polymer Thin Films
Hyeyeon's research demonstrated that supercritical fluids can be used as
universal solvents for polymers and arbitrary co-solvents for binary polymer
systems and can be environmentally safe for industrial purposes such as
dry cleaning, coating and adhesion. This finding has important applications
in designing coatings, adhesives, and other unique materials inexpensively
and environmentally safe.
Joline Fan, Age 16 - Heat Transfer Enhancement
of Drag Reducing Surfactants Using Ultrasonic Energy
Joline's research led to a number of complex innovations involving surfactants,
heat transfer technology, ultrasonic energy and gas injectors in the improvement
of fluid systems, culminating in enhancements in heat transfer of surfactants
and drag reduction using microbubbles in pipe flows. This reduced the drag
in pipes and hoses so liquids could travel through them more efficiently,
which overcomes the drawback of using surfactants for district heating and
cooling systems.
Elena Leah Glassman, Age 17 - Brain-Computer
Interface for the Muscularly Disabled
Elena's invention uses the Brain-Computer Interface with non-invasive electroencephalograph
(EEG) signals as commands for a computer, substituting for a keyboard and/or
mouse for disabled computer users.
Vaishali Kiran Grover, Age 15 - Environmentally-Friendly
Enzyme Based Antifouling Paint
Vaishali has developed a new marine paint using pineapple and papaya enzymes
to replace conventional paint made with biocides of commonly used heavy
metals and highly toxic chemicals.
Chandler Macocha, Age 14 - The
Wheelchair Backpack Helper
Chandler 's invention allows the user to access personal items that are
in a pack hanging off the back of the wheelchair. It can be attached permanently
or can be detachable to fit the lifestyle of the user.
Sean Kshitij Mehra, Age 17 and Jeffrey Reitman,
Age 17 - Using Nanoparticles to Enhance Polymer Properties for
Improved Commercial Applications: Space Lubricants to Nanolithography
This idea consists of two patentable inventions based on the same general
scientific concept. One invention created an optimal space lubricant that
is resistant to the destabilizing effect of microgravity which will lead
to a greater level of safety on future NASA space missions. The second invention
involves incorporating gold nanoparticles into the nanolithographic polymer
mask, reinforcing the polymer and makes it possible to produce smaller and
faster computer chips.
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