Whiz Kid: Blair High School's Jessica Lu

Written by: Sherrie Emoto

Blair High School's Jessica Lu was awarded second place in Biochemistry at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) last month in Pittsburgh, PA.

Lu's research was entitled “Determination of Binding Energy Hotspots on a Broadly Neutralizing Antibody against HIV-1.”

The Intel ISEF, a program of the Society for Science and the Public, is the world’s largest international pre-college science competition.

More than 1,500 high school students, representing approximately 70 countries, qualified to compete at the international competition by winning a top prize at a local, state, regional, or national science fair. For her innovative work, Lu was awarded a $1,500 prize.

“The Intel ISEF was a truly fantastic way to finish up my research experience at the Blair Magnet. I met students from all over the world who impressed me not only with their exceptional research and clarity of presentation but with their passion for science and their belief in being able to change the world with it," Lu said.

Lu will be attending the University of Pennsylvania’s Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology in the fall.