62nd Annual STS (2002-2003)
Finalists
Brandon Stuart Imber

NEW YORK
Brandon Stuart Imber, 17, of Commack, studied the behavior of giant polyoxomolybdate (POM) molecules in solution for his Intel Science Talent Search project in physics. At the Brookhaven National Laboratory, Brandon used laser light scattering techniques to study the POM family of inorganic nanosized molecules. He discovered that POM molecules slowly form large, uniform, hollow, spherical aggregate "blackberry" clusters, never before seen in inorganic solution science. In addition, Brandon demonstrated the formation and stability of the clusters in various electrolyte concentrations similar to that of human blood. He believes his research indicates that the POM series may be an ideal contrast agent for MRI medical imaging tests. Brandon is first in his class of 438 at Commack High School, where he is captain of the varsity academic team, president of the Model U.N. and an editor of the school paper. His honors include the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award and major awards in the National Earth Science Olympiad and the National History Day Competition. He earned perfect scores on his verbal and math SATs, plans to study at Harvard, and is the son of Mark and Emily Imber.