62nd Annual STS (2002-2003)
Finalists
Michael Herbert Nyberg

CONNECTICUT
Michael Herbert Nyberg, 17, of Old Lyme, invented an acoustic device that kills mosquito larvae in situ for his Intel Science Talent Search project in engineering. Mike's research, completed in his garage at home, found that by transmitting sonic waves at a specific frequency range into water containing mosquito larvae, the insects' air bladders rupture and the larvae die instantly. (Mosquitoes have air bladders only when they are in the larva stage.) Mike's research indicates that his acoustic larvicide has no deleterious effects on other organisms in the water habitat. He speculates that his patented, environmentally friendly device could help reduce populations of mosquitoes infested with malaria or the West Nile virus without the use of chemical pesticides. At Lyme-Old Lyme High School, Mike is captain of the cross country team and participates in track, crew and robotics competitions. Winner of numerous honors in cross country and computer science, Mike is an Eagle Scout and avid outdoorsman who enjoys hiking and camping. The son of Herbert Nyberg and Dr. Catherine Burns Nyberg, Mike plans to study mechanical engineering at Notre Dame.