Khattar Selected as 2014 Siemens Competition Semifinalist

The Geophysical Laboratory's Saelig Khattar was named a Semifinalist for the 2014 Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology. The Siemens Foundation announced the Semifinalists this week on 22 October 2014.

Thanks to the superior quality of work submitted by students like Khattar, and his partner Ki Wan Kim, the Siemens Competition is the most challenging and prestigious research-based high school science contest in the country. Being selected as a Semifinalist is an exceptional achievement. Out of nearly 4,500 students who submitted projects to the Siemens Competition, only 408 students were named Semifinals.

The Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology fosters intensive research that improves students' understanding of the value of scientific study and informs their consideration of future careers in these disciplines.

This year's finalists are listed on the Siemens Foundation website.

Saelig Khattar is an intern at the Geophysical Laboratory from Thomas Jefferson School for Science and Technology. He is working with Tim Strobel on a novel method of synthesizing methanol through non-catalytic high-pressure CO2 hydrogenation reactions. His other research interests include material sciences, quantum physics, chemistry and nanotechnology.

Congratulations, Saelig!