61st Annual STS (2001–2002)
Finalists
Jonathan Lii

NEW YORK
Jonathan Lii, 18, of Manhasset, augmented a classic "doll study" to learn what aspects of beauty ethnic Chinese girls appreciate more -- Caucasian or Asian -- and whether or not those choices affect their racial identity preferences for his Intel Science Talent Search project in behavioral and social sciences. While studying U.S. Supreme Court cases, Jon had "stumbled upon" a 1975 African-American doll study which he decided to expand and adapt to fit an Asian demographic. In his study, ethnic Chinese grade-school girls were asked to select either a Caucasian or an Asian doll, and answer a number of questions as if the dolls were real girls their age. Jon personally administered his surveys at two schools in Taiwan and six in New York. His findings suggest that, although ethnic Chinese girls believe that Caucasian features are more beautiful and desirable, they do not want to grow up to be and to look like a Caucasian. Jon is first in his class of 173 at Manhasset High School, where he is co-captain of the debate team, treasurer of student government, and violinist in the orchestra. The son of Mark and Ellen Lii, he plans to study business management and computer science at Wharton.