64th Annual STS (2004-2005)
Finalists
Karl James Plank

WASHINGTON
Karl James Plank, 17, of Bellingham, developed a method for depositing an ordered assembly of nanometer-sized particles on surfaces for his Intel Science Talent Search chemistry project. Karl attempted to create a self-assembling nanocircuit by suspending nanorods of zinc oxide (ZnO) in a liquid crystal solvent and placing the solution onto a polycarbonate membrane substrate so the solution could drain through the pores of the membrane, thereby depositing ordered ZnO nanorods onto its surface. In the course of his research, Karl examined the use of at least four types of particles and several liquid crystal solvents before arriving at the system he describes in his paper. Because there are currently few good methods for orientationally ordering semiconductor nanoparticles, Karl's work holds promise for the eventual construction of nanoscale electronics. First in his class of 297 at Squalicum High School, Karl is co-captain of the varsity swim team, three-time class vice president and a finalist in the state bridge-building competition. He enjoys model building and computers in his spare time. The son of James and Kristan Plank, Karl hopes to attend Stanford in preparation for a career in medicine.