66th Annual STS (2006-2007)
Finalists
Gabriel Joel Mendoza

TEXAS
Gabriel Joel Mendoza, 18, of El Paso, submitted an Intel Science Talent Search project in zoology that explored the dynamics and effects of transovarial transmission in West Nile Virus (WNV). Transovarial transmission, the direct infection of mosquito eggs by the mother, is currently not included as part of the WNV transmission cycle and lacks documented studies. Gabriel helped collect field data for more than two years and combined it with published information before comparing it with the dynamic computer simulation model he created. He used his model to test hypotheses of seasonal reentry of WNV, and possible alterations of infection rates in birds and humans. His study indicates that transovarial transmission may have a significant impact on the severity of seasonal epidemics, and may already be an undervalued element in WNV transmission. Gabriel is first in his class of 550 at Americas High School. An Eagle Scout, he enjoys Kung Fu and choir, and has received awards for his achievements in science, writing and art. The son of Pablo and Merced Mendoza, Gabriel plans to attend MIT or CalTech for quantum computing and hopes to contribute to the next computer revolution.