66th Annual STS (2006-2007)
Finalists
Rui Wang

NEW YORK
Rui Wang, 18, of Fairport, entered the Intel Science Talent Search with a chemistry project describing a new computational approach for establishing the absorption wavelengths of nickel dithiolene dyes. These dyes are noted for their intense absorption over a broad range of near-infrared wavelengths and have applications in optics, liquid crystal technologies and lasers. A novel aspect of Rui's study was her use of time-dependent density functional theory, a relatively new methodology, allowing her to predict accurately the maximum absorption wavelengths of various nickel dithiolene dyes. With her methodology validated, Rui designed and modeled four nickel dithiolene molecules that could extend the maximum infrared wavelengths without costly and time-consuming synthesis. First in her class of 563 at Fairport High School, Rui hopes to pursue a career in medicine after studies at Harvard or Cornell. Founder and president of the science bowl club and winner of many science awards, her hobbies include working with birds, hiking, playing violin and community service. The daughter of Drs. Xinrong Wang and Lijian Ruan, Rui earned perfect SATs and is fluent in the language of her native China.