Alexander C. Huang, Plano Senior High School, Plano, Texas
Region Two Silver Medal Winner

Mathematical Modeling of a Eukaryotic Circadian Clock

Alexander Huang’s biophysics research utilizes circadian-clock rhythms in bread mold to assist in the understanding of various biological cycles of living organisms. The project could ultimately produce better timing of delivering chemotherapy to the body when it is most receptive or even avoid jet-lag/fatigue induced by traveling across time zones. His mentors were Karen Shepherd, Science Department Director & AP Biology Teacher, Plano Senior High School; Professor Yi Liu, Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Professor Richard Haberman, Department of Mathematics, Southern Methodist University; and Professor Thomas Carr, Department of Mathematics, Southern Methodist University.

Alexander Huang, a senior, is a member of the Academic Decathlon A-team and President of the Math Club. This year, he was a national finalist in the US National Chemistry Olympiad. He also volunteers at the Plano City Juvenile Court with the Lead Prosecutor. Alex’s inspiration in science came from his father, a CalTech PhD in chemical engineering. His personal hero is Dr. Rong Hong, the first Chinese student in America who overcame all obstacles and persevered to graduate from Yale University, Mechanical Engineering in 1847. Mr. Huang is an accomplished musician and plays the violin and viola. He speaks Mandarin fluently. Mr. Huang wants to study chemical engineering and would like to become a research scientist or a doctor.