Peter Hu, Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science, Denton, TX

Novel Thermogelling Dispersions of Polymer Nanoparticles for Controlled Drug Delivery

Mr. Hu’s materials science/nanoscience project aims to develop a novel, biologically compatible material for protein drug delivery. While therapeutic proteins are critically important to treating various diseases, a suitable protein drug carrier is yet to be found. Mr. Hu’s research, titled Novel Thermogelling Dispersions of Polymer Nanoparticles for Controlled Drug Delivery, focused on creating a biologically compatible protein drug carrier, effectively avoiding prior toxicity issues. Mr. Hu’s mentor for this project was Professor Liping Tang from the Department of Bioengineering at The University of Texas at Arlington.

Mr. Hu, a senior from Denton, Texas, aspires to one day lead a research team at a university or facility such as the National Cancer Institute. Currently, he is Vice President of the Junior Engineering Technical Society and is organizing a science demonstration team to promote interest in math and science among elementary and middle school students. Mr. Hu is also a member of his school’s Research Organization; he tutors other students in math and physics and was selected as a finalist in the 2009 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. His personal hero is his orchestra director Mr. David Mairs, as his passion for teaching and his ability to inspire people around him has motivated Mr. Hu to achieve more. Both of Mr. Hu’s parents are physicists, spurring his interest in science at a young age. In addition to his academic pursuits, Mr. Hu plays the piano and violin, and enjoys basketball and table tennis.