Check out this great article from Anna Kornfeld Simpson, a high school senior from San Diego, California and Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2009 participant. Anna describes how she was able to create a chemical-detecting robot and her experience working with a team at a UC San Diego research lab who provided her guidance and encouragement along the way.

Anna presented her project and won first place at the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair and a trip to participate at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. She was also recognized and received first place awards from several societies and companies, including the San Diego Space Society, the Society of Women Engineers and California State Science Fair in Los Angeles.

Congratulations to Anna for her achievements and contribution to science! Here is an excerpt from Anna’s article. The full article can be read here.

High School Student Develops Chemical-Detecting Robot

“Wow! You made THAT with Legos®!” exclaimed the children who crowded around my robot on Public Day at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in May 2009. On display was my mobile, autonomous robot that will search a room-and if it moves over a chemical spill, it will detect and respond to the chemical.

This technology has applications in industry, security, counterterrorism, environmental sensing and maybe even Mars exploration. By removing people from the potential danger of searching for and detecting chemicals in hazardous situations, an array of inexpensive robots could help preserve safety and save lives.

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