A Global Collision of Knowledge: Alex Hu '26 Takes Fourth Place at International Science & Engineering Fair

Alex Hu '26 has been named the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) fourth place award winner in the Engineering Technology: Statistics & Dynamics category.

Each year, more than 1,600 ninth through twelfth graders earn the right to compete at ISEF, the world’s largest international STEM research competition for high school students. In order to participate, students must have won a top prize at a local, regional, state, or national science fair. This is the second time in three years that a Tabor student has taken home a prize from ISEF - Huiyi "Ari" Wen '24 took home the second place award in 2023 for her work on communal water systems.

Alex notes that his friends and peers in STEM programs inspired him to participate in ISEF. 

"Many Tabor students and my friends participated in various science fairs before I did, and their projects, which aimed to address different engineering, environmental, and biological issues with creative approaches, were very inspirational. Recognizing how STEM innovations continually improve daily life inspired me to contribute to the field myself."

His research project—A Modular Ionic Wind Cooling System Based on High-voltage Pulse Generator and Sensors—focused on the increasing demand for innovative cooling technology for computational systems.

He explains, "As demand for computational power surges, such systems' cooling becomes a major problem. Therefore, I had the idea to design a cooling system that solves three detrimental familiar laptop-fan inefficiencies: bulk, noise, and chaotic airflow. My inspiration came from an MIT project that used electro-hydrodynamic (EHD) thrust to power a glider. EHD devices create wind without any moving blades. Instead, two electrodes, where a high voltage ionizes air at an 'emitter electrode,' the ions accelerate toward a 'collector electrode,' and their collisions push neutral air molecules forward. By translating electrical energy directly into airflow, this innovative cooler, after extensive engineering iterations on material, model, and circuit, can match or even exceed the output of a conventional fan while occupying far less space, drawing less power, and delivering a smooth, linear stream of air ideal for compact computers."

In order to participate, students must develop a poster presentation and engage in in-depth interviews and discussions with contest judges. Projects are evaluated on the quality of the design and methodology, execution of research, and creativity and potential impact. 

"I began with a deep dive into journal articles and textbooks, relearning fundamentals of electrostatics and fluid dynamics, and mapping them onto real-world design constraints. Early on, I felt adrift, but the physics clicked as I built simple prototypes. That hands-on phase forced me to pick up new skills like CFD simulations, 3D modeling, printing, high-voltage circuitry, and disciplined experimental technique. The biggest surprise was how design iteration can behave almost exactly as the equations predicted after refinement. Seeing theories and computer simulations materialize in plastic, copper, and airflow was enormously rewarding," Alex says.

David Wellstead, director of the Center for International Students & Programs supported Alex in his endeavor and noted Alex's strong work ethic and self-motivation saying, "Alex’s successes at the regional, state and now international level are testament to his consistent commitment to the project. From initial brainstorming through to prototyping with different 3D-printed models and final data analysis, Alex is a great example of a Tabor student working iteratively to solve a problem in a novel way."

This well-deserved award highlights Alex's exceptional talents and serves as an inspiration to other Tabor students seeking to push the boundaries of science and engineering—but the best part, according to Alex, was unquestionably the people he met and worked with along the way. 

"Across three fairs—regional, state, and then ISEF—I met peers from more than 80 countries who are just as passionate about science and engineering as I am. Equally inspiring were the judges: professors and industry engineers from prestigious institutions and companies who treated high school projects with professional seriousness. This experience of a global collision of knowledge, culture, and innovation was invaluable for me.

"In my first regional science fair, I lacked experience, and my project was still imperfect due to power efficiency problems. However, I met a judge who saw past the rough edges and was also eager to explore this topic, as he was interested because of his background as an electrical engineer. After the competition, we connected to further discuss my project. He spent hours helping me refine the design without asking for a thing in return, and I felt incredibly lucky to meet someone who shared my passion, freely offered his expertise, and quickly earned my admiration."

Founded as Science Service in 1921, the Society for Science has been dedicated to expanding scientific literacy, access to STEM education and scientific research for more than 100 years. Best known for the award-winning magazine, Science News, world class science research competitions, and STEM outreach programs, the Society for Science ensures that every young person can strive to become an engineer or scientist.

Reflecting on his win, Alex feels both lucky and grateful.

"Family, friends, Tabor teachers, and that first-round judge all played a role, so the award feels shared. I was deeply inspired and motivated to explore further through the intense judging and connecting events. Beyond the award, I believe the friends I’ve made and the knowledge I’ve gained will have a greater and more lasting impact on my life."