Syosset Resident A 2014 Intel Finalist

John Anthony Clarke, 17, of Syosset, is one of 40 seniors nationwide recognized as finalists in the 2014 Intel Science Talent Search. Clarke attends Regis High School in Manhattan.

Clarke took ninth place and received a $20,000 award for his research on X-ray emissions from the planet Jupiter, a gas giant that harnesses a powerful magnetic field.

He will join the other finalists in Washington, D.C. in March to compete for $630,000 in awards with the first-place winner receiving $100,000 from the Intel Foundation.The Intel Science Talent Search encourages students to tackle challenging scientific questions and develop skills to help solve some of the world’s greatest challenges. Entrants are judged on the originality and creativity of their scientific research projects as well as their achievement and leadership both inside and outside the classroom. Finalists’ research spans from a mathematical model that can replicate cardiac arrhythmias to a fast-charging, low-cost energy storage supercapacitor to innovative stem cell research.

“We celebrate these 40 students because their contributions to the world of science will help solve some of our most pressing challenges,” said Wendy Hawkins, executive director of the Intel Foundation, in a statement. “The Intel Science Talent Search encourages hands-on experience with math and science, which is imperative in enabling young people to think critically, solve problems and understand the world around them.”

Since 1942, the Society for Science & the Public, a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education, has owned and administered the Science Talent Search since its inception in 1942.“We are inspired by the knowledge, determination and passion of this year’s Intel Science Talent Search finalists,” said Rick Bates, interim CEO and chief advancement officer of Society for Science & the Public, in a statement.

“With Intel, we share great excitement in the promise of their future, not only at the finals in March, but as they dig deeper into their particular research and into the challenges society faces,” Bates added.