Saratoga High Alissa Zhang Is Intel Semifinalist

Saratoga High School student Alissa Zhang is among 29 Bay Area seniors who are semifinalists in the 2012 Intel Science Talent Search.

Zhang was recognized for a project about the molecular fingerprinting of glucose with Raman and SERS for noninvasive diabetes monitoring, said Board of Education president Cynthia Chang.

"We are very proud of the talents and achievements of all of our students across the district and Alissa is an outstanding student," Chang said, adding that the student's work recognized by Intel was impressive and worthy of the honor.

"It’s reflective of an outstanding educational climate that fosters innovation and exploration and promotes excellence for all students. We wish Alissa congratulations and continued success!" she said.

The semifinalists received $1,000 checks from Intel. They now compete against 271 other semifinalists from schools in 44 states, Washington, D.C. and three schools overseas. The top prize is a $100,000 college scholarship.