Two Patriot HS students recognized for developing a new way to capture solar energy

Jarrett Lash and Hanhbee Lee, juniors at the Governor’s School @ Innovation Park in Manassas and who also attend Patriot High School in Nokesville, took second place honors in the Engineering Mechanics category in Urban Sustainable Development, at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF).

They designed a new way to capture solar energy by mimicking the natural process of photosynthesis—how plants convert sunlight to energy.

Lash was enthusiastic regarding the experience and opportunity to present their project: Solar Energy Out on A Limb: A Novel Photovoltaic Energy and said, “ISEF is unlike any other place on this Earth, it truly is the cornerstone of our future endeavors in science, technology, and research.”

Agreeing with her partner, and sharing his sense of elation Lee said, “I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to meet such intelligent individuals that are doing such amazing things at such a young age.”

“Opportunities like ISEF along with other local, national, and international competitions provide an opportunity for our students to flourish and continue to demonstrate the breadth and depth of their understanding and application of STEM. Lash and Lee did an outstanding job representing the Governor’s School at ISEF, we are extremely proud of them,” stated Dr. Calhoun, Director of the Governor’s School @Innovation Park.