A San Diego youth named Eric S. Chen has garnered the top prize at the Intel Science Talent Search this year. The teen scientist's research, inspired by swine flu, could lead to important developments in controlling influenza.

Taking home a prize of $100,000, the 17-year old Chen wowed Intel Foundation executives with his impressive research on how to treat influenza. Chen is currently a senior student at San Diego's Canyon Crest Academy. Showcasing a multidisciplinary approach to a complex problem, Chen was able to integrate computer modeling techniques with biology and chemistry to come up with a list of compounds with the potential to improve influenza treatments.

"I had no idea I was going to win," said Chen. "If I had placed between fifth and 10th, I would have been incredibly happy."

Chen's interest in finding a solution for influenza started during an outbreak of swine flu back in 2009. The deadly pandemic claimed the lives of over 18,000 people around the world. After the incident, Chen started working on his influenza research.

By looking for compounds with the ability to block endonuclease, Chen was able to take home the Intel Foundation's top prize at this year's science talent search. Endonuclease is an enzyme necessary for the propagation of influenza. Once this enzyme it blocked, it may be possible to find an effective solution to stopping influenza pandemics.

"We at Intel celebrate the work of these brilliant young scientists as a way to inspire the next generation to follow them with even greater energy and excitement into a life of invention and discovery," said Intel Foundation executive director Wendy Hawkins. "Imagine the new technologies, solutions and devices they will bring to bear on the challenges we face. The Intel Science Talent Search finalists should inspire all of us with hope for the future."

The Intel Science Talent Search is an important venue for up and coming scientists. The competition has motivated hundreds of young scientists to come up with novel and ingenious solutions to a wide variety of problems. 

Aside from Chen, other young scientists also received commendations and prizes at the event. Taking home $75,000 with second place finish, 17-year old Kevin Lee demonstrated a new mathematical model that could accurately describe the shape of a beating heart. Third place went to 17-year old Henry Kuszmaul who was able to develop a novel approach to modular enumerations. Kuszmaul brought home a $50,000 prize. All in all, the Intel Foundation gave out a total of $630,000 in prizes.