Stuyvesant Student Takes Second Place in the Siemens Competition

Brian Kim, 17, was awarded second place in the individual category for math in the Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology for his project “Packing and Covering with Centrally Symmetric Disks.”

 Kim compared his project to figuring out how to optimally place cookies on a tray, in an interview with Beth Fertig for The New York Times. Dan P. Ismailescu (Hofstra University) served as Kim’s mentor.

 “It is definitely great to be recognized for what I’m doing,” Kim told Chelsia Rose Marcius of the New York Times. “I love what I’m doing, so it’s a great feeling.” He plans to use the $50,000 cash prize to help pay for college.

The Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology was developed by the Siemens Foundation and the College Board to encourage students to undertake research projects, either individually or in a team. Scholarships for winners range from $1,000 to $100,000.