Diamond Bar High senior Sean Jaw has been named Semifinalist in the prestigious Siemens Competition.

The Siemens Foundation announced the Semifinalists and Regional Finalists of the 2011-12 Competition in Math, Science and Technology in full page-ad in USA Today on October 27 and on the Siemens website.

Three hundred outstanding science research projects were selected from an all-time record-high of 1,541 entries. 

Sean is among 48 Semifinalists in the State. He submitted an individual project that took hundreds of hours of research.

Sean’s research project tested the Stoner-Wolfhearth theory at extreme temperatures on ferromagnetic elements. The objective was to gain a better understanding of magnetism.

Sean began his research last March with physics professor Dr. Guo-meng Zhao at California State University, Los Angeles. He worked on the project one day a week during the school year and three to four days a week during summer months.

His favorite part of the experience was working in the lab and using machines on the Cal State L.A. campus.

Sean said he learned better confirmation of the Stoner-Wolfarth theory and helped take steps to promote to use of semiconductors as an energy source.

“In the future, I plan to contribute in saving energy, possibly utilizing superconductors,” he said.

“We can all take heart in the remarkable work being done by this next generation of young innovators who will surely advance our nation’s leadership in science and technology,” said Jeniffer Harper‐Taylor, president of the Siemens Foundation. 

The Siemens Competition is administered annually by the College Board, and awards college scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $100,000 in individual and team categories. Regional finalists go head-to-head presenting their research with peers across the nation and the winners are invited to compete at the National Finals at The George Washington University in Washington, DC, December 3 – December 5, 2011.