A Research Science Institute (RSI) summer high school student, Kristine Zhang from Saratoga, CA, working in collaboration with CEE’s Department Head Markus Buehler and lab members GangSeob Jung, Zhao Qin ’13, and Francisco Martin Martinez, achieved the final top 10 for her presentation, as well as secured her spot in the top 5 of 84 for her research paper. She was selected to give an encore presentation on her work to all RSI students, staff, and board members, as well as MIT and Harvard faculty. Zhang’s work focused on using molecular dynamics simulations to understand the mechanical properties of a novel semiconductor, monolayer molybdenum disulfide, for the prevention of material failure in new electronic devices. The RSI, sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Education and hosted by MIT, is a highly competitive summer research program for rising high school seniors around the world. Approximately 80 students from around the world are selected to participate in this six-week summer program.