Optimal Sphere Packing

Intel Science Talent Search project was a four year labor of love that tested my patience more than any undertaking that I had ever attempted in my life. Once, after a particularly frustrating day in the lab, I told my mentor how upset I was about spending the previous three hours wiring a cryogenic thermometer only to have it break as it was inserted into the liquid helium Dewar. ìSounds like youíre doing research,î he replied. This incident was emblematic of my entire research project. For almost two years, I researched low temperature superconductors before realizing that I would not be able to conduct a valid experiment, and I was forced to change my topic in the middle of my junior year. I spent a hectic final nine months collecting data and writing the paper. Looking back, I realize that my project taught me two very important lessons: one, the power of perseverance and determination and; two, how not to conduct a research project.

• Mathematics