David Liang, a Carmel High School junior, qualified to attend the 29th U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad study camp at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado. Liang will compete for one of four spots in the U.S. International Chemistry Olympiad Team sponsored by The American Chemical Society.
Qualifying for the opportunity requires excellent scores in two exams. In March, nearly 12,000 U.S. students participated in local exams to earn nominations for the national exam. About 900 students scored well enough to take the three-part, four and half hour national exam in April.
Only 20 of these students qualify for the two-week June camp of exams and lab work. Liang is among 16 boys and four girls who qualified. Camp studies include university and graduate-level lectures with emphasized training in organic chemistry. Liang will also demonstrate his skills in problem-solving exercises.
“It has been an honor to be selected for the USNCO Study Camp and for contention for the U.S. International Chemistry Olympiad team,” Liang told The American Chemical Society. “I am really looking forward to meeting new friends and expanding my knowledge of chemistry.”
Four students from the chemistry camp will earn positions on the U.S. National team Alpha Zeta. The American Chemical Society will announce official team members June 21.
The US team will compete at the 45th International Chemistry Olympiad in Moscow this July. The world’s most talented chemistry students from 70 nations advance to this international level. In Moscow, a five-hour laboratory practical and five-hour written theoretical examination awaits each team.
This is the second time Liang has qualified for the U.S. National Team. His outstanding scores on eight advanced placement math and science exams also earned him a 2013 Siemens Award for Advanced Placement scholarship.
While honoring Liang for the Siemans Award at May’s school board meeting, Principal John Williams recognized him for his “accomplishments while taking the most rigorous (advanced placement) courses our school has to offer.”
Williams highlighted Liang’s leadership in math club. “He’s also the unofficial assistant coach of our Math Counts team.”
Liang offered advice to other AP students in a Siemans Foundation press release.
“Step up to the challenge,” he encouraged, “and take advanced placement courses in the subjects that interest you.”