On March 16 Intel announced the 2010 winners of the Intel Science Talent Search. Forty top high school scientists traveled to Washington, D.C. to compete for $630,000 in awards. While D.C., the finalists underwent a rigorous judging process, interacted with leading scientists and met with national leaders.

Erika DeBenedictis, 18, of Albuquerque, N.M., won the top award of $100,000 from the Intel Foundation for her project developing a software navigation system to help improve spacecraft travel through the solar system. Erika's research found that the gravity and movement of planets create "easy transit routes," which will ultimately help spacecraft move faster and with less fuel.

For information on all ten top winners and the Talent Search program, in general, check out the Intel press release.