By Mary Whitfill

Features Editor

Although Rohan Panaparambil just started his freshman year at CHS, he is still being recognized for his 8th grade science fair project. 

Panaparambil has been named as a semifinalist in the 2011 Broadcom Masters, a program of Society for Science and the Public. He is one of 300 semi-finalists who were chosen from over 6,000 prospects in the United States.

The project that has won him this recognition is one of environmental responsibility and sustainability in waste management. Panaparambil’s project used cellulose to strengthen bioplastic, making him able to reuse a product that is more cost efficient than current waste-management techniques.

Starting at Coppell Middle School West, Panaparambil was one of 12 students from the school to move on to the Dallas Regional Fair where he placed first in his category: environmental management. He then moved onto the state competition where he placed first again.

Panaparambil is still showing his science project, but is moving on to focus on high school. In addition to his interest in environmental science, Panaparambil plays the clarinet in the CHS band.