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Eric S.Chen, a San Diego youth has garnered the top prize of $100K at the Intel Science Talent Search this year. He won for his research inspired by swine flu that could lead to important developments in controlling influenza. 

"I had no idea I was going to win," said Chen, according to Tech Times. "If I had placed between fifth and 10th, I would have been incredibly happy."

The research by Chen, showed a multidisciplinary approach to a complex problem that was integrating the computer modeling techniques with biology and chemistry coming up with a list of compounds with the potential to improve influenza treatments.

Chen said his interest in finding a solution for influenza started during an outbreak of swine flu five years ago. The pandemic had claimed lives over 18,000 people around the world. 

"We at Intel celebrate the work of these brilliant young scientists as a way to inspire the next generation to follow them with even greater energy and excitement into a life of invention and discovery," said Intel Foundation executive director Wendy Hawkins in the press release. 

"Imagine the new technologies, solutions and devices they will bring to bear on the challenges we face. The Intel Science Talent Search finalists should inspire all of us with hope for the future."

The second prize was awarded to a 17-year old Kevin Lee who demonstrated a mathematical model that could accurately described the shape of a beating heart. Third prize went to 17-year old Henry Kuszmaul who developed a novel approach to modular enumerations. 

In all, a total of $630,000 in prizes were awarded by Intel Foundation to scientists.