>> axelrod: there she's trying to develop a way to convert algae into an alternative fuel source. that's where every scientist keeps their lab source. >> they have to be really closely monitored and sometimes i'm sampling every day or more than once a day. for that i need something a little closer to home. >> axelrod: this isn't some kid playing in a room. >> sara volz. ( applause ) >> reporter: sara volz just won the intel science talent search. what did you win? >> $100,000. >> reporter: the money should help with tuitn emass husetts inste technology. >> not only is it just really hard-core, you know, intellectual and hard-core science. it's also just really welcoming and fun. so you got this really important reaction. you've got carbon dioxide going into the cell. >> reporter: volz will be a freshman here next fall. so tell me what you're going to do with your life. >> i'm thinking i want to go into academia, so do basically what i'm doing except with better labs.