Rockwell Li studied the sample. He zoomed in closer using the Scanning Tunneling Microscope to look at the supramolecule. On the plate, he observed what seemed to be a seven-petaled flower sample.

“The STM has a major issue where once you start complicating the molecules and environments, what you are trying to scan becomes quite blurry,” Rockwell said.

To address this issue, Rockwell created a project that led him to be chosen as one of the top 300 scholars in the nation by the Regeneron Science Talent Search.

“A Cleaner Lens to the Nanoworld: Scanning Tunneling Microscope Super Resolution,” was the title of Rockwell’s project. 

This competition, established in 1942 by the Society for Science, searches for remarkable students interested in STEM. His project was focused on improving the traditional microscope through higher resolution. 

“I have always been very interested in research and STEM. Applying to Regeneron is more than just a competition; it is the entire process of doing a research project and more,” Rockwell said.

Rockwell’s passion for science began in kindergarten after he watched a documentary series by National Geographic titled “Big, Bigger, Biggest.” 

It’s a TV show about engineering that discusses the breaking of limits in the field as structures get larger and larger over the years. 

“That inspired me to try engineering and sciences; it really got me into those fields. Later on, I read about “Ever Smaller” with quantum physics, so that’s what got me interested, especially for this project,” Rockwell said.

His interest led him to begin modeling propellers for drones back in eighth grade. With his research, he was selected as one of the top 300 middle school scientists in the country through Broadcom Masters, another STEM competition.

Since entering the Math and Science Academy at Ocean Lakes, he has continued to pursue his goals for the future in various ways. 

Rockwell has already been recognized by Old Dominion University and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. One of his articles published by IEEE is titled “Aiding Stroke Survivors with 3D Printed Bottle Opener” and was co-authored by Ralitsa Hovanessian, ‘24,  and Nathan He, ‘26.

“I would say Rockwell’s very energetic and really friendly. He can turn any stressful situation into a very fun experience,” Nathan said.

Nathan participates with Rockwell in Scholastic Bowl, Science Bowl and math competitions, such as the American Mathematics Competition and Christopher Newport University Regional Mathematics Competition.

“He knows that life is not won by being a single person, that being part of a team is important,” teacher and mentor Babette K. Shoemaker said. “He cares deeply about the Ocean Lakes community and helping Ocean Lakes put their best foot forward. He is a representation of us outside the building.”

Rockwell’s motivation stems from his hope to be at the forefront of scientific discovery and the ability to dive deeper into science as it progresses.

“A big part was reading that one paper with the localization technique. I did not just read that once; that took me at least ten read-overs to get, to figure out what it was actually saying in the first place and then to interpret it,” Rockwell said. “That’s a big part of persistence; if you don’t understand something, just keep going at it, because eventually, something will come of it.”