Vaishnavi Rao

Junior
Canyon Crest Academy
San Diego, CA

Since elementary school, Vaishnavi has demonstrated an innate curiosity for science and hands-on experimentation. Over the years, her passion and love for science, particularly biology, built up as she studied the behavioral aspects of fear, the biomedical applications of Kisspeptins, and the effects of cytokines in asthma to name a few. In high school, she has developed a deep passion for neuroscience and the brain. Most recently, she has been conducting pioneering research at the University of California, San Diego, on the regulation of gaseous neurotransmitter nitric oxide using electrical activity.

This research is fundamentally challenging the notion that neurons are immutable with respect to the neurotransmitters they express. Her study on neurotransmitter plasticity has far reaching applicability in potential therapies targeting neurological disorders such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and Parkinson's disease. Her work has received tremendous recognition at local, State as well as International (Intel ISEF) Science Fairs. Recently, she also won the San Diego Brain Bee 2012 and placed 6th overall at the USA National Brain Bee competitions held in Baltimore, Maryland.

Ms. Rao loves to share her passion for biological sciences and natural habitats. For the past three years, Vaishnavi has been serving as the President of the Inquiry Club at her school, where she coaches other students on the scientific methods for experimentation. On the weekends, she has been a Conservation Corp volunteer at the San Diego Zoo and the Zoo's Wild Animal Park.

Besides science, Vaishnavi demonstrates strong proficiency in vocal Indian classical music. She trains with a renowned musician in India and has performed at various events both domestic and abroad. She is also the co-founder of the Chess Club and a key member of the Academic Team at her school.

Vaishnavi aspires to be a neurosurgeon so that she can improve the lives of patients with neurological disorders and apply some of the research she has been working on thus far.

Justin Roth

Sophomore
West Branch High School
West Branch, IA.

In early elementary school, Justin was recognized as a student who excelled in math and science. He accelerated at such a rapid rate, he took High School algebra in sixth grade, AP Chemistry in ninth grade, and Calculus in tenth.

During middle school, Justin joined an extra-curricular science club. The purpose of this club was to use the scientific method to solve problems in the community. In sixth grade Justin studied the energy efficiency between compact fluorescent (CFL) and incandescent bulbs while also encouraging the proper recycling of the CFL due to its mercury content. In seventh grade he developed and executed a never performed experiment proving the adverse effects that lead wheel weights have on the eco-system. In eighth grade, Justin used scientific formulas to show the relationship between electrical usage and atmospheric pollutants in order to convince businesses to consider upgrading their lighting to more energy efficient fixtures and bulbs. In ninth grade, he worked with his school and local energy company to make the school as energy efficient as possible.

As a result of these projects, three ordinances have been introduced in the town of West Branch; three bills have been introduced to the Iowa State Legislature (with one being passed); and West Branch High School has started saving $10,000 annually on its energy costs, brought about by his eighth grade science club team's research into energy cost savings brought about by replacing high-cost, low efficiency T12 fluorescent bulbs to T8 lighting.

Justin has also worked with his church to help with the needs of the local community, establishing a community clothes pantry to enable those in need to receive clothes and school supplies at no cost to them. He also volunteers in packaging many shipments of food to Africa and Haiti through Kids Against Hunger.

In addition, Justin enjoys participating in his high school's extra-curricular activities. He plays football and wrestles and plays trombone in the marching, concert, jazz, and show choir bands.

Justin looks forward to using the skills he has acquired to help his community and world become a better place to live.