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.
The Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation is honored to have had the assistance of the following distinguished individuals serving on the 2012 Life Sciences Awards Evaluation Committee:
- Russell A. Bantham, Esquire
McLean, VA - Alan Bronstein
Chemistry Teacher (2009 Frieda J. Riley Teacher Award Recipient)
Central High School
Philadelphia, PA - Edward Einstein, Ph.D.
Director & Associate Professor
Center for Advance Research in Biotechnology
University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute
Rockville, Maryland - Christine Leyden
Senior Vice President and Chief Accreditation Officer
URAC
Washington, D.C.
