59th Annual STS (1999–2000)
Finalists
Helen Irene Wiersma

FLORIDA
Helen Irene Wiersma, 18, of Okeechobee, developed a new control method for Tropical Soda Apples (TSA)-weeds that have infested Florida's pasturelands-that she believes could have profound implications for agricultural research. Her botany project for the Intel Science Talent Search was inspired more than three years ago, as she watched her grandfather pull these massive weeds on the family ranch. Concerned that existing TSA treatments were too costly for small ranchers like him, Helen launched a project that resulted in a new alternative for TSA control. By combining a plant-attaching bacterium with sub-lethal amounts of herbicide, Helen believes she has created a cost-efficient system that is at least as effective as herbicidal counterparts, and also less toxic to the environment. She hopes her approach, using natural pathogens along with chemicals, will be applied to other weed management systems. Helen is first in her class of 312 at Okeechobee High School, class vice president and band member. Her numerous academic and athletic awards include varsity letters in soccer and volleyball. The daughter of William and Toni Wiersma, she plans to attend Emory University.