60th Annual STS (2000–2001)
Finalists
Aaron Luis Iverson

OHIO
Aaron Louis Iverson, 18, of Radnor, experimented with the resistance of soybeans to the Mexican bean beetle for his botany project in the Intel Science Talent Search. In research conducted at the USDA Forest Service laboratory, Aaron used both chemical and physical treatments on 90 soybean plants in an effort to induce beetle resistance. His results indicated that plants treated with jasmonic acid showed less beetle larval damage than did the control group. This acid, the defense signal of the plant, apparently stimulated defensive genes and thereby increased resistance. Based on his studies, Aaron believes that induced resistance may provide a means to enhance the natural resistance of soybeans to pests, providing significant benefits to both producers and consumers. Aaron is first in his class at Buckeye Valley High School in Delaware, Ohio, where he is class president, vice president of the student council, and a member of the marching and pep bands. He is also a school record-holder in cross country and track, and captain of both teams. Author of a published technical article, Aaron is the son of Dr. Louis and Margaret Iverson. He plans to attend Grove City College.