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He Could Be Top Young Scientist

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By PAUL CATALA, Tribune correspondent

Published: September 17, 2007

ZEPHYRHILLS - He's one step closer to becoming recognized as 'America's Top Young Scientist of the Year.'

Joshua Hammer, a Zephyrhills High School freshman, was notified Tuesday he's one of 40 finalists for the Discovery Channel's 'America's Top Young Scientist' title.

For the prize, 400 middle school students from 44 states - 37 from Florida - originally were selected. With a focus on the environment and sustainable development, 40 students were chosen from that pool as finalists and will work on teams with Earth's environmental challenges, called Operating Green.

A grand-prize winner will be picked Oct. 21-24 in Washington and will be awarded a $20,000 college scholarship. Hammer will receive $500 and the all-expense paid trip for being a finalist.

According to the Discovery Channel, the contest identifies and honors those who 'best demonstrate leadership, teamwork, scientific problem-solving and the ability to be an effective science communicator.'

Hammer's research project is on the effect of magnetism on the body's CD4 helper T-cells. He is studying the effects of magnetism on an organism's immune system, specifically the T-helper cell that plays an important role in establishing and maximizing the capabilities of the body's immune system.

Hammer, 14, a member of Zephyrhills High's marching band, said he was coming off the field from band practice when he got the news.

'I was kind of grumpy that night and my dad wouldn't tell me who was on the phone,' he said Thursday. 'I got on the phone and they told me, and I was really excited. I was shocked, and I started dancing around the field.'

Hammer leaves for Washington on Oct. 20 and returns to Tampa on Oct. 25.

During the competition, he will have his project judged as well as compete in some team problem-solving exercises. He hopes to become one of the top three winners, who will receive scholarships of $20,000, $10,000 and $5,000, respectively.

The recognition came just five days after his uncle, Ken Donovan, founder of The Crusader newspaper, died at 58. Hammer said Donovan was one of the inspirations who fostered his interest in science.

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