Intel Semifinalist: Ross Shulman

Ross Shulman, 17, said that he always had a great interest in the environment, so it was no surprise that he was named a 2012 Intel Semifinalist for his research on the impact of elevated carbon dioxide concentration on crops.

"It feels great to be recognized after two years of research," the Kennedy High School senior said. "I am interested in looking at the environment and the human impact on it."

While working on his project, The Impact of Elevated Carbon Dioxide Concentration and Drought on Leaf Nitrogen Content in Soybean, Shulman found that a combination of high carbon dioxide levels and drought have negative effects on soybean production.

"I looked at how crops will grow in future conditions," he said.

Shulman, president of the Kennedy Key Club, co-president of the Helping Our Planet Earth Club (HOPE) and a member of the said that he wants to study physical science in college.

He said that conducting his research helped him expand his knowledge on a topic that he is passionate about and it helped him grow as a person.

"Researching and working in professional settings helped me learn how to overcome the obstacles I face," Shulman said. "Discovering new things is also very important."