INDUCTEES: 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007

Christina Adams, 16, Bartlesville, OK

A real problem for residents of the southern United States is cleaning up the "gumballs" dropped by the myriad sweet gum trees that grow in the region. A sweet gumball is a walnut-sized ball with spiny thorns all over it. They fall throughout the fall and winter months and are a nuisance to anyone who has a sweet gum tree in or near their yard. Lindsey's invention, which won the Craftsman/NSTA Young Inventor competition, is constructed of PVC pipe and resembles a small lawnmower. The user simply pushes it along and any gumballs in its path are automatically picked up and dropped into the attached gumball catcher.

Christina's invention is designed to simultaneously control pressure and moisture, the two biggest factors leading to pressure sores in wheelchair users. It incorporates adjustable interlacing straps of a material that allows free flow of air for a cooler, dryer, and more comfortable experience for the user.

Hans Christiansen Lee, 18, Carmel, CA

Elina Onitskansky, 17 Lyndhurst, Ohio

Elina has a patent pending on her revolutionary micro-sensor. Whereas conventional sensors can detect only one element, this invention can detect six metallic ion pollutants collectively and independently. The invention consists of two basic parts: the microelectrochemical sensor which detects the metals, and the plating system that removes them, consequently cleaning the water.

Kavita M. Shukla, 16, Woodstock, MD

Rishi's invention is an eco-friendly, biodegradable diaper made of a corn-based polymer lining and an absorbent cellulosic inner padding. It is capable of biodegradation within days after use. It is thus healthier for the environment than the polyethylene-lined diapers currently made by manufacturers of disposable diapers.

Kavita has already been awarded a patent for her invention, and has another patent pending. This invention is a process wherein food packaging materials such as paper are coated with, or soaked in, a suspension of a botanical extract, such as the extract of the seeds of fenugreek -- an ancient herb used in Middle-Eastern and Asian countries. These natural herbs help preserve and extend the shelf life of perishable foods such as fruits and vegetables.