Otana Agape Jakpor
California
Otana Agape Jakpor, 16, of Riverside, analyzed emission levels of paraffin and
soy candles to determine their contribution to indoor air pollution for her
Intel Science Talent Search in environmental science. Using a DustTrak - an
aerosol monitor that gauges exposure levels of breathable sized particles - Otana
measured particle levels produced by paraffin and soy candles in her at-home
lab. Her results indicated that a single paraffin wax candle emitted fine
particulate matter at levels that exceed outdoor air quality standards, in
contrast to soy candles, which produce concentrations 50 times less. Observing
how her mother's severe asthma reacted to candles inspired her study, and she
hopes to continue researching environmental health in college. Her previous
published research on the pulmonary effects of indoor pollution earned a 2008
President's Environmental Youth Award and influenced California ozone
regulations. First in her class of 102 at Woodcrest Christian High School, she
founded two charitable groups: one that benefits orphaned children in Uganda,
and another that harvests oranges to be donated to a local food bank. Her
parents are Riase and Karen Jakpor.
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