Investing pre-college students with a passion for research is the goal of the ADA Foundation’s annual prize awarded at the Intel International Sciences and Engineering Fair. Christine and Justin Johns—a sister and brother from Cape
Coral, Florida—received the prize for “Xylitol Xtreme Two,” a study which
resolved a question within the research community by demonstrating the
time frame in which xylitol best inhibits the growth of mouth bacteria. 

The research and Foundation award helped set the Johns siblings on a new path, when the Rudy Beverage Company asked them to conduct further research for a xylitol-sweetened sports beverage that shows promise in helping prevent tooth decay. Older sister Jenny Johns, a chemistry major, joined them on the project.  Encouraged by their success, now Christine and Jenny are committed to pursue careers of helping people through scientific research, and Jenny is on track to a Ph.D. in dental research.