65th Annual STS (2005-2006)
Finalists
Shannon Lisa Babb

UTAH
Shannon Lisa Babb, 18, of Highland, entered the Intel Science Talent Search with an environmental science project identifying water quality problems along the Spanish Fork River and its tributaries. For six months, Shannon collected water samples, measured several chemical and physical parameters, tested for E. coli, and collected macroinvertebrates at seven sites. Her data indicated that all seven sites exceeded Utah EPA guidelines for cold-water fisheries at some point during the study. She concluded that human activity was clearly the major factor causing the decline in water quality. She believes the trend can be reversed if proper remediation action is taken. Shannon's interest in water pollution began at age 13 when she tested the rivers near Utah Lake and discovered the most polluted was the Spanish Fork River. First in her class of 482 at American Fork High School, Shannon enjoys choir, piano, 4-H and the fantasy writers club. An avid spelunker, she has volunteered during the past three summers at the Timpanogos Cave. To prepare for a career improving water quality around the world, Shannon plans to attend Utah State or University of Utah. She is the daughter of Dr. Stephen and Anita Babb.