Did you happen to notice an article published by the Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics (JEO) on December 6, 2020? Unless you follow arthritis research, you probably didn’t. But what if I told you that the first author of this article in a highly respected peer-reviewed professional journal was only 17 years old? Let me introduce you to this exceptional young researcher, Elisha Johnston, in the hopes that his accomplishments will encourage you in your own pursuits, no matter your age.
Though homeschooled in kindergarten and again this year in 12th grade, Elisha spent much of his education in the public school system. In middle school, seeking another outlet to engage his interest in science, he pursued participation in the Los Angeles County Science and Engineering Fair (LACSEF). When his school declined to sign up, LACSEF allowed Elisha to register directly as a homeschool student.