Joshua Abreo at James Clemens patents his polymer research

Joshua Abreo’s image, at right, is broadcast during the awards ceremony for the Alabama Science and Engineering Fair. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – As a high school junior at James Clemens, Joshua Abreo has completed biomedical research that would make most industry professionals jealous.

Abreo developed and patented a polymer after completing his project, “Development of a Novel Antimicrobial Polymer for Biomedical Applications.”

Judges in two science competitions have lauded his work. At the Alabama Science and Engineering Fair, Abreo won Best in Category for microbiology, along with Best in Show. The University of Alabama in Huntsville hosted the event.

“Joshua won an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair,” James Clemens teacher Robin Hodges said.

In addition, Abreo ranked in the top five presenters at the Alabama Academy of Science, Gorgas Scholarship Paper Reading Competition at Auburn University.

He received a $500 scholarship and an all-expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. to present his research at the National Junior Academy of Science and Humanities symposium in April.

“Polymers are frequently used for (antimicrobial material), but … over 50 percent of all hospital-acquired infections are caused due to polymers,” Abreo said. “I coated a polymer with copper, which is a natural antimicrobial.”

He exposed the polymer to light, changing its chemical makeup. He tested with two bacteria strains, and his surface killed more than 99.5 percent of all bacteria.

Abreo worked closely with UAH associate professor Dr. Emanuel Waddell, along with Carol Bohatch and Hodges at James Clemens.

Joshua’s parents are Dennis and Felicia Abreo. “I’ve lived in Madison all my life. My family is originally from India. Both my parents came to the United States to complete graduate studies,” Joshua said. His sister Michelle is a James Clemens sophomore.

At James Clemens, he is Quiz Bowl captain, Science National Honor Society president and belongs to the National Honor Society and cross-country team. He volunteers at Crestwood Medical Center and Sci-Quest.

“I would like to go to a highly ranked college (and) major in, most likely, chemical engineering and pursue a career in either medicine or finance,” he said.