Both projects were selected to advance to the state science fair. During the 1997-1998 school year, Jordan embarked on research to help American farmers create alternative uses for their crops. In order to further his research, Jordan contacted Ulrike Tschirner, Associate Professor of Wood and Paper Science at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul, who offered Jordan the opportunity to spend several days at the University, a six-hour drive from his home. Jordan spent six days there, using chemicals that were unavailable at his school's laboratory to pulp, bleach and make paper from non-traditional raw materials such as corn stalks, cattails and cereal straws. The equipment available was unlike anything I knew existed.
Sand intends to pursue a career in plant science, concentrating on the genetic engineering of seeds.
Highlighting his entrepreneurial spirit, Sand believes his papermaking concept is economically feasible on a global scale, with its only drawback being the distances associated with gathering and transporting raw materials to a processing plant. The judges for the Lemelson-MIT Apprenticeship were won over by Jordan's enthusiasm, accomplishments and commitment to invention. He debunks the myth that invention is only done by engineers tinkering with mechanical devices. Instead, he shows us that innovation can be applied just as effectively to solve environmental and economic issues. The Apprenticeship is designed to provide hands-on experience in a scientific and technological environment.