Southland Teen Wins $50,000 for Innovative Space Bandage

A 17-year-old student from Southland, Sophie Ineson, has been awarded the Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Student Endeavour, which includes a grant of $50,000. Her project focuses on creating a specialized bandage for astronauts, addressing the unique challenges of wound healing in space.

Ineson, a student at Southland Girls’ High School, developed a product called HydroHeal as part of her entry for the NZAS Southland Science and Technology Fair. Her innovative design aims to tackle the serious issue of wound care in microgravity, where even minor injuries can escalate into significant problems. “On Earth, you can put a band-aid on, and it heals in a few days, but it’s a completely different story in space,” she explained.

Addressing a Critical Need for Space Missions

Wounds in space heal more slowly due to reduced oxygen delivery, impaired immune responses, and lower cell growth rates. Ineson noted that pain and discomfort from slow-healing wounds could decrease morale and impact overall crew performance during missions. Additionally, lunar dust, known as regolith, can complicate wound care if it enters injuries.

Ineson’s research was inspired by upcoming NASA missions, including the Artemis program aimed at returning humans to the Moon and eventually sending astronauts to Mars. She designed HydroHeal to meet various stringent requirements, such as the ability to be applied while wearing gloves and maintaining integrity after prolonged contact. The challenges of microgravity, including the pooling of wound fluids, further complicated her design process.

After extensive research, Ineson created a two-layered dressing combining chitosan, a natural polymer known for its antibacterial properties, with Southland-sourced hemp seed oil and lecithin for their anti-inflammatory and moisture-retaining benefits. The judging panel praised her project as “a well-thought-out and independently carried-out project,” highlighting its potential applications for both space missions and healthcare on Earth.

Inspiring Future Generations in STEM

Ineson’s success is noteworthy, especially given her proximity to the Awarua Space Ops site, where scientists work on satellite calibrations and data transmissions. She has also played a role in fostering interest in engineering among young women through her school’s collaboration with the New Zealand Aluminium Smelters at Tiwai. Her efforts culminated in establishing a club called innovatHer, encouraging students to participate in science fairs and explore careers in space.

Ineson’s commitment to promoting women’s involvement in STEM is not new. In Year 7, she won the Fair Go Consumer Heroes competition for her project focused on increasing female representation in space careers. She emphasizes that opportunities are not limited to scientific fields, advocating for a new generation skilled in “space law” as well.

As she prepares for university, Ineson plans to explore her interests in neuroscience alongside psychology. “I’m looking at how being in space can affect people’s mental health, and how that may be different from someone who is on Earth for the same period,” she shared. Her journey reflects a broader potential for young people to pursue careers in space and science.

Ineson believes that seizing opportunities requires confidence. “The opportunities are vast – and right there to reach out and grab,” she stated, encouraging others to embrace their aspirations in the evolving field of space exploration.