New Zealand Student to Showcase Science Project at US Fair

Seventeen-year-old Sophie Ineson has been chosen to represent New Zealand at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in the United States in May 2024. Her project, titled “Disrupted Digestion,” is one of only two selected by judges from the Royal Society Te Apārangi. This achievement follows a competitive selection process involving seven science projects submitted by students in years 11, 12, and 13 from regional science fairs across New Zealand.

Ineson’s recognition comes on the heels of her recent win of the $50,000 Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Student Endeavour for a project focused on healing wounds in space. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the international fair, describing it as “phenomenal.” Her project on penguins was part of the criteria for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award gold award and has now opened doors for her at a global level.

Research on Penguin Digestion

Ineson chose to investigate the effects of plastic on penguin digestion after witnessing a sick penguin at a sanctuary several years ago. “Penguins are my favourite animal, so that really hit hard for me,” she explained, recounting her experience of seeing a penguin struggling to walk due to ingesting plastic. This personal connection inspired her to delve deeper into the issue.

Last year, during a sailing trip with the Spirit of Adventure, Ineson was confronted with the pervasive issue of plastic pollution in the Hauraki Gulf. She noted, “I think that some people may not even consider how much of an impact maybe their plastic straw or just not disposing of the waste properly has on the penguins.”

In her research, Ineson experimented with how various plastics affected the enzymes found in the stomachs of king penguins. She focused on the enzymes lipase and amylase, which she could safely access and utilize. Her findings revealed that plastics do interfere with digestion, with the extent of this interference varying based on the size, density, and chemical makeup of the plastics involved.

Mentorship and Support

To prepare for the upcoming international fair, Ineson will receive mentorship from a member of the Royal Society’s scientific review committee. Dame Jane Harding, president of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, emphasized the importance of science fairs in fostering student excellence. She stated, “Science and technology fairs offer students valuable opportunities to apply scientific investigation to real-world problems, while strengthening their critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills.”

Ineson’s inclusion in the ISEF not only highlights her personal achievements but also underscores the broader commitment to addressing environmental issues through scientific inquiry. Her project aims to raise awareness about the impact of plastic pollution on wildlife, particularly penguins, and represents the potential for young scientists to contribute meaningfully to global challenges.