New Zealand Student Selected for Prestigious US Science Fair

Seventeen-year-old Sophie Ineson has been chosen to represent New Zealand at the upcoming International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in the United States, scheduled for May 2024. Her project, titled Disrupted Digestion, was one of only two selected by judges from the Royal Society Te Apārangi out of seven projects submitted from regional science fairs across the country.

This selection follows Sophie’s recent achievement of winning the $50,000 Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Student Endeavour for her innovative project focused on wound healing in space. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating that it was “phenomenal” to be recognized for her work.

Sophie’s journey began with her project on penguins, which was developed as part of the requirements for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award Gold. Her interest in studying the effects of plastic on penguin digestion was sparked after witnessing a sick penguin at a sanctuary a few years ago. “Penguins are also my favourite animal,” she shared, reflecting on the emotional impact of that experience. “Looking at this poor little penguin who could hardly even walk, just because of eating a little tiny bit of plastic, really hit hard for me.”

During her research, Sophie conducted experiments to determine how various types of plastic impacted the enzymes present in king penguins’ stomachs. She had access to specific enzymes, including lipase and amylase, which she used to evaluate the digestive process. Her findings indicated that plastic indeed interfered with digestion, with the extent of the interference varying based on factors such as size, density, and chemical composition of the plastic.

In addition to her scientific pursuits, Sophie participated in a Spirit of Adventure sailing trip last year, where she observed the significant amount 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.”

To prepare for the international fair, Sophie will receive mentorship from a member of the Royal Society’s scientific review committee, ensuring her project is ready for presentation on a global stage. Dame Jane Harding, president of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, highlighted 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.”

Sophie’s remarkable achievements underscore the potential of young scientists to address pressing environmental issues and inspire change through innovative research. As she prepares for this prestigious event, her journey exemplifies the spirit of inquiry and dedication to making a difference in the world.