New Zealand Student Chosen for Prestigious US Science Fair

Seventeen-year-old Sophie Ineson has earned the opportunity to represent New Zealand at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in the United States, scheduled for May 2024. Her innovative project, titled Disrupted Digestion, was one of only two selected by judges from the Royal Society Te Apārangi from a pool of seven entries submitted by students in years 11, 12, and 13 across the country.

Last month, Sophie distinguished herself by winning the $50,000 Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Student Endeavour with a project focused on healing wounds in space. Reflecting on her upcoming participation in the ISEF, she expressed both disbelief and gratitude. “It’s a phenomenal opportunity,” Sophie noted, highlighting the significance of her research journey.

A Journey Rooted in Passion

Sophie’s interest in penguins inspired her project on the impacts of plastic on their digestion. This fascination began when she encountered a sick penguin at a sanctuary a few years ago. “Penguins are also my favourite animal, so that really hit hard for me,” she recalled. The sight of a struggling penguin, affected by ingesting plastic, motivated her to delve deeper into the issue.

Her research was further fueled by a sailing trip in the Hauraki Gulf, where she witnessed the alarming amount of plastic pollution. “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,” she remarked.

Innovative Research and Findings

In her study, Sophie investigated how different types of plastics affected digestive enzymes in king penguins. She experimented with enzymes such as lipase and amylase, which she could safely access and utilize. Her findings indicated that plastics do interfere with digestion, with the extent of interference varying based on factors such as the size, density, and chemical composition of the plastic.

To prepare for the ISEF, Sophie will receive mentorship from a member of the Royal Society’s scientific review committee. Dame Jane Harding, president of Royal Society Te Apārangi, emphasized the importance of science fairs in inspiring students. “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,” she stated.

As Sophie prepares for this significant milestone, her commitment to addressing environmental issues through research showcases the potential of young scientists to influence future generations. Her journey serves as an inspiring example of how individual passion can lead to meaningful contributions to global challenges.