New Zealand Student Sophie Ineson Selected for US Science Fair

Sophie Ineson, a 17-year-old student from New Zealand, has been chosen to represent her country at the International Science and Engineering Fair in the United States scheduled for May 2024. Her project, titled Disrupted Digestion, was one of only two selected by judges from Royal Society Te Apārangi out of seven entries submitted by students from years 11, 12, and 13 across regional science fairs in New Zealand.

Last month, Sophie also received the $50,000 Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Student Endeavour for a separate project focused on wound healing in space. She described her recent achievements as “phenomenal” and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the international fair, stemming from her earlier work involving penguins for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award gold award.

Inspiration Behind the Research

Sophie’s interest in studying the impact of plastic on penguin digestion arose after witnessing a sick penguin at a sanctuary a few years ago. “Penguins are also my favourite animal, so that really hit hard for me, looking at this poor little penguin who could hardly even walk, just because of eating a little tiny bit of plastic,” she said.

Her awareness of environmental issues deepened after participating in a Spirit of Adventure sailing trip last year, where she observed the significant amount of plastic pollution in the Hauraki Gulf. “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 added.

Research Findings and Mentorship

In her research, Sophie experimented with how various types of plastics affected the enzymes found in king penguins’ stomachs. She focused on using enzymes such as lipase and amylase that were accessible and safe for her to handle. Her findings indicated that plastics indeed interfered with digestion, with the extent of interference varying based on the size, density, and chemical composition of the plastic.

To prepare for the international competition, a member of the Royal Society’s scientific review committee will mentor Sophie, guiding her in refining her project. Dame Jane Harding, president of Royal Society Te Apārangi, praised the importance of science fairs, stating that they challenge and inspire students to achieve excellence. “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 remarked.

Sophie Ineson’s journey emphasizes not only her dedication to scientific inquiry but also her commitment to raising awareness about environmental issues affecting wildlife. As she prepares for the international stage, her work stands as a testament to the impact young scientists can have on both their communities and the planet.