New Zealand Student Sophie Ineson to Shine at US Science Fair

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

Sophie recently garnered attention after winning the $50,000 Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Student Endeavour for a separate project focused on healing wounds in space. Reflecting on her journey, she described her initial project about penguins, which was part of the requirements for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award gold award, as “phenomenal.” The recognition she received for her work on penguins has opened doors for her participation in an international science fair, an opportunity she finds both hard to believe and immensely rewarding.

Research Highlights Impact of Plastic on Penguins

Sophie’s research was inspired by witnessing a sick penguin at a sanctuary several years ago. “Penguins are 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 explained. Her observations were further reinforced during a sailing trip in the Hauraki Gulf, where she noted the significant presence of plastic in the water.

In her project, Sophie investigated how different types of plastic affect the digestion of king penguins. She focused on enzymes, specifically lipase and amylase, which were accessible and safe for her to use. Through her experiments, she discovered that plastics do interfere with digestion, with the degree of impact varying based on factors such as the size, density, and chemical composition of the plastic.

Sophie will receive mentorship from a member of the Royal Society’s scientific review committee to prepare her project for the international fair. This guidance is expected to enhance her research and presentation skills.

Encouraging Young Scientists

Dame Jane Harding, president of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, expressed her belief in the importance of science fairs for 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.

Sophie’s achievements highlight the potential of young scientists to address pressing environmental issues. As she prepares for the ISEF, her work not only raises awareness about the impact of plastic on wildlife but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of researchers.