New Zealand Student to Showcase Research at US Science Fair

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

Sophie gained recognition last month when she won the $50,000 Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Student Endeavour for her innovative work on healing wounds in space. Reflecting on her journey, Sophie described the selection for ISEF as “phenomenal,” noting that her project on penguin digestion was a significant part of her work towards achieving the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award gold award.

Her project was inspired by a personal experience witnessing a sick penguin at a sanctuary. “Penguins are my favourite animal, so it 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,” Sophie explained. This encounter prompted her to investigate the impact of plastic on penguin digestion, a decision she made after participating in a sailing trip in the Hauraki Gulf where she saw the alarming amount of plastic pollution.

In her research, Sophie focused on how different types of plastics affected the enzymes found in the stomachs of king penguins. She experimented with enzymes such as lipase and amylase, studying their interactions with plastics of varying sizes, densities, and chemical compositions. Her findings indicated that plastics do interfere with digestion, highlighting the severity of the issue based on the characteristics of the plastic.

To prepare for the international fair, Sophie will receive mentorship from a member of the Royal Society’s scientific review committee, further enhancing her research skills and presentation. 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.”

Sophie’s path to the international stage reflects her dedication to science and environmental advocacy. As she gears up for this remarkable opportunity, her work not only showcases her talent but also underscores the critical issues surrounding plastic pollution and its impact on wildlife.