New Zealand Student to Showcase Science Project at US Fair

Sophie Ineson, a 17-year-old student from New Zealand, has been selected to represent her country at the 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 out of seven science projects submitted by students in years 11 to 13 from regional science fairs across New Zealand.

Last month, Ineson gained recognition for her earlier work when she won the prestigious $50,000 Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Student Endeavour for a project focused on healing wounds in space. Her latest research on how plastic impacts penguin digestion stemmed from a personal experience. Ineson recalled seeing a sick penguin at a sanctuary several years ago, which profoundly affected her. “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.

Ineson’s Innovative Research

Ineson’s curiosity about the effects of plastic on penguins grew after she participated in a sailing trip in the Hauraki Gulf last year, where she observed the alarming amount of plastic waste in the ocean. 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 explore her hypothesis, Ineson conducted experiments to determine how various plastics affected the enzymes present in king penguins’ stomachs. She focused on using lipase and amylase, enzymes she could access safely. Her findings revealed that plastics do interfere with digestion, with the extent of the interference varying based on factors such as the size, density, and chemical composition of the plastic.

Support and Recognition

A member of the Royal Society’s scientific review committee will mentor Ineson as she prepares her project for the ISEF. 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.”

Ineson’s journey exemplifies the potential of young scientists to tackle pressing environmental issues. As she prepares for the international stage, her innovative research not only reflects her dedication but also raises awareness about the impact of plastic waste on marine life.

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