New Zealand Student to Showcase Science Project at US Fair

Seventeen-year-old Sophie Ineson has been chosen to represent New Zealand at the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in the United States, set for May 2024. Her innovative project, titled Disrupted Digestion, was one of two selected from a pool of seven outstanding entries by judges from the Royal Society Te Apārangi.

Sophie’s journey to this international stage began with her success at regional science fairs across New Zealand. Last month, she received the $50,000 Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Student Endeavour for another project that focused on healing wounds in space. The recognition for her work has been described as “phenomenal,” and she expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to participate in such an important event.

Research Focus on Penguin Health

Sophie’s project is particularly personal. It stemmed from her concern for penguins 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,” she explained. She decided to investigate the effects of plastic on penguin digestion, driven by her observations of environmental impacts, especially after participating in a sailing trip in the Hauraki Gulf where she noted the significant presence of plastic waste.

During her research, Sophie focused on how various types of plastic affected digestive enzymes in king penguins. She limited her experiments to using safe enzymes, specifically lipase and amylase. Her findings revealed that plastics do indeed interfere with digestion, with the extent of the interference depending on factors such as the size and chemical composition of the plastics.

Support and Mentorship

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 the Royal Society Te Apārangi, emphasized the importance of science fairs in fostering critical skills. “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 noted.

As Sophie prepares for this significant milestone in her academic career, she hopes to raise awareness about the environmental issues affecting wildlife, particularly penguins. Her commitment to addressing these challenges reflects a growing concern among young scientists about the impact of human activities on the planet.

This upcoming opportunity at the ISEF not only highlights Sophie’s dedication to science but also positions her as an emerging voice in the conversation about environmental stewardship.