Southland Teen Wins PM’s Space Prize for Innovative Wound Care

A groundbreaking project by 17-year-old Sophie Ineson from Southland has earned her the prestigious Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Student Endeavour, which carries a reward of $50,000. Her innovative design, a specialized bandage named HydroHeal, addresses the critical issue of wound care for astronauts, showcasing how small injuries can escalate in the unique environment of space.

Ineson was honored at a ceremony held in Parliament on March 11, 2024, where she presented her project, originally developed for the NZAS Southland Science and Technology Fair. She identified the challenges that astronauts face in healing wounds due to the effects of microgravity, where even minor injuries can lead to serious complications. “On Earth, you can put a band-aid on and it heals in a few days, but it’s a completely different story in space,” she explained.

Wounds in space heal more slowly due to several factors, including reduced oxygen delivery, impaired immune systems, and slower cell growth. These challenges can lead to increased pain and discomfort, which in turn can affect crew morale and performance during missions. Additionally, lunar dust, known as regolith, poses a significant risk if it enters wounds, potentially leading to infections.

Ineson’s project was inspired by upcoming missions, such as NASA’s Artemis, which aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually send crews to Mars. Her research led to the creation of a two-layered jelly-like dressing, designed to adhere to the unique conditions of space. This innovative dressing was crafted to be applied while wearing gloves and to remain intact during extended contact.

The final prototype of HydroHeal incorporates chitosan, a natural polymer known for its antibacterial properties, along with locally sourced hemp seed oil and lecithin for their anti-inflammatory benefits and moisture retention. The judging panel for the prize commended Ineson’s project as “a well-thought-out and independently carried-out project,” noting its potential applications for both space missions and healthcare on Earth.

Ineson developed her project just a short distance from the Awarua Space Ops site, which serves as a hub for satellite calibration and data transmission. Her school, Southland Girls’ High School, has also fostered a partnership with the nearby Tiwai Smelter to encourage girls to pursue careers in engineering.

Beyond her project, Ineson has taken proactive steps to inspire her peers. She founded a club at her school called innovatHer, aimed at mentoring students to enter science fairs and recognize the accessibility of careers in science and space. This commitment is not new; she previously won the Fair Go Consumer Heroes competition in Year 7 for her initiative to promote women’s involvement in space careers.

Looking ahead, Ineson plans to further her studies in neuroscience while integrating her interests in psychology. She aims to explore the impact of space travel on mental health, comparing it to the experiences of individuals on Earth. “I’m looking at how being in space can affect people’s mental health, and how that may be different from someone who is on Earth for the same period,” she stated.

Ineson emphasizes that the opportunities in the field of space exploration are vast and encourages her peers to embrace them. “It’s about having the confidence to reach out and take that opportunity,” she concluded, reflecting her belief in the potential for a new generation to shape the future of space exploration and related fields.