Southland Teen Wins $50,000 for Innovative Space Bandage

A remarkable achievement in scientific innovation has emerged from Southland, New Zealand, where 17-year-old Sophie Ineson has been awarded the Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Student Endeavour. The prize, valued at $50,000, recognizes her groundbreaking work on a specialized bandage designed to assist astronauts in healing minor injuries in space.

Ineson, a student at Southland Girls’ High School, presented her project, named HydroHeal, during the NZAS Southland Science and Technology Fair. Her initiative addresses a critical issue faced by astronauts: wounds in microgravity can heal significantly slower than they do on Earth. “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,” Ineson explained. Factors such as reduced oxygen delivery to wounds and impaired immune systems can exacerbate the healing process, leading to increased pain and discomfort that may impact crew morale and performance.

As NASA prepares for its upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon and future missions to Mars, Ineson’s work is timely and relevant. She focused on developing a bandage that could be applied while wearing gloves and remain effective over extended periods. The challenges of microgravity present unique difficulties, including the tendency for wound fluids to pool rather than drain.

After extensive research, Ineson created a two-layered, jelly-like dressing. Her final prototype incorporates chitosan, a natural polymer known for its antibacterial properties, along with Southland-sourced hemp seed oil and lecithin, enhancing anti-inflammatory effects and moisture retention. The judging panel recognized her project as “a well-thought-out and independently carried-out project” with substantial potential for applications both in space and healthcare on Earth.

Ineson developed her award-winning project just a short drive from the Awarua Space Ops site, a hub for scientists managing the complex needs of satellite operations. Her school has also fostered a collaborative relationship with New Zealand Aluminium Smelters to encourage more girls to pursue careers in engineering.

Beyond her scientific pursuits, Ineson is committed to mentoring her peers through a club she established at her school called innovatHer. This initiative aims to inspire students to enter science fairs and explore the diverse possibilities of careers in space. Her dedication to promoting inclusivity in the field is not new; in Year 7, she won the Fair Go Consumer Heroes competition for her project advocating for increased female representation in space careers.

Ineson’s ambitions extend beyond the realms of science and engineering. She plans to explore neuroscience and psychology in her university studies, particularly examining how the unique environment of space affects individuals’ mental health compared to those on Earth. “I’m looking at how being in space can affect people’s mental health, and how that may be different to someone who is on Earth for the same period,” she stated.

Sophie Ineson believes she is in a unique position to pursue her passions while encouraging others to seize opportunities in the space sector. She emphasizes the importance of confidence in reaching for these prospects, stating, “The opportunities are vast – and right there to reach out and grab.” Her innovative spirit and community engagement mark her as a promising figure in the future of space exploration and beyond.