New Zealand Student to Showcase Innovative Project at US Science 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, scheduled for May 2024. Her project, titled Disrupted Digestion, was one of two selected by judges from the Royal Society Te Apārangi after a rigorous evaluation of seven science projects presented by students in years 11, 12, and 13 across the country.

Sophie’s recent achievement follows her receipt of the $50,000 Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Student Endeavour, awarded for her innovative work on a project addressing wound healing in space. She expressed her gratitude for this opportunity, stating that it was hard to believe her project about penguins could lead to her participation in an international event.

Research Focused on Plastic’s Impact on Penguins

Her interest in penguins stems from a personal experience at a sanctuary, where she encountered a sick penguin affected by plastic ingestion. “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 noted. This emotional connection motivated her to investigate the effects of plastic on penguin digestion.

Sophie conducted her research by studying how various types of plastic impacted the enzymes found in the stomachs of king penguins. She focused on two specific enzymes, lipase and amylase, which she could safely access for her experiments. Her findings indicated that plastics do interfere with digestion, with the extent of disruption varying according to the size, density, and chemical composition of the plastic materials.

Last year, Sophie participated in a Spirit of Adventure sailing trip, which further heightened her awareness of the plastic pollution problem in the Hauraki Gulf. “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,” she explained.

Mentorship and Support for the International Fair

As part of her preparation for the ISEF, a member of the Royal Society’s scientific review committee will mentor Sophie to refine her project. Dame Jane Harding, president of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, emphasized the value of science fairs in fostering excellence among students. “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 said.

Sophie’s journey reflects not just her dedication to scientific inquiry but also highlights the broader issue of environmental stewardship, particularly concerning marine wildlife. As she prepares for this significant event, her project stands as a testament to the impact young scientists can have on understanding and addressing pressing global challenges.