New Zealand Student Sophie Ineson Selected for 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 only two selected by judges from the Royal Society Te Apārangi following regional science fairs across the country.

Sophie’s selection comes shortly after she was awarded the $50,000 Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Student Endeavour for another project focused on wound healing in space. Reflecting on her journey, Sophie expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, saying it is hard to believe that her project on penguins could lead to participation in an international fair.

Research Focused on Penguin Health

Sophie’s interest in penguins and their health stemmed from a traumatic experience she had witnessed at a sanctuary. “I saw a sick penguin that could hardly walk because it had ingested a small piece of plastic,” she recalled, noting that penguins are her favorite animal. Her research project investigates the impact of plastic on penguin digestion, aiming to raise awareness about the environmental challenges these creatures face.

Her concern deepened after participating in a sailing trip in the Hauraki Gulf, where she observed the alarming amount of plastic pollution in the water. “Many people may not consider how their small actions, like using a plastic straw or improper waste disposal, affect wildlife,” she noted.

Sophie conducted experiments using the enzymes lipase and amylase to assess how different types of plastics influenced the digestive processes of king penguins. She discovered that plastic does interfere with digestion, and the extent of this interference varies based on multiple factors, including the size and chemical makeup of the plastic.

Support and Mentorship Ahead of the Fair

To help prepare her project for the ISEF, Sophie will receive guidance from a member of the Royal Society’s scientific review committee. Dame Jane Harding, president of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, emphasized the value of science fairs, stating, “They challenge and inspire students to excel, offering them opportunities to apply scientific investigation to real-world problems while enhancing their critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills.”

Sophie’s dedication to her project and the issues it highlights exemplifies the potential of young scientists to make significant contributions to both research and environmental awareness. As she prepares for this exciting opportunity, her work promises to shine a light on the critical intersection of science and environmental stewardship.