New Zealand Student Sophie Ineson to Compete at US Science Fair

Sophie Ineson, a 17-year-old student from New Zealand, has been selected to represent her country at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in the United States, scheduled for May 2024. Her innovative project, titled Disrupted Digestion, was one of only two selected by judges from Royal Society Te Apārangi from a pool of seven science projects submitted by students in years 11 to 13 across New Zealand.

Last month, Ineson also received the prestigious $50,000 Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Student Endeavour for her research on wound healing in space. Winning this award was a significant milestone in her academic journey and a precursor to her upcoming participation in the international science fair.

Research Focus and Inspiration

Ineson’s project on penguins, which she developed as part of the requirements for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award, uniquely examines the effects of plastic on penguin digestion. Her interest in this topic was sparked several years ago after witnessing a sick penguin at a sanctuary. “Penguins are my favourite animal, so it 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 explained.

Additionally, her experience on a Spirit of Adventure sailing trip last year further heightened her awareness of the issue. She observed alarming amounts of plastic pollution in the Hauraki Gulf, prompting her to consider the broader impact of plastic waste on wildlife. “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 noted.

Experimental Findings

In her research, Ineson experimented with how various types of plastics affected the digestive enzymes found in king penguins. She focused on using enzymes such as lipase and amylase, which were accessible and safe for her to handle. Her findings revealed that plastics do interfere with digestion, with the extent of disruption varying based on factors like the size, density, and chemical composition of the plastic.

A member of the Royal Society’s scientific review committee will provide mentorship to Ineson as she prepares her project for the international fair. Dame Jane Harding, president of Royal Society Te Apārangi, praised science fairs for their role 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 stated.

Ineson’s selection for the ISEF marks a significant achievement not only for her but also for New Zealand’s educational landscape. As she embarks on this exciting journey, her dedication to addressing environmental issues through scientific research stands as an inspiration to her peers and the broader community.