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 research project, titled “Disrupted Digestion,” was one of two projects selected by judges from the Royal Society Te Apārangi, out of seven science projects submitted by students in years 11, 12, and 13 across the nation.

Ineson has recently gained recognition for her innovative work, winning the $50,000 Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Student Endeavour for a project focused on healing wounds in space. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the international science fair. “It’s phenomenal to think that a project I completed about penguins as part of the requirements for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award gold could lead to this,” she stated.

Her interest in penguins and their health was sparked a few years ago when she encountered a sick penguin at a sanctuary. “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,” Ineson remarked. This personal connection motivated her to study the impact of plastic on penguin digestion.

Ineson’s research involved experimenting with how various types of plastic affected the enzymes found in the stomachs of king penguins. She focused on two specific enzymes, lipase and amylase, which she could safely access and use. Her findings indicated that plastics do interfere with digestion, with the extent of the interference varying based on factors such as the size, density, and chemical composition of the plastic.

Support and Mentorship for Success

To prepare her project for the international fair, a member of the Royal Society’s scientific review committee will mentor Ineson. This guidance aims to refine her work and enhance her presentation skills for a global audience.

Dame Jane Harding, president of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, commented on the importance of science fairs in promoting student excellence. “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.

Ineson’s journey has been marked by significant experiences beyond her research. Last year, she participated in a Spirit of Adventure sailing trip, where she observed the alarming amount of plastic pollution in the Hauraki Gulf. This experience reinforced her belief in the importance of addressing plastic waste and its effects on wildlife.

Ineson hopes her project will raise awareness about the issues facing penguins and the broader implications of plastic pollution. She believes that many individuals may not realize the impact of their everyday choices, such as the use of plastic straws or improper waste disposal, on marine life, particularly penguins.

As the date for the International Science and Engineering Fair approaches, Ineson is preparing to showcase her work on a global platform, highlighting the critical intersection of environmental science and animal health.