New Zealand Student to Showcase Innovative Science Project in US

Seventeen-year-old Sophie Ineson has been chosen to represent New Zealand at the International Science and Engineering Fair in the United States in May 2024. Her project, titled “Disrupted Digestion,” was selected by judges from the Royal Society Te Apārangi as one of only two projects to advance to this prestigious international competition.

The selection process involved seven projects from students in years 11, 12, and 13, all of which were presented at regional science fairs across New Zealand. Sophie’s participation follows her recent achievement of winning the $50,000 Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Student Endeavour for another innovative project focusing on healing wounds in space.

Inspiration Behind the Research

Sophie expressed her astonishment and gratitude at being selected for the international fair. She noted that her project about penguins, which was part of her work towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award gold award, could lead to significant opportunities. The inspiration for her research came after witnessing a sick penguin at a sanctuary a few years ago. “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 shared.

Her project examines the impact of plastic on the digestion of penguins, a subject that became even more pressing after she participated in a sailing trip in the Hauraki Gulf last year, where she observed the alarming amount of plastic pollution in the water. “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 remarked.

Research Findings and Future Mentorship

During her research, Sophie conducted experiments to investigate how various types of plastic affect the digestive enzymes found in the stomachs of king penguins. She focused on two specific enzymes, lipase and amylase, which she was able to access and utilize safely. Her findings indicate that plastics do interfere with digestion, with the extent of interference varying based on factors such as the size, density, and chemical composition of the plastic.

To prepare for the international fair, Sophie will receive mentorship from a member of the Royal Society’s scientific review committee. Dame Jane Harding, president of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, emphasized the significance of science fairs in fostering 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 noted.

Sophie’s journey highlights the importance of youth engagement in scientific research and the potential for innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues. As she prepares for her participation in the International Science and Engineering Fair, her work serves as a reminder of the critical interplay between research and real-world impact.