Southland student's curiosity earns science honours and a ticket to the US

Southland student Sophie Ineson has been recognized for her innovative scientific research and will travel to the United States to compete at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, Arizona, in May. The 17-year-old Year 13 student from Southland Girls' High School has built a reputation for tackling complex problems with creative solutions, including developing medical products for use in space and studying the environmental impact of microplastics on seabirds. Her recent work on the psychology of conservation messaging has earned her multiple awards at the Southland Science Fair and drawn attention from the Department of Conservation (DOC). Ineson’s journey began with a simple question sparked during a family visit to her grandparents’ home near Dunedin. There, she encountered a sea lion that had given birth to a pup on the property. While her grandparents cared for the animal, Ineson wondered how the situation might have unfolded if the property had belonged to someone indifferent to wildlife. This led her to conduct a survey among 60 senior high school students to assess the effectiveness of different types of conservation messages. She found that guilt-based appeals, such as “getting too close hurts more than you think,” were less impactful compared to empowerment-focused messages like “smaller actions from you: a better life for wildlife.” Her findings have already attracted interest from DOC officials, who are considering how to apply her insights in real-world conservation efforts. Ineson described her approach as driven by a desire to explore uncharted territory and create meaningful change. “I just like doing things that haven’t been done before, looking at something that’s new and can actually make a big impact on the world,” she said. Ineson’s scientific endeavors extend beyond conservation. Last year, she developed a biodegradable wound-healing product called “Hydro Heal” designed for use in microgravity environments. Inspired by observations made during a cruise on the Spirit of Adventure, where she noticed plastic debris in the ocean, she investigated the effects of microplastics on seabird digestion. Collaborating with her school’s science department, she simulated a penguin’s digestive system using laboratory equipment to determine how microplastics interfere with essential enzymes. Her research revealed that these particles absorb enzymes from the birds’ food, reducing their ability to extract energy and survive. This work earned her an endorsement from the Southland Science Fair, allowing her to represent New Zealand at the upcoming international competition. Ineson expressed excitement about the opportunity to showcase her research on a global stage. “To be able to represent my country doing something I love was really awesome,” she said. At the fair, she expects to encounter a wide array of scientific innovations from participants worldwide, along with media coverage and interactive elements reminiscent of an Olympic event. In addition to her current projects, Ineson has received financial support for her future studies. The Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Student Endeavour awarded her $50,000 toward her tertiary education in New Zealand. Her earlier work on Hydro Heal and its potential applications in space medicine highlights her ability to bridge practical challenges with scientific creativity. Ineson’s achievements reflect a deep commitment to understanding and solving pressing issues through rigorous inquiry. Whether examining the psychological aspects of conservation or developing sustainable medical technologies, she continues to pursue answers to the questions that drive her passion for science. Her upcoming participation in the International Science and Engineering Fair marks another milestone in her academic and professional trajectory, offering a platform to share her discoveries with a broader audience.