Two students off to Ohio for International Science and Engineering Fair

These two tauira (students) entered projects in the NIWA Regional Science and Technology Fair in Wellington, and came out on top after several rounds of judging against some outstanding competition.

Recognised as the ‘Olympics’ of science for high school students, ISEF has brought together students from over 75 countries for more than 70 years. ISEF celebrates young scientists and innovators to find clever solutions to real-world challenges. This is only the second time Aotearoa New Zealand has been officially represented at ISEF. 

Isabelle is committed to creating a more sustainable future for the planet and people through science and technology. Isabelle’s project, Power-Up with Produce, aimed to tackle the pressing issue of food waste and create an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative to traditional photovoltaic cells by exploring the feasibility of using locally sourced fruit and vegetable waste as natural dyes for a special type of solar panel called Dye-Sensitised Solar Cells.

Jesse is passionate about creating STEM pathways for young New Zealand scientists to both learn and share internationally. Jesse’s project, Building A Better Backseat Driver, uses the ubiquitous smartphone in tandem with psychologically backed behavioural interventions to improve road safety. New cars increasingly include advanced safety features, but these remain out of reach for most of the fleet. The app Jesse has developed offers a solution and reduces the growing inequity which he says, “effectively limits safety to only the richest in our society.” 

Finalists in Science Fairs around the world can enter their project into one of 22 categories at the International Science and Engineering Fair, ranging from animal sciences to physics and astronomy, to environmental engineering. There are cash prizes and scholarships up for grabs, totalling to almost USD$8 million, with a grand prize of $75,000. In addition to competing, the true prizes are the opportunities to make connections with like-minded peers, explore and learn from other students’ projects, and experience a trip of a lifetime.

Both Jesse and Isabelle are being supported to attend ISEF by Amanda Hood (a teacher at St Patrick’s College) and Sylvia Nichol (an Atmospheric Scientist at NIWA) who run the NIWA Wellington Regional Science and Technology Fair, and by the Australian Science and Engineering Fair (AUSSEF).

“That Isabelle and Jesse have made it to Ohio is absolutely next level!” said Amanda. She explained how New Zealand’s regional science fairs provide an incredible opportunity to highlight excellence in science and technology, but that we’re missing a national competition. This year, AUSSEF generously extended a pathway to international competition for Kiwi students, and supporters including the Royal Society Te Apārangi came on board.

Isabelle and Jesse are fantastic ambassadors, Amanda said, and the challenge is to use their representation at ISEF not only as an opportunity to inspire students, but to build support and pathways. “It’s exciting to think of a future where students can aspire to win a New Zealand-wide science fair, then go on to compete in Taiwan, Europe or the US, but it’ll take collaboration and partnerships to get there.”  

Listen to Isabelle, Jesse and Amanda interviewed on RNZ.