A rising star in the world of Science, Emma Serisier (Year 12) at Bishop Druitt College, will be travelling to Phoenix, Arizona in May representing Australia at the International Science and Engineering Fair. This is the largest pre-university science competition in the world.

Emma will be part of a team of nine students competing against over 1,800 students from more than 80 countries.

Emma entered the Young Scientists Awards in 2018 with her research into the use of domestic chickens as bio-recyclers of household food scraps.

She compared three things:
1 – soil without the chickens
2a. – soil with the benefit of the chickens consuming commercial food
2b. – soil with the benefit of the chickens consuming food scraps that have been bio-recycled

By examining nutrient levels and friability of soils, Emma found that bio-recycling waste using chickens had major economic and environmental benefits.

The Young Scientists Awards committee are able to include a Rural Young Scientist category through the sponsorship provided by the Sapphire Foundation. Their mission is to inspire rural students to discover the beauty and joy of Science and Mathematics and to assist them to achieve their potential.

Emma’s prize covers all expenses to the USA for the competition. Additionally, the Foundation supports rural teachers by providing a teacher scholarship to the competition and Bishop Druitt College teacher, Ms Alison Hollier, won this scholarship.

Emma has the benefit of working in a team who are supported by expert mentors, including Ms Hollier. Last weekend they travelled to Sydney for a practice presentation in front of a peer review panel comprising a team of mentors and industry representatives.

“Emma spoke passionately and confidently, answered some very tough questions about the validity of her investigation and its value to society. We  are so impressed with Emma and know she will do very well and we wish her good luck in this prestigious international competition.” Alison Hollier, Teacher at Bishop Druitt College.