on 25/02/2025
I am truly honoured to write this article for the Oliphant Science Awards community and excited to share my journey — from a curious student entering science competitions to now representing Australia on the world stage at the 2025 International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Regeneron in Columbus, Ohio.
My name is Chloe Yew, currently a Year 10 student. Over the past five years, my passion for science has flourished through my active participation in the Oliphant Science Awards, where I’ve submitted a total of 18 project entries and proudly earned multiple awards along the way. Each project challenged me to think critically, explore new ideas, and deepen my understanding of various scientific fields. Through these experiences in Oliphant Science, I have grown personally, developing resilience, problem-solving abilities, and time-management skills that will serve me well into the future.
Last year, my project, “Functionality of Bioplastics: Investigating the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Algal Bioplastics for Sustainable Applications”, was awarded first place in the Scientific Inquiry Years 9 – 10 category. My project extends beyond creating, experimenting with, understanding, and applying bioplastics using different compositions to enhance the material’s performance and functionality, improving their commercial viability. This research addresses the critical depletion of fossil fuel resources and the environmental issues of petroleum-based single-use plastics. By highlighting the potential of algal bioplastics as a sustainable alternative, this project contributes to climate action while fostering a circular and sustainable green economy.
This recognition gave me the opportunity to participate in the Australian Science and Engineering Fair (AUSSEF), where I joined students from across Australia and New Zealand. The AUSSEF judging process was both thorough and challenging. I was fortunate to progress through the rigorous National Short-listing Judging Panels in the 22 ISEF categories, where all projects were triple-marked, and the top 1–4 projects from each category were shortlisted and forwarded to the Stage 2 Judging Panel. Stage 2 involved senior assessors from Stage 1, who further narrowed the shortlisted projects down to just 20–24. Being shortlisted among the top 24 projects was an incredible honour in itself. The final stage involved an interview with the Stage 3 judging panel, which further narrowed the selection to just nine Australian projects. I am truly grateful to have been selected as part of this team. At 14 years old, I am proud to be the youngest AUSSEF team member and the first-ever representative from South Australia. You can view our AUSSEF team profiles on the AUSSEF website and our projects that will be uploaded to the ISEF finalists’ projects website soon.
This May, I’ll be joining 1,800 students from over 70 countries at the world’s largest pre-collegiate Science and Engineering Fair. Having the chance to present my work on a global stage and compete for scholarships and prizes is something I never imagined possible. I know it’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience — an opportunity to share ideas, meet new people, and be part of a community that’s passionate about science and innovation. I am genuinely thrilled.
Currently, I am working on our Stage 2 project submissions, which include an abstract, a QUAD chart, a presentation, and a short 2-minute video, which will all be uploaded to the ISEF ProjectBoard in the Virtual Fair. Next, in the third stage, the focus will shift to creating my project’s triposter and preparing for presentations and judging in Columbus, Ohio, this May. While we are still awaiting sponsorship confirmation, we’re optimistic, especially as we’re ahead of where the 2023 and 2024 teams were at this stage—both of which successfully secured full team sponsorships and attended ISEF.
I am deeply grateful to the Oliphant Science Awards community for the opportunities and support that have shaped my journey. I would also like to extend my thanks to the AUSSEF team for making this opportunity possible for me, as well as my family and Norwood International High School for their constant encouragement and belief in me, providing financial resources, equipment, and materials that made my project possible. This experience has been pivotal in my academic and personal growth, and I hope it inspires other young scientists to pursue their passions and explore the possibilities that science has to offer.
For further information, you may also like to check out the AUSSEF and ISEF websites.
Thank you.
Chloe Yew
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