Teens head for Shanghai expo

TWO teenage boffins have been invited to a global gathering of some of the world’s best young scientists and inventors.

Hannah Hayes and Beth Wardle, two 16-year-old pupils of Midleton College in Co Cork, have been awarded scholarships to attend the Youth and Technology World EXPO in Shanghai from July 12 to 17.

The scholarships were awarded after the classmates submitted two award-winning research projects for consideration by EXPO organisers.

Hannah’s Tumble Charger research project is a prototype invention for re-charging batteries using any means of centrifugal force.

The idea is that the device can be placed in a washing machine and can fully recharge a battery during the course of an ordinary wash cycle.

It won an individual prize at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition and has huge potential.

Hannah was one of only 22 students from 500 finalists who were awarded a BT Business Mentoring scholarship to support the development of her invention.

Hannah and Beth also conducted a joint research project entitled Kiwi3 which won the school’s Millipore Science competition.

This aim of this project was to determine the best way to extract DNA using different filter media, ultra filter membranes and centrifuge techniques.

The girls will present briefings on both projects at the World EXPO.

Midleton College principal, Simon Thompson, said it is a wonderful achievement for them both and a great honour to see “these high achievers” represent Munster at EXPO.

“Hannah and Beth will present their projects to a worldwide gathering of young scientists during the EXPO,” he said.

“Their achievements also serve to reaffirm the college’s position at the forefront of science teaching in Munster.”

He praised the South Cork Enterprise Development, Engineers Ireland, Genzyme Ltd and Cork County Council who have supported the projects.

The girls will be accompanied to China by their science teacher Kenneth O’Neill, and their mothers.