Bright young mind

Last year, Natalie Gelderblom, a Grade 12 pupil at Reddam House, excelled in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. Natalie took part in the regional expo, where she received gold. She was then selected to participate at national level, organised by the International Science Fair (ISF). The aim of Natalie’s project was to investigate the relative significance and sources of straws, sucker sticks and earbuds as marine pollutants, in order to reduce pollution and find solutions. This year, the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists has invited Natalie to represent South Africa at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), which takes place in Anaheim, California, America, in May. The ISEF is a week-long event that features multiple opportunities for learning, fun and competition. This event will be attended by 1 800 young scientists from around the globe. At the end of the week, there will be a grand award ceremony, where first to fourth place awards in each of the 21 categories will be awarded. Natalie’s project falls in the environmental studies category. Natalie is passionate about the ocean and environment and intends to pursue a career in conservation.