Two Year 14 pupils from Coleraine Grammar School have been praised for their successes in the Sentinus Young Innovators competition, held at Queen’s University Belfast last month.
The competition saw students across Northern Ireland showcase innovative STEM projects to an expert judging panel, including a medical lecturer, a biomedical engineer and a patent attorney.
At the exhibit day, Coleraine Grammar School’s Saashi Ghaie and Emma Patterson pitched their ideas on “An Investigation into the Risk Factors Associated with Cardiovascular Disease”. Their journey with the project began at the Sentinus Research Academy over the summer, where over four intense weeks they delved deep into the pivotal factors influencing cardiovascular health: blood pressure, weight, sex, cholesterol and age.
Demonstrating a clear understanding of the implications of each of these factors, both students presented with poise and clarity. One project however stood out for its meticulous research and potential for real-world impact. Saashi’s project included an optional extension task for which she learned to code in R, showcasing an eagerness to tackle complex challenges head-on.
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This, together with the innovation of a home device to improve circulation by synchronising leg compressions with diastolic heartbeat, saw Saashi clinch top prize in the Senior Science category, picking up the title of Northern Ireland's Senior Young Scientist of the Year.
A spokesperson for the school said: “We are inspired by such achievements that underscore the importance of research and the pursuit of knowledge. Congratulations to both Saashi and Emma in their ceaseless pursuit of knowledge and to all the young innovators who shape our future!”
Source: Written from press release
