Clones student wins major awards

By Cianna McNally

 A Clones student last week took home two major awards from an international science fair.

Louis Madden, a fifth year student in Largy College, won the awards at Intel ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair), the world’s largest international pre-college science competition which took place in Phoenix, Arizona from 8th – 13th May. Louis, who is son of Irene Dunwoody and Paul Madden, secured his place at Intel ISEF when he won the top award at the SciFest 2015 national final last November with his project that looked at whether genetic testing and DNA research can be carried out simply, cheaply and efficiently.

Louis found that important genetic research was often limited by the cost of the necessary equipment. He spent just under €150 on cheap and recycled material to build several pieces of laboratory equipment including a vortex, centrifuge, PCR, transilluminator, gel box with power supply and gel camera. Using this equipment, he isolated and amplified chloroplast DNA. Comparing his results with those of other tests of the same material he demonstrated that genetic testing could be done in a simpler, cheaper and more effective manner.

Intel ISEF is the world’s largest international pre-college science competition, involving some 1,700 students from over 75 countries competing for a prize fund totalling $4million. Louis’ Intel ISEF awards include a $1,000 cash prize and the opportunity to participate in a three-week programme of interdisciplinary scientific research for high school students and researchers in Trento, Italy, organised by the Bruno Kessler Foundation.

Speaking about this award, Louis said: “I have had an incredible experience at Intel ISEF 2016. It was really brilliant to hear talks from world famous scientists and to see the projects that other students from around the world had submitted. It was great to spend a week exchanging ideas and discussing science. I’d like to thank all my family and friends who supported me and SciFest, that gave me this opportunity.”

Louis travelled to Arizona with his school principal, Sharon Magennis and during the week they attended various events including, symposiums, talks, mixers, judging, presenting projects and ceremonies.

Speaking to The Northern Standard, Ms Magennis commented: “It was a great experience for myself and Louis to attend ISEF, to be part of this convention that acts as a forum for students from various backgrounds, perspectives and geography and come together to share ideas and find solutions to problems. These students are the rising stars of the worlds of science, technology, engineering and maths.”

Ms Magennis also paid tribute to Sheila Porter, CEO of SciFest, and Gerard Hughes from Sentinus N.I for the support and help they gave to Louis with regard to developing his project since he won SciFest.

“As a school principal, seeing such projects on a global scale and witnessing such talent on display has provided me with the impetus to encourage students and teachers to become actively involved in entering students in competitions such as SciFest. For many students these competitions provide them with the opportunity to be creative, innovative and explore the world of science,” Ms Magennis concluded.

Martin O’Brien, Chief Executive of Cavan Monaghan Education and Training Board  (CMETB) congratulated Louis and Ms Magennis, Principal, Largy College, on the win. Largy College is one of the Cavan-Monaghan Education and Training Board schools.

“On behalf of the ETB I would like to congratulate Louis on all his hard work which resulted in his win at SciFest and now at the Intel ISEF 2016. It is a remarkable achievement and one that truly acknowledges the hard work and commitment displayed by Louis and his teachers. The work involved in entering such competitions demonstrates the commitment of both staff and students in Cavan Monaghan ETB schools to achieve national and international recognition for their projects. These international awards recognise that the energy and ideas of young students are key to economic development in the region.”

Members of Ballybay-Clones Municipal District also passed a vote of congratulations with Louis at their May meeting, which took place on Monday.

Sheila Porter, CEO, SciFest commented: “We are all very proud of Louis and he is a great example of the high calibre of entries that SciFest attracts.  His project demonstrates that great science is really about curiosity, exploration and having an inquisitive spirit. For Louis to represent Ireland at ISEF and to win two awards over other students from all over the world is an impressive achievement not only for him, his teacher and school but for Ireland too, and it demonstrates clearly that there is a very high standard of science being taught in Irish schools. It is important that we nourish this talent and further encourage the take-up of science in Irish schools by demonstrating that it is about active, inquiry-based learning and about investigating and solving everyday problems.

Northern Standard, 19th May 2016