By Anthony Guerrero
MONTE VISTA— Monte Vista High School Senior Alyssa Rawinski has been named one of the top 300 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars in the nation. This is a prestigious award that is given to only 300 high school seniors out of a pool of nearly 2,000 applicants.
Rawinski was presented this high honor for her 2018 science fair project, “Mealworms...A potential solution to the global plastic problem.” Rawinski was inspired to begin this project, because according to National Geographic almost 700 animal species are negatively affected by plastic waste. “I wanted to find a way to prevent that or to decrease plastic waste,” said Rawinski.
The highly intelligent young woman conducted research and discovered that mealworms have the ability to consume styrofoam which is a type of plastic called polystyrene. “I wanted to look deeper into that and explore different plastic types, which as far as I know have never been tested before. I looked at two other plastic types including low-density polyethylene, which is like ziplock bags, and then polypropylene which is like yogurt and butter containers. I also wanted to see if different sizes of plastic pieces affected consumption so I had two different groups with big pieces and small pieces. Finally, I had one group that was given a mixture of foods. It was given 75 percent plastic and the other 25 percent was potato, which is a good food source for them— also two control groups.”
Every four days for 29 days Rawinski would measure the worms’ weight, their amount of consumption and the amount of worms left. After she analyzed her data Rawinski found that the mealworms are able to consume all three types of plastic. However, the mealworms did show a preference for certain types. “I assume that’s because of the physical properties of the plastic and how hard one of them was when compared to the other. It might have just been easier for them to chew on,” stated Rawinski.
Rawinski also discovered that sizes of plastic did not impact the mealworms consumption. She was also intrigued to note that with the mixture of 75 percent plastic and 25 percent potato the worms consumed the same amount of plastic. “That shows that they can eat a variety of foods and don’t show preference for one or the other,” she said. The mealworm death cycle wasn’t higher for consuming plastic, however it was discovered the metamorphosis was slowed down. The worms that were given a variety of food options were healthier which is an important finding. “If mealworms are used in the future, there’s a possibility that providing them with a mixture of plastic and healthy food source might keep them healthier while they still consume plastic.”
“Overall I was looking to see if the mealworms might be a potential solution to the global plastic problem. I can’t make solid conclusions, but I think they have solid potential to at least helping decrease plastic waste,” she said.
Rawinski has already begun working on her science fair project for her senior year. She will look to continue her study with mealworms and determine if after a mealworm consumes the plastics if they are safe for other animals to eat.
Beyond the recognition as a Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar, Rawinski also won multiple awards for her project including first place at regional science fair, first in her category at state science fair and fourth overall and presented at the International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF.) Rawinski has been involved in science fair for eight years of her elementary and secondary academic career.
As a Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar Rawinski will be awarded $2,000, as will the Science Seminar program at Monte Vista High School. She is also in the running to be considered as a top 40 finalist which would include an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. for a final rigorous competition and the opportunity to show her project to members of Congress. These winners will be announced today, Wednesday, Jan. 23.
To further illustrate how significant this award is it should be noted that Science Talent Search alumni have gone on to have world-changing careers in science and earn more than 100 of the most esteemed science and math honors, including 13 Nobel Prizes, 42 National Academy of Science Members, 19 MacArthur Foundation Fellows, 13 National Medals of Science and five Breakthrough Prize Winners.
“Regeneron congratulates this year’s Science Talent Search scholars, who have applied deep curiosity and rigorous research skills to the important scientific questions of today,” said Hala Mirza, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Citizenship at Regeneron. “These students are the future leaders of tomorrow and are using innovative thinking to improve our world. We hope their achievements will inspire other young people to engage with STEM.”
Rawinski would like to express her gratitude to her family John Rawinski (dad), Lisa Rawinski (mom) and her sister Camille, her science seminar mentor high school science teacher Lori Harvey, and the Monte Vista School District for supporting her research and scientific endeavors.
The young scientist with a very bright future leaves everyone with an important message. “Mealworms might be able to help clean up or decrease plastic waste, but it’s still important to reduce, reuse and recycle. Decrease plastic at its source. That’s something all of us can do to help.”