Moate CS student wins SciFest@College award at ATU Galway

A Moate Community School student took home the Regeneron Life Sciences Award at SciFest@College at ATU Galway yesterday (Wednesday)

Rachel Coghlan won the Regeneron Life Sciences Award for her project 'Chewgreen: Unsticking the Problem', at the event which took place on Wednesday, May 6.

This award is presented to the project that best demonstrates a passion for using science for good, an exceptional understanding of life sciences concepts, perseverance and flexibility.

Rachel developed a biodegradable chewing gum to combat plastic pollution. Using natural ingredients like carrageenan, the gum is designed to be easier to remove from surfaces than commercial alternatives

She was awarded with a trophy and a One4all gift card.

SciFest@College is a national STEM fair programme in Ireland where second-level students present research projects at regional third-level colleges.

Free to enter, it features competitions, exhibitions, and lab demonstrations, promoting inquiry-based learning and STEM careers.

Winners advance to the National Final and potentially international competitions.