Fishing For Ingenuity

Shark! Even hearing the word makes most of us want to run for cover.

But Florida Atlantic University student Hannah Herbst sees another side to these feared fish. Herbst, who never met an engineering problem she didn’t want to solve, was recently awarded the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Translational Medical Science Best of Category Award for her project “Sharks Take a Bite Out of Infection! An Antibacterial, Reusable Bandage for Post-Operative Patients.”

“During her research, Hannah focused on the development of an antibacterial and reusable bandage inspired by shark skin to reduce costs of the healthcare industry, medical waste and rates of infection globally,” notes a press release announcing the award, which garnered Herbst $5,000 and many kudos. 

The 2019 Florida Atlantic University High School grad also made the news (including The Boca Raton Observer) when she created an ocean-energy probe prototype that offers a stable power source to developing countries by harnessing energy from ocean currents. The innovation was inspired by Herbst’s desire to help her 9-year-old pen pal in Sub-Saharan Africa, where residents have sporadic or no access to electricity.

The ISEF is a program of Society for Science & the Public and is the world’s largest international pre-college science competition. The competition featured more than 1,800 young scientists selected from 423 affiliate fairs in more than 80 countries, regions and territories.

Visit hannahherbst.com.