A personal experience with Guillain-Barré Syndrome inspired Grade 9 learner Charlotte Gibbens to undertake research that earned her a Gold medal, Best Junior Project in Social Sciences and the Eskom Special Award for Best Female Project at the 46th Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF).
Gibbens, from Jim Fouché High School in Bloemfontein, represented the Bloemfontein Region and received a high-end laptop and R10 000 cash prize for the Best Female Project.
“Winning Gold, Best Junior Project in Social Sciences, and Best Female Project was an incredible honour. I felt grateful, excited, and humbled,” she said. “The achievement meant even more to me because this project was inspired by my own experience with Guillain-Barré Syndrome.”
For Gibbens, having the importance of the research recognised was particularly meaningful. “It reminded me that personal challenges can be transformed into opportunities to help others and make a meaningful contribution,” she said.
Her interest in Eskom Expo began years earlier when she watched her older brother participate as a Grade 4 learner. Although she immediately wanted to participate herself, it took time to find a research question she genuinely cared about.
“For a few years, I struggled to find an idea that I felt truly passionate about,” she said. “Then, in Grade 8, I found a topic that was meaningful to me and decided that starting high school with an Eskom Expo project would be the perfect opportunity to challenge myself and make a contribution through research.”
The ISF brought a series of firsts and memorable experiences for Gibbens, from travelling by aeroplane to meeting young scientists from different provinces and countries.
“The Special Awards Ceremony felt like attending the Oscars, and hearing my name called to the stage was something I will never forget,” she said.
She also enjoyed learning about other participants’ projects, experiences and cultures, as well as the social side of the event. Among the smaller memories she treasures was going for a run on the venue gym’s treadmill with one of her regional friends.
“The entire week was filled with new experiences, great food, wonderful people, and unforgettable memories,” she said.
Gibbens describes herself as an outgoing, enthusiastic teenager who enjoys learning new things, helping others, and making the most of opportunities. She credits her mother with playing an important role in developing her passion for research and STEMI.
“My mom is a passionate researcher, both in her professional career and in her own studies. She taught me how to approach problems systematically, search for reliable information, and evaluate evidence carefully,” Gibbens said.
“Through her guidance, I learned that research is not just about finding answers, but about asking the right questions.”
Her interests extend well beyond science. Gibbens enjoys playing the guitar, field hockey, painting, acting, debating, public speaking, photography, baking and reading. She particularly enjoys activities that let her be creative, challenge herself, and connect with others.
Having experienced the journey from developing a personally meaningful idea to receiving some of the ISF’s top honours, Gibbens encourages first-time participants to begin with a subject they genuinely care about.
“Start with a topic that is meaningful to you or a problem that you genuinely want to solve. A project is much easier to stay committed to when you are passionate about it,” she said.
She also recommends finding a mentor, seeking advice from experts and, importantly, allowing enough time for the research to develop.
“Don’t rush. Good projects take time,” Gibbens said. “When it comes to judging, be confident and tell the story behind your project. Judges are interested in your journey, your thinking, and your passion, not just your results.”
Her final advice is simple: “Believe in yourself, enjoy the experience, and never be afraid to ask questions or step outside your comfort zone.”
CreativeBox
