A high school student from Guelph, Ontario, has qualified for a national science fair after conducting an experiment inspired by her family’s interest in squirrels. Kira Egete, a 15-year-old student at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic High School, shared her excitement about advancing to the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Edmonton, where she will join 400 other students for a week of competition and networking opportunities.
Kira’s project originated from a Grade 10 assignment and evolved into a comprehensive study on how squirrels perceive colors, driven by her family’s admiration for the animals since relocating to Canada in 2014. Her research aimed to explore the world through squirrels’ eyes, focusing on their dichromatic vision similar to that of dogs. Contrary to her initial assumptions based on dog vision studies, Kira discovered that squirrels showed a preference for red and yellow hues over cooler tones like blue and green.
The backyard experiment designed by Kira involved setting up five pots of different colors and monitoring squirrels’ interactions through video recordings. Analyzing 50 successful trials, she found that squirrels were more attracted to warmer colors, indicating potential practical applications in wildlife rehabilitation and pest control efforts.
Kira’s dedication to her project earned her recognition at her school’s science fair, leading to further success at the regional level and ultimately securing her a spot at the national competition. Beyond her scientific achievements, Kira is actively involved in charitable initiatives and extracurricular activities at her school, showcasing her well-rounded personality and commitment to making a positive impact in her community.
Looking ahead, Kira expressed her interest in pursuing a career in STEM fields, with a particular focus on engineering or medicine, while maintaining her passion for entrepreneurship. As she prepares for the Canada-Wide Science Fair, Kira remains fascinated by squirrels and looks forward to exploring new opportunities and experiences beyond her current Ontario surroundings.
