Chemistry - sophie

‘To what extent can carbon dioxide capture and storage be effectively used in climate change mitigation?’

Why this topic?

The topic of carbon capture is largely relevant today as more sustainable processes are needed in order to decrease carbon emissions to slow or stop global warming. It is vastly important to consider how global warming can be reduced as its effects greatly impact the whole population, especially future generations. This is also why I was interested in taking on this project, being part of a younger generation, we have a responsibility to work towards a more sustainable future in order to reverse the mistakes of the past that have led to increased global warming, so I was intrigued to research a possible method of climate change mitigation in extensive detail and to understand the science behind it. Carbon dioxide capture is a process considered effective for this purpose, but there are questions as to how successful it may become or if it is cost and energy effective

What

did you discover?

At the end of my project, I concluded that CCS technology clearly has the potential to be utilised for effective climate change mitigation. As of 2022 there were 30 operational CCS facilities, capturing 42Mt of CO2 annually, aiding the decarbonisation of large industries and the generation of low carbon electricity. I found that though there are improvements that must be made to enhance the impact CCS has currently, the heightened deployment of technology is promising and the technology itself is advanced enough to scale up the commercial usage of CCS. This will allow CCS to be used alongside other technologies that reduce carbon emissions to effectively combat climate change

Horror Films - Ella

To what extent does the male gaze affect the portrayal of women in postmillennial horror films?

Why this topic?

To begin with, this topic directly contrasted with my A Levels (English Literature, Politics and History), meaning that my EPQ allowed me to break away from my usual subjects. I have always had an interest in the film industry and this gave me the opportunity to research it in depth. Researching the male gaze, I found that its impact is much more prominent in horror as it covers more taboo and controversial topics. In 2023 there are more conversations regarding gender roles and stereotypes which makes an audience more aware of the portrayal of women. It is interesting to see if these portrayals represent the public opinion or if tropes in horror movies are just being recycled The topic of women will always be relevant as there is a constant struggle for equality. What did you discover?

I concluded that the male gaze is very prominent within tropes such as the ‘monstrous feminine’ and ‘overtly sexual woman’. In the trope of ‘the final girl’ (the last woman alive to confront the killer) I found that social changes such as the #MeToo movement had a direct impact on the portrayal of women. This is perceived with the development of the character of Laurie Strode in the Halloween franchise over time There is a comparison to the character Dana Polk in The Cabin in the Woods (2018) where the male gaze remains prominent. In the future, social changes will play a bigger role in the portrayal of women as society develops.