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 learning opportunities.
Kira’s project originally began as a Grade 10 assignment but developed into a detailed study on how squirrels perceive colors in their environment. Her family’s fascination with squirrels, which grew after moving to Canada from Serbia in 2014, sparked her curiosity about the animals’ visual capabilities. Intrigued by the dichromatic vision of squirrels, similar to that of dogs, Kira designed an experiment to investigate their color preferences.
Setting up a controlled experiment in her backyard, Kira placed five pots of different colors—red, yellow, green, blue, and grey—each containing a peanut. Using a lux meter app to maintain consistent brightness levels, she monitored squirrel interactions with the colored pots through a GoPro camera. Analyzing data from 50 successful trials, Kira discovered that squirrels were most attracted to red and yellow colors, contrary to her initial hypothesis based on dog vision studies.
Impressed by Kira’s dedication and scientific approach, Alana Harrison, the school’s library technician overseeing the science fair, commended her for pursuing her passion for squirrels. Kira’s project progressed from the school fair to the regional level, eventually earning her a spot at the national competition. Excited about the opportunity to explore more of Canada and meet like-minded peers, Kira expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming event in Edmonton.
Apart from her scientific pursuits, Kira is actively involved in charitable initiatives and extracurricular activities at school. Known for her contributions to the community and involvement in various projects, Kira’s passion for science and commitment to making a difference are evident in her diverse interests. Looking ahead, she plans to explore STEM fields further, potentially pursuing a career in engineering or medicine while keeping her entrepreneurial aspirations alive.
With a newfound appreciation for squirrels and a successful science project under her belt, Kira remains dedicated to her academic journey and future endeavors. The support and encouragement she has received from her school community have played a significant role in her growth as a young scientist, paving the way for her continued success in the world of science and innovation.
