A MORETON Hall Sixth Form student’s biology essay has been chosen as the second best in a competition set up by the University of Gloucestershire.

Isobel Jones won £500 after finishing as runner-up with her A-Level essay on the use of Brain Computer Interface Technology, after being encouraged by biology teacher, Hannah Peel.

The essay explored how the technology could, in the future, put an end to some of the large problems the world faces today.

Isobel admits it is an exciting time to be involved in the world of science. She said: “My article was about brain-computer interface technology and how in the future, the human brain working alongside computers and AI software could lead to new and effective solutions for the problems we’re facing.

“I was inspired by all the buzz around AI at the moment, all the advancements being made with it, and how it looks like it will become a really useful tool in so many areas.

“I am also a really big Elon Musk fan, and was really interested by the plans his company Neuralink has to develop brain-computer interface tech.

“It’s amazing that the Biology department gives us these opportunities to explore and engage in our subjects outside the classroom, especially when you get to talk about, and research a subject you are so interested in, and I am really grateful to Mrs Peel for encouraging us to enter the competition.

“I am really happy and surprised that I managed to be a runner-up; I genuinely didn’t think this would happen.”

Mrs Peel, head of biology at Moreton Hall, commended Isobel’s efforts.

“Isobel’s excellent essay on the use of Brain Computer Interface technology (BCI) has won her £500,” she said.

“Moreton’s Sixth Form Biology students entered essays in the competition and we had some other very high quality entries.

“Moreton Hall also won £500 as the school who submitted the most entries and all of the girls who took part will receive a certificate in recognition of their entry.”