POLOKWANE – Former Northern Academy Secondary School learner Karabo Mpuru recently represented South Africa at the Taiwan International Science Fair (TISF), held from January 31 to February 7.

The 17-year-old presented a maths research project titled ‘Finding the Constant Difference in an Arithmetic Sequence’. Her study introduced two newly developed formulas that can determine the common difference in any arithmetic sequence, including even and odd sequences.

The research has practical value for learners, helping them work faster in tests, sharpen problem-solving skills and strengthen their understanding of mathematics.

Mpuru travelled to Taiwan as part of a national delegation led by the Eskom Expo Stellenbosch Regional Science Fair director, alongside other Eskom Expo for Young Scientists winners. She said the opportunity came through persistence, resilience and a willingness to believe in herself.

Her journey into research began in Gr 10 after she overheard her physics teacher discussing a project with another learner.

“When the learner left, I asked him about it,” she said. “That afternoon, my physics homework was forgotten as I started researching instead.”

That moment of curiosity, supported by the school’s academic environment, sparked a path that would later take her onto an international stage.

Although her award-winning work focused on maths, Mpuru’s interests stretch far beyond numbers. She has developed a growing interest in neuroscience and how the brain works, particularly in relation to machine learning.

Over the years, her academic interests have shifted from rocks to bones, fashion and now biology – an openness she says has been encouraged at school.

“My career goals change often,” she said. “I don’t want to limit myself to one path. I want to stay open, even to creative spaces.”

Mpuru encouraged younger learners to stay true to themselves and not be discouraged by setbacks. “Rejection is often just redirection,” she said.