Ethan Albright has always been inquisitive.

Just ask his grandmother Cathleen Jones and his mom, Jennifer Albright.

Growing up near the Susquehanna River, Ethan often posed science-related queries. "As far back as I can remember, I would ask my grandma, 'What type of fish is that? What kind of plant is that?' I was always just a really curious kid," he said.

Jennifer playfully reminds Ethan about those days. "My mom has told me stories about how annoying I was," he said.

Now? "They think I'm 'extra' with all the stuff that I do," Ethan said with a laugh, using a slang term that means "over the top." "I don't think they particularly understand all of it."

The Hempfield High School rising senior is still asking questions, and now, he's starting to supply his own answers.

With his project, "Reel Problems. Reel Solutions. Combating Microplastics in Aquatic Ecosystems With Biodegradable Fishing Lures," Ethan finished in third place out of more than 1,200 entries from students in seven countries in the Materials Science category at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), which was held May 11 to 16 in Columbus, Ohio.

"It was nothing that I've ever felt before," Ethan said. "I wasn't particularly expecting to get a placement. So when I did, I jumped up and threw my hands on my head and ran up on the stage. It was just really fun to be a part of, and it was really rewarding to see my research commended."

He is eyeing a return trip to ISEF next spring. He exchanged pins with students from Saudi Arabia, Ireland, and Thailand and made many new friends and reconnected with old ones. "It was probably the most fun week of my life," Ethan said.

Ethan earned the Senior Division Champion award at the North Museum Science & Engineering Fair (NMSEF) in March to earn the opportunity to compete at the ISEF.

Ethan noted that he was motivated by teacher Troy Deveney's AP Environmental Science class at Hempfield, and he was also inspired by Amy Thompson's chemistry course. Hempfield physics teacher Neal Kuhn was Ethan's adviser for the science fair, and the two spent hours completing paperwork. "(Mr. Kuhn) was a really big help throughout the whole process," said Ethan, who plans to attend college and study both business and science.

As is typically the case at science fairs, Ethan identified a problem and then sought a solution. An ardent angler, he said he discovered that many lures are made of plastic, which contains harmful plasticizers that can cause cancer. The lures can break off a fisherman's line, and Ethan frequently saw those lures on the bottom of the Susquehanna River while he swam with cousins. "The big issue that I was trying to tackle was the release of microplastics and synthetic plasticizers from the synthetic lures," he said.

He quickly realized that anglers use those lures because they are effective, so he attempted to mimic the properties of the synthetic lures, but by using biodegradable materials.

Ethan conducted several functionality tests, and his findings showed that his lure compared favorably to plastic lures on the market in a light transmission comparison test, sinking test, and strength test.

Ethan stated he is not the first person to make a biodegradable lure, but his lures, which utilize a biopolymer hydrogel, provide an eco-friendly and inexpensive option.

It costs 15 cents for Ethan to construct one of his lures by hand. He said a pack of 10 synthetic lures ranges from $7 to $10. A 10-pack of Ethan's lures would cost $1.50 to make. Factoring in biodegradable packaging at an expense of 20 cents per unit, Ethan estimates it would cost $1.70 to get a pack of 10 of his lures into the hands of consumers.

Ethan would love to turn his science fair project into a business and is looking into the possibility. It's a costly proposition, and Ethan does not have much free time. He is a member of the Black Knights' varsity soccer team, as well as the Anchor Club and National Honor Society. He co-founded the school's Coding Club with Autumn Winane and will be Student Council president next school year.

His tentative plan is to start small by selling the lures in tackle and bait shops in Columbia. "If they are doing well, I would 100% start manufacturing them and try to get them into bigger stores," he said.

For now, Ethan is content with making sure his family members have access. He gave some lures to his cousin Cash Jones as an Easter present. Ethan; his dad, Justin; and uncles Eric and John use the lures on their frequent fishing trips. "They love the lures," Ethan said. "They think it's the coolest thing ever. I am flattered by how much they praise me for it."