The use of starchy soil as natural fertilizer won the approval of a panel of judges and this idea went on to win the grand prize at an annual science contest held in Kuwait last month. The Kuwait Science Fair (KSF) competition celebrated the accomplishments of some of the brightest young, aspiring scientists from schools across Kuwait and Ziad Abass was chosen as the grand prize winner.
Thirteen year-old Abass, from New English School beat 170 students who participated in the contest. ExxonMobil Kuwait and Kuwait Energy, the KSF founders, and honorary founder Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) announced the winners at a ceremony held at Regency Hotel last month.
Innovative science projects were judged during a three-day assessment by a panel of judges comprising of doctors, scientists, and engineers from renowned institutions in Kuwait. The youngest participant, Ziad Abass received a full scholarship in his discipline of choice from Northwestern University, an international internship at Schlumberger, a cash prize of KD 750, gift vouchers worth over KD 100 in value, certificates honouring their participation and ranking, and the first place trophy. The Kuwait Science Fair competition is the largest nation-wide annual competition, encompassing over 200 schools in Kuwait.
The competition was founded in 2008 by ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Kuwait Limited and Kuwait Energy Company in a shared commitment to generate student interest and excitement in math and science. This is to help inspire Kuwait's future scientists and innovators. Speaking with the Friday Times recently, a beaming Ziad expressed gratitude to everyone who helped him win. "I feel proud of myself. I am very excited and am grateful to my parents, my brother, and my school supervisor who supported me all the way. When they called my name, I was in total shock, I wasn't expecting it. My parents told me not to expect, although I felt intuitively that my work would win," he said.
Story of ambition
Ziad joined the competition last year and was selected only to the 'Best 100.' "At least, I was part of it and I garnered experience which I followed carefully, so I think it helps. I got the highest score this time," he said. Ziad, who is keenly interested in biological sciences, presented a research [experiment] using potato starch with enzymes as organic/natural fertilizer. "My research found a difference between chemical and natural fertilizers. The chemical fertilizer is cheap but really dangerous to environment and people. Organic-fertilizer is quite expensive but is harmless to human beings," he explained. "My research can introduce a natural fertilizer which is cheaper so that poor people can use.
I found out that an organism needs starch and protein for energy. I supplied the plant with the readymade starch from potato and enzymes. The starch is obtained from potatoes and enzymes are readily available in the market. When I tested it, it worked. The growth rate is higher for plants which don't have starch and enzyme supplies. The plants used are normal garden plants which we see every day. I have experimented with at least six pairs, three without the starch and enzymes, and the other three with them. I saw the difference; the growth rate was great when compared to the plant that had no starch and enzymes. The plants are placed in the same environmental conditions, same temperature," he added.
The first step was to get raw potato, mince it in a machine and then mix it with enzymes [tablets], which are then used in the soil. The concept of adding or supplying natural plants with nutrients was there. "The experiment can still be improved; they can add amino acid, because plants also need amino acid and proteins. We tested only one part, with starch and enzymes, it can be improved further, or perhaps we could improve it the next time again."
Asked if he was nervous about presenting his experiment to the panel of judges, he answered, "Kind of, but I did not show it. I stood there confidently and explained my work to them. My father's advice was to get the judge's attention by not letting them feel bored. He told me to avoid reading from the PowerPoint slide. I followed his advice and besides I knew what I was talking about since the experiment I presented was my own work. I spoke to the audience confidently. I think it was one the many reasons why I received the nod from them."
The learning curve
Ziad admitted to learning a lot from this competition, especially analyzing data and putting them on graphs/table. "I received a scholarship. It's a four-year scholarship at Northwestern University in the US. It's a well-known university and for me, it's invaluable. I know it can help a lot," he opined. Ideas poured into his head as he observed plants and living things around him. "I will really enhance my first experiment. My father told me to observe, not to stick on one idea but learn more, because he said, when I learn to be a good observer I can analyze and perhaps discover something new for humanity. I might think of an idea to improve anything that already exists, but would be very helpful to all of us in the future.
I want to broaden my spectrum, as my father's advice is to pursue what I want to do," he said. Abass loves plants and is interested in human anatomy too. He would take care of his own garden in Cairo. "I'm equally interested in human anatomy. I want to be a doctor one day, just like my father. Moreover, plants and humans share a symbiotic relationship. If I focus on the study of plants, I can help the environment, to reduce illnesses. Humans are prone to diseases that are caused by the environment. So in order to prevent diseases, someone should take care of plants around us, and discover things that can one day help humanity to live longer," he shared.
Abass' family supports him in his endeavour all the way. "We are three in the family. I am the middle child. I have an older brother and a younger sister. My brother helped me during research," he said. Abass is planning to take up medicine at Northwestern University, "I don't have the specifics as yet, but I want to become a doctor one day, just like my father." As a normal boy, he played PSP and computer games but finds it more comforting to read books. "I read books, novels and anything which interests me. I also play tennis, football and am learning karate too," he said.
Regarding the challenges facing young scientists in Kuwait, Abass was honest when he said that there is a lack of attention and support accorded to science and research. "Give more support to bright and aspiring scientists in Kuwait. People in Kuwait are talented and we have the ability to excel and compete. They only need support, some motivation and plenty of encouragement from the government," he said.
© Kuwait Times 2012
