The current environment of Pakistan had decelerated the educational progress, especially the research field is lagging behind all. However, in these circumstances besides all difficulties and hindrances, there is still some hope and enthusiasm for young talent. Pakistan Science club is searching for such motivations and power spark in the young generation and promoting them worldwide so to increase competition and innovations in Pakistan’s youth. Fatima Sohail is one of the brightening stars keen interested in the research of energy production by different means to solve the energy crisis. She worked on “Generation of Power through Hot air” and wave power electric generator.
Fatima appeared in Intel Provincial Science Fair held from 06th December to 8th December 2010 and with the declaration of best in the category of Physics, chosen for National level. At National Science Fair Islamabad from 14th January to 18th January 2011, she was declared Best of Category physics as well Grand winner. Grand winning at the National level took Fatima to the International Science and Engineering Fair in California, USA, from 8th to 13th May 2011, where 1600 participants were representing 80 countries of the world
Please introduce yourself.( Education, , Hobbies, Passion)
I am Fatima Sohail student of BS First year in the computational finance department NED University of Karachi. I passed my SSC Exam with 85% and got 79% in the intermediate exam from DA Institutions. I am very much interested in research projects, especially in Physics as well as reading books in science topics to improve my further knowledge. I love mathematics that’s why chose the Computational Finance Applied Mathematics department of NED University. I want to serve for my country and continue my research projects for the progress of our motherland to resolve the problem faced by us.
Briefly tell me about your past projects, research, current work and future plans.
The first experience of my life was, participation in Intel Science Fair 2011 at the provincial level from DA Model School Phase IV, topic was “Generation of Power through Hot air” when I was a student of class IX. My father was the mentor of many research projects and adviser to the science club in DA SKBZ College I took interest in science activities, Fortunately, In the first time, I got best of the category Physics at the provincial level and was nominated for the National level. I participated and got not only Best of Category Physics as well Grand winner at National Science Fair 2011 and got a chance to represent to Pakistan ( my motherland ) at California, USA which was the Happiest day of my life. After that, I participated continuously in Inter DA Science Fairs and got 1st Prize also in Intel Science Fair 2012 & 2013 and got Best of Category Physics at Provincial levels.
Recently, I am working on my new research projects on O-Zone Layer to save our earth. I was also selected to participate at International Olympiad with the project “Generation of power through reflection and refraction of sunlight on an ionic liquid ” but unfortunately because of my paper and no support of the Science Society was not possible to participate in the event. Hope this year will continue and participate if possible. I am going to decide to continue research in future also become a scientist and serve for the benefit of humanity.
How did you get the ideas to make projects?
My father who was the adviser to the science club and made many projects which were displayed at District, provincial, and National Levels and awarded many prizes. He also discussed me about the projects and also motivated me to participate in the exhibitions. He also performed as Grand Award judge at Intel International Science Fair 2012, also in many science fairs. That’s why I got inspired in the research process and started work on different projects.
How were you first interested in this field of science?
As I took interest in science from childhood but, when I was in class 1X, First time I participated in the Inter DA Science Fair and got first prize , which encouraged me in the field.
How did you get the ideas to make projects?
I always discussed with my father about the new ideas and after selection, I started research under his supervision.
Who was your inspiration and what inspires you to pursue this field?
I am very lucky that my first participation and stood first not only inspired me to continue in the field but also help and support of my teachers, School Principal and my family I pursue in the field. While In college I was discouraged and not supported, I faced many problems but on that time my father not only encouraged me also guided me to continue this process. I am only disclosing because next time they must understand their responsibilities and support the students who wants to work in the field.
Where were your projects performed at home, at school, and college laboratory?
I performed all of my projects at home and in different laboratories.
How did you build your technical skills?
First time I worked on the project I was declared Grand Winner from Pakistan. I performed many experiments to generate the power by different techniques at last, I got it and completed it. By the way, I learned more about the technicalities and step by step improved my skills in the field.
Who was your guide?
Prof Sohail Ibrahim (mentor & father) guided me in all research projects. For that I must thank to my family who not only allowed me to participate but also guided me and resolved my problems.
Did your family, friends or teachers help in your projects?
Yes. My all teachers & Friends always supported me in my projects.
What happens with your projects after completion? Is it applicable to industries or domestic? Any GOVT or private organization approached you?
Number of my projects is applicable to industries or domestic, but unfortunately, no one responded and approached while on media these projects displayed and well presented. I want to serve for the country to resolve the hurdles and problems of the common peoples and will continue my efforts as much as possible to me in future.
Briefly tell about your participation in the Intel ISEF participation?
First experience of my life was, participation in Intel Science Fair 2011 at provincial level from DA Model School Phase IV, topic was “Generation of Power through Hot air” when I was student of class IX. My father who was the mentor of many research projects and adviser to science club in DA SKBZ College I took interest in science activities, Fortunately In the first time I got “Best of category Physics” at provincial level and nominated for the National level. I participated and got not only “Best of Category Physics” as well “Grand winner” at National Science Fair 2011 and got chance to represent to Pakistan ( my motherland ) at California , USA which was the Happiest day of my life. After that I participated continuously in Inter DA Science Fairs and got 1st Prize also in Intel Science Fair 2012 & 2013 and got “Best of Category Physics” at Provincial levels. I fell myself very fortunate that continuously got “Best of category Physics” from 2011 to 2013 at Provincial level in Intel Science Fairs.
How did you approach to Intel ISEF?
Number of students of my father participated in Intel Science Fairs and got many prizes so I was inspired and took part in Intel.
What were their criteria for selection of participants?
The main theme of research projects is reality, validity, ideas which is applicable. One of the main parts is presentation and command on your thoughts which shows your confidence and clarity about your project.
What did you learn from there?
I learnt a lot which cannot be expressed in words. But I feel this is the best Platform for the students to improve their scientific skills and knowledge. By the participation at International level I learnt how to handle the different situations, got confidence and sharing thoughts with the others.
What difference did you see among international students and Pakistani Students?
They have lot of resources and funds in the institutions and they have supported by their governments but unfortunately in our case yet we are not looking sincere, our officials are looking lack of interest in the field of science. I am very much clear to say that at the International level from Pakistan maximum five projects allow to participate while from other countries more than ten or more projects in competition.
How were your feelings when you selected for Intel ISEF?
By the Grace of Al Mighty ALLAH when I was declared Grand winner I was very happy but also was feeling the responsibility because now I was going to represent the Pakistan at International level and I was only 14 years old and this was the great success of my life which cannot be express in words.
How did Pakistani media response to your achievement?
I am very thankful to the media for their presentation and broadcasting my views on air also my number of projects displayed at Geo, CNBC, Ary, Aaj etc channels.
How about your future plans?
I will try my best to introduce more research projects and will continue my further efforts in field of science. I hope the Pakistan science foundation and other science organization will also help and support me to serve for the betterment of motherland. Also our competent authorities will think about it and will support the students and young builders of the nation who wants to serve for the country.
How are you contributing for the promotion of science and technology in Pakistan?
I am not only approaching to the organizations working in the field of science also participating and provide guideline to other in the field.
Where do you like Pakistan to stand? What plans do you have for Pakistan, if any?
As we are the Muslim, I want to be a Pakistan must stand at the top in field of science. I Plan to continue my research projects and work especially at the university level also.
What troubles did you have during the Intel ISEF?
Because of all arrangements made by Intel we had not feel any trouble during the Intel ISEF except this is too tough assignment especially second day which is the Day of Judgment when judges visited and we engaged for the whole day and enjoy every moment.
Did any Government Institution help you?
No, this is very sorry to say that our Government institutions are not working sincerely for the improvement of science and technology which is the basic need of our motherland.
How do you think that the government should help people like you?
I think that our competent authorities must think for the improvement of latest technology especially in research and which is not possible without the help & support of the students who are working on the projects.
Do you like to give any message to fellow students, the public and the government from the platform of Pakistan Science Club?
I would like to say to the new young scientists that be sincere and work hard for the sake of motherland so we can fulfill the requirement and meet the challenges of the world.
For the public I want to say that Please; co-operate and help your children to participate in such science exhibitions and contribute with them.
At the Government level is very important to help the young students, provide the chances, scholarships. And other benefits for the students who are working in the field of science & technology. Organize the Exhibitions & provide the Platforms, help the young scientists.
How can you contribute from the platform of Pakistan Science Club?
It’s my pleasure to contribute my view and ideas with younger’s on the Platform of Pakistan Science Club and will serve for the betterment of the country.
