Dr. Arif Pyarali, Dr. Zahra Suleman and Dr. Sara Moiz – Intel ISEF 2008

Intel ISEF is one of a kind platform which helps new talent to shine on an international platform. Change lives of students; appreciates, validates their ideas and celebrates their victory nationwide. This is how Dr. Arif Pyarali, Dr. Zahra Suleman and Dr. Sara Moiz Ali of Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Karachi became the integral part of Intel ISEF 2008. Winning the First Position, Special Award by American Intellectual Property Law Association at Intel ISEF 2008 held at Atlanta, Georgia they became the celebrated young researchers of Pakistan. “In those days Nanotechnology was a far-flung idea even for students in US and we invented a drug of it. We never knew it was a massive thing until international bodies came to our presentation and stayed late understanding the entire process. It changed my life completely and obviously for the better” says Dr. Arif Pyarali. Dr. Arif Pyarali

In words of Dr. Zahra, “ISEF made me ready to lead in anything and everything and has also developed a wider sense of vision, performing my duties with more responsibility. I developed a visible urge to prove myself”.

“A thought which does not result in an action is nothing much, and an action which does not proceed from a thought is nothing at all” – George Bernanos. Talking about ISEF Dr. Sara says, “ISEF has been promoting the thoughts of young generation and providing them a platform to share what they think. Through research, students identify and tackle challenging scientific questions, looking for solutions to the problems. Our research was only one example of how students in Pakistan can work towards finding solutions for local problems”. Dr. Sara Moiz did her MBBS from DOW University of Health Sciences and started her career as a house officer in Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre.

Today: Dr. Arif Pyarali is working as a Soft Skill Expert in Learning Minds Group a reputed management consulting and training firm. Dr. Zahra Suleman completed her BDS and is working as a faculty member in Fatima Jinnah Dental College, while Dr. Sara Moiz Ali is working as a Resident Medical Officer at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation.

Malik Usama Awan – Intel ISEF 2009

14 years old Malik Usama Awan, resident of district Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan, participated in the 2009 Intel ISEF with the dream to make a difference to the world with a research based project in Environmental Sciences Category titled “Effect of mixed-culture of Typha domingenasis and Phragmites karka on the efficiency of subsurface flow constructed wetland (SFCW) for sewage treatment”. “I was 14 years old then and that experience changed the direction of my life. I was selected as one of the five finalists to represent Pakistan in Intel ISEF; it was a great honor and privilege for me. The mere experience of participating in such a great fair was amazing”.

Intel ISEF opened new doors for Usama, after coming back from USA, he went on to participate in International Environmental Project Olympiad (INEPO) held in Istanbul, Turkey from May 24th – 27th, 2009 where 501 projects from 41 countries participated. Usama was awarded “Gold Medal” for his project. With the same project he entered into Education and Science Olympiad held in Izmir, Turkey the same year, and secured 1st position and was awarded cash prize of 2,000 Turkish Liras. Usama believes in dedication and hard-work, he said “hard work and dedication have taught me a lot, they have changed the way I look at the world. I have learned to face the challenges and cope with my fears”. 

He also represented Pakistan at International12591926_1243559475658379_1844296556_o Environmental Scientific Project Olympiad (INESPO) held at Amsterdam, Netherlands in 2010 and stood first; he was awarded a Gold Medal and cash prize of 500 Euros. Usama Awan was also selected for I-SWEEEP, the International Sustainable World (Energy, Engineering, and Environment) Project Olympiad, which was held from 14th to 19th April, 2010 at Houston, USA. He competed with 702 projects from 70 countries and 44 states of USA and got 2nd position. Usama says: “I am extremely proud and happy to have represented Pakistan at 6 international science fairs. My parents and my teachers have been a source of inspiration and guidance throughout the process and without their support I would not have been able to achieve this much. Intel ISEF played a vital role in giving me direction and helped me to seek new opportunities”. His achievements show that great ability develops and reveals itself increasingly with every new assignment. Later, the Federal Ministry of Youth Affairs awarded him National Youth Award for his achievements in the field of Science and Technology.

“My participation in Intel ISEF helped me in getting admission in the university. And the experience I gained there helps me understand the complexities in scientific research. I still participate in project competitions in my university and at national level here in Turkey”. TODAY, Malik Usama Awan has graduated from Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkey attended the class of 2013 to 2017 in Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

Syed Zaki Hussain – Intel ISEF 2009

International competitions play an important role in the education of highly talented high and higher secondary school students opening new possibilities to extend their knowledge in sciences. Perhaps most of the participating students later pursue subjects if

18947315_10209973003070250_1884947996_o (1)their interest at various universities and become researchers reporting at scientific conferences, this first appearance may be a decisive factor in their future scientific career, for instance like Syed Zaki Hussain from Sir Syed Science College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. 

Syed Zaki Hussain was a finalist in Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2009 held in Reno, Nevada.

“I must say that at the time of my participation, I was neither skilled nor had enough knowledge of research. The only thing that I had was passion for research. I participated in ISEF to gain experience and I did not expect that the experience I was gaining at ISEF would change my life. It was an eye opener for me. I realized the importance of research and how much we lack in this aspect. At that moment, I decided to pursue research as a career. I plan to continue this by getting a Ph.D. in Biotechnology. I think that research is the key for better future. All this is because of the exposure that I got at ISEF”, says Zaki while talking about his participation at Intel ISEF.

Syed Zaki Hussain TODAY is doing M. Phil in Pharmaceutical Sciences and wants to pursue a career in Biotechnology.