Asteroid named after Saudi researcher Fatima by NASA

RIYADH: This talented young Saudi female researcher got NASA-certified asteroid named after her. NASA names one of its asteroids “Al-Sheikh 33535″ after Fatima bint Abdel Moneim Al Sheikh. The now 19-year-old Fatima a student at Al Faisaliah Islamic Schools in Khobar represented her school at the 2016’s Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) event last year. Her research entitled ‘Determination of the effectiveness of innovative Strygolactone-Carl 2 on seed germination of parasitic weeds‘, which looked at plant hormones. She won second place and claimed US $1,500 for her efforts at the world’s largest international pre-college science competition. NASA wanted to reward the teen “in recognition of her efforts and excellence in her research in botany”, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. Fatima was pleased by the news of getting recognition from NASA. Saudi Prince Turki bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz congratulate the winner and her family and also urged “all the talented young Saudi people in science, research and creativity to continue along the path of innovation and excellence,” according to Gulf Business.