NASA Names Asteroid after Female Saudi Student

Fatima bint Abdel Moneim Al Sheikh, was recognized for her research efforts in determining the effect of the novel Carl 2 Strigolactone analog on the seed germination of parasitic weeds

Jeddah, MINA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has named one of its asteroids after a female Saudi student for her efforts in the field of science, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The asteroid was named Al-Sheikh 33535 after 19-year-old Fatima Abdel-Moneim Al-Sheikh, “in recognition of her efforts and excellence in her research in Botany,” SPA said.

Al-Sheikh won the second place at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) in 2016 for her research entitled ‘Determination of the effectiveness of innovative Strygolactone-Carl 2 on seed germination of parasitic weeds‘.

The annual fair is the world’s largest international pre-college science competition and attracts approximately 1,800 high school students from more than 75 countries, regions, and territories.

Al-Sheikh represented her school Al Faisaliah Islamic Schools in Khobar at the event last year, and won $1,500.    (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)