SANTA CLARA, California – A young Muslim teen from Santa Clara, California, has won national recognition for his medical research, after being chosen as one of 30 middle school students nationwide to compete in the 2018 Broadcom MASTERS Competition in Washington, DC.
“Science competitions like the Broadcom MASTERS are critical to the STEM talent pipeline,” said Maya Ajmera, President & CEO of the Society for Science & the Public and Publisher of Science News, The Silicon Valley Voice reported.
“I applaud all the impressive young people who have been named finalists.”
Ismail was selected by the Broadcom Foundation and Society for Science & the Public in recognition of his efforts to find a treatment for invasive candidiasis.
Candidiasis is caused by a type of yeast. In his research, Ismail tested combinations of antifungal agents and studied the effect of the treatment on the cellular structure of baker’s yeast.
He hopes to synthesize new antifungal agents to further combat yeast infections and yeast infection-related deaths.
The young Muslim teen will participate in the nation’s premier middle school science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competition.
Although Ahmad Ismail did not win additional honors in the final competition, participating affirmed his decision to seek a career in medicine, possibly as a doctor.
As a finalist, Ismail received a $500 cash award and an all-expense paid trip for himself and a chaperone to Washington, DC, in October, where he competed for $100,000 in prizes.
“The science fair competition in Washington was really insightful,” said Ismail.
“I met others who shared a talent and passion in science. It really motivated me to continue my research and probe for real-world problems.”
“We’re very pleased to have Ahmad selected as one of 30 finalists nationwide. We’re very happy as parents,” said Ismail’s father, Maidul Islam, who accompanied him to Washington.