BULACAN—Mahmooda Aziza Bhatti, a young student scientist from Bulacan, has recently made headlines by winning a prestigious gold medal at the World Youth STEM Invention Innovation 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This recognition came as a result of her innovative work in life sciences, particularly for her development of a sustainable antiparasitic spray.
According to Philippines News Agency, the victory was a culmination of her focused research on utilizing natural plant extracts, specifically Rauvolfia serpentina and Peperomia pellucida, to combat the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus Latreille. Her research provides a safer, plant-based alternative to chemical tick repellents, which pose risks to both environmental and human health. Bhatti’s project not only earned the gold medal but also four special awards for promoting sustainable practices.
Growing up in a biracial household, Bhatti was deeply influenced by her Pakistani father, Mutahir Saeed Bhatti, a retired businessman and avid reader of medical literature. His influence and her own early experiments using household materials to address personal challenges like acne-prone skin laid the groundwork for her future in scientific research. Her initial experiments with natural ingredients led her to deeper scientific inquiries and innovations.
Bhatti’s commitment to science is matched by her academic pursuits; she is a secondary education student majoring in English with a minor in Mandarin at Bulacan State University. Despite her scientific achievements, Bhatti has also excelled in the arts, winning a gold medal in an international essay writing competition organized by the Malaysian Young Scientist Organization in 2023.
Her story is a testament to the synergy between scientific inquiry and social impact. Bhatti is actively involved in campus journalism and youth empowerment initiatives, blending her passion for science with her commitment to community service. She is an advocate for making science and technology accessible to young people, enabling them to drive societal and economic advancements.
As Bhatti prepares for the upcoming Asia Pacific Conference of Young Scientists 2024 in Malaysia, she continues to inspire other young scientists with her dedication to finding solutions that foster a sustainable future. She is set to present her latest research on developing an eco-friendly cockroach repellent, further establishing her role as a leader in sustainable scientific innovation.