Zara Iqbal wins hearts and accolades with her ‘Killer Mouthwash’ project that seeks to determine the effectiveness of the healthcare product across many brands
Zara Iqbal, a 13-year-old child prodigy, was awarded the first place at the National Institute of Water and Atmosphere research, Manukau region science fair for her innovative projecton ‘Killer Mouthwash’. This young mastermind took her love for science to another level through this project and has been successful in her inventions bringing laurels to her school and family.
Zara’s project ‘Killer Mouthwash’focused on finding the ingenuity of the claims made by various mouthwash brands and the effectiveness of the products. “I chose to investigate the effectiveness of mouthwash as we had many brands of mouthwash in our house, all claiming to do amazing things for the health of our mouth. I wanted to find out whether they did what they promised,” said Zara about her project.
“In a science laboratory, I grew and measured Micrococcus sp and Staphylococcus sp – both are live bacteria. Listerine Zero and Pam’s were the least effective against both bacteria, both inhibiting and killing no bacteria. Maclean’s was the most effective against Micrococcus sp and Sarakin,a herbal mouthwash, inhibited the most bacteria against Staphylococcus sp,”added Zara, while explaining her laboratory experiments for the project.
Zara’s interest for science started at a very early age. Being abright and diligent child, she has won many awards that back her ingenuity. Recollecting Zara’s childhood memories, her mother Clara Iqbal said, “We first realized that Zara had a flair and real interest in the sciences when her primary school, Willow Bank Primary, selected Zara for a talentprogramme.At that time, she was in year 5- 6, and she talked about it all the time.All her conversationswere about science that was understood primarily by her father. I am sure there is some genetic influence as her father is a microbiologist.But the other really important aspect, I think, was the exposure to science at an early age.”
“I think her successes have definitely enabled her to realize that she not only enjoys, but excels, in the area,” says Zara’s mother, adding, “Zara received specialist science awards in both years at intermediate;something we are all incredibly proud of.”
Zara’s father, Zak Iqbal, has been her mentor throughout. When asked about his daughter’s achievements, the proud father says, “I was thrilled at the success Zara achieved at the recent science fair. She had put immense time, effort and thought into her project.So it was great to see her efforts recognized. Zara has been extremely well supported and encouraged by her science teacher at St Kentigern College, Catherine May. She has also been fortunate to have passionate science teachers at intermediate and primary schools.”
Speaking highly of Zara’s achievement, Catherine May said, “She has a keen sense of enquiry. She conducted a smart and well-founded investigation based on her scientific knowledge and experiences. Zara entered the competition on her own initiative which demonstrates her self-motivation. She genuinely deserves this success.”
Duncan McQueen, the head of school, himself a science specialist, was very proud to acknowledge the personal endeavor and investigative spirit that Zara demonstrated in completing her project. “It was a credit to her passion for the sciences, which the college was keen to encourage for all learners,” he said.With young achievers like Zara, it is evident that the future of New Zealand’s scientific research is in promising hands.