At just 17 years old, Husna Docrat, a Grade 11 learner from St Dominics Newcastle, is already making waves in the scientific community. This follows her selection to represent South Africa at the esteemed International Science Expo in Bali, Indonesia, in May 2024.
Husna’s groundbreaking project, “Bioplastics: Plastic of the Future,” has gained recognition for its innovative approach to addressing environmental concerns, leading to her being selected for the upcoming international science expo.
Speaking with Newcastillian News about receiving the news of her selection, Husna shared, “Honestly, it was overwhelming. I was studying when I received the email, and I was so excited that I struggled to concentrate on my studies. It felt good that all my hard work had paid off.”
Her project stemmed from a simple observation of the extensive use of plastic bags in daily life. “My mom goes shopping, and I noticed how many plastic bags are actually used by people on a daily basis, and it got me thinking,” she explained.
Realising that plastic bags inject immense pollution into the environment, she immediately began researching steps to address the problem. Seeking eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics, Husna embarked on a mission utilising everyday materials like potato and banana peels.
“I found a recipe that used certain chemicals with potato and banana peels, which I then tried and it worked. I then developed my own recipe without using chemicals, as I wanted my project to have a better impact on the environment and not create pollution.”
Moreover, Husna’s deep-seated desire to make a positive impact on the environment emanates from her work. “It is sad to see the way the world is impacted through plastic. Animals also digest a lot of plastic, and my project can help with this,” she noted.
Through meticulous experimentation, Husna successfully produced bioplastics boasting both strength and durability, along with environmental sustainability. What sets her project apart is its eco-friendly decomposition process, with her bioplastics breaking down within six months in aquatic and terrestrial environments, offering a practical alternative to traditional plastics without environmental harm.
As her project showcased potential, she entered it into her school science fair, where Husna clinched second place. But this was just the beginning, as Husna went on to win a gold medal for her project during the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists in Northern KwaZulu-Natal.
This event was held in Newcastle during August 2023. She then went on to enter the 2023 Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF) which was held in Boksburg during October 2023. At the ISF, she secured another gold. In addition to the gold, she also placed at the top of the category for chemistry and biochemistry.
As her project gained momentum in the build-up to her being selected for the science expo in Bali, Husna said, “It was really unexpected, but it was a great accomplishment, as I put a lot of work into it, and my parents helped me a lot, so this project is close to me,” she smiled.
Furthermore, St Dominics Newcastle highlighted that Husna’s dedication to environmental innovation served as an inspiration to her peers and teachers alike. The school explained that her achievement underscored the importance of nurturing scientific curiosity and problem-solving skills among young minds. Executive Head of St Dominics Newcastle, Chad Moses, along with the entire St Doms community, extends a huge congratulations to Husna on this remarkable accomplishment.
As Husna Docrat prepares to embark on her international journey, let us celebrate her commitment to scientific excellence and wish her success in representing South Africa on the global stage.
Share your thoughts and best wishes for Husna in the comments below.
