High school students compete at first SAMIS research colloquium

by Ahmed Abdelnasser

AI-controlled robots, comparison of miswak and tootbrush, and solar-charged cars were among the topics high school students presented at the first SAMIS Research Colloquium held last June 14.

Selected students of grades 1011 presented their research proposals supported by parallel research, while the grade 12 students presented a complete research paper.

"This colloquium aims to develop students' scientific ability and innate curiosity towards their surroundings," Mr. Romar Pascual, STEM Supervisor, said. "Those who didn't present were still immersed in writing a research proposal and learned how to start the research process," Mr. Pascual added. The research presentation was scrutinized and judged by Mr. Ibrahim

Mafouz, a former professor of the college of medicine at Taif University. He also talked about the significance and relevance of conducting research in the new milieu. Dr. Siraj Alharti, SAMIS Head of Research and Development, also attended the event.

This is an effort to make the students become research-oriented individuals and to make the school a center for research and excellence.

"I am in constant communication with the school's Head of Research and Development, Dr. Siraj Al-Harti, and we hope to publish more and more completed research." Mr. Pascual said, as for SAMIS's plans ahead, "We plan to make research a SAMIS tradition and to allow high school students opportunities for mental and psychological development for years to come," he further stated.

Sci-dept holds STEAM Research Expo

by Shady Ahmed

To encourage students to develop their scientific ability and critical thinking skills, Sci-Math Department organized Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Research Expo on September 29, 2022.

Under the supervision of Mr. Romar Pascual and Mr. Abdullah Ashmawi, the Science and Mathematics Department came up with the STEAM Expo, an exhibit program in which the students from grades 7 to 12 were required to work together and think of creative and educational scientific research.

Dr. Ayman Al Harbi, a scientist by profession, a retired Physics teacher, an astronomer, and a well-known STEM trainer and consultant in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was the resource speaker of the program.

Dr. Al Harbi helped the participants to understand the importance of scientific research for future generations. "Right now, this generation depends on your youthful mind. You are the future for the upcoming years of this world," Dr. Al Harbi said.

Comments and suggestions were provided to the student-researchers to improve their work. “Sir Ayman provided feedback on how the projects can be better, and on how students can reframe their mindsets. One of the goals being sought in this Expo is for students to have an innovative, creative, and unique project,” Sir Romar, Science Department Supervisor, said.

SAMIS plans to make this program a yearly event. They will open it to different students from all grades

“In the future we want this Expo to be an annual activity. The rollout should be bigger. It will not only be for the selected students, but it will be open for all students ranging from elementary to high school with the help of their Science, Math and Computer teachers too. It will also be placed in a bigger venue to provide more opportunities for the students of SAMIS” Sir Romar stated.

Three groups were hailed as winners in the event. 3rd place were the Grade 6 students namely Omar Adel, Yamen Khaled, and Abdulrahman Khaled with their research topic “Micro Drone with Microbits.” They were coached by Mr. Robin Aler and Mr. Zacharie Meto.

2nd place were the Grade 10 students namely Abdullah Hajid, Ali Islam, Nour Ayman, and Shady Ahmed with the research topic “Extracting DNA from Fragaria Ananassa, Musa, and Actinidia - a Basis for Biotechnological Genetic Engineering”. They were coached by Mr. Paolo Azul Canicosa and Mr. Louis Guinto.

1st place were the Grade 7 students namely Mohammed Aydin and Saif Hesham with the research topic “SPARC - The Efficiency of Solar Panels as Alternative Source of Energy Compared to Rechargeable Battery.” They were coached by Mr. Felix Olarita and Mr. Mj Sadicon.

Other group of students presented the following scientific research topics: Grade 8: Flood Control and Monitoring System using Arduino; Grade 9: Exploring Chemistry with a Red Cabbage using PH Indicator; Grade 11: The Rubber Hand Illusion - the Science Behind the Mind-Body Connection; and Grade 12: Solar Powered Farm.

Research Colloquium Winners

Research Papers

Best Research Paper: The Efficiency of Utilizing AI Technology in Vehicles' Driving Automation through Unity 3D Simulation by Abdullah Gouiaa, Noah Motaz, Noor Eldin Mahmoud, and Mohammed Khidr

Best Research Presenter: Noor Eldin Mahmoud

Best Research Poster: Abdullah Gouiaa

Research Proposal

Best Research Paper for Grade 10: Utilization of AI Controlled Robot for Surface Area Disinfection and 3D Path Finding by Ijtihed Kilani, Fahad Mohammed, Awab Al Faki

Best Resereach Presenter for Grade 10: Rezkallah Fadi Douna

Best Research Paper for Grade 11: The Use of Isolated ACC Deaminase on Plants under Stress as Growth Treatment in Comparison to the Use of Nitrogen Fertilizers and Bacterial Fertilizers by Loay Mostafa

Best Research Presenter for Grade 11: Ahmed Essam

Published Papers

Medicinal Effects and Phytochemical Composition of Capparis

Cartilaginea: A Review ISSN 2218-3973 (Bioscience Research)

Proponents: Dr. Siraj Alharti, Mr. Romar P. Pascual, and Islam Mohammmed Islam Tayeb

RAS Gene Mutations and Their Prevalence in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Review ISSN 1811-9506 (Bioscience Research)

Proponents: Dr. Siraj Alharti, Mr. Romar P. Pascual, and Islam Mohammmed Islam Tayeb

Grade 3

Omar Ahmed Makram Salem

Grade 10

Ali Mohamed Eslam Tayeb