Sumaiya Iqbal tells the fascinating story of 17-year-old Labib Tazwar Rahman, who has already worked with some of the leading scientists at CERN, the leading European Nuclear research facility while still studying for his A Levels
How many can actually have their dreams come true, that too at a time when one has just finished high school? There are truly only a handful of individuals who can say they have been to a place millions dream of visiting, let alone working there.
At the mere age of 17, Labib Tazwar Rahman had the opportunity to work at CERN, the European organisation for Nuclear research that also operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world; the place where dreams come true for science enthusiasts. It is a rare occasion that the organisation takes in interns from countries which are not member states, but an exception was made in the case of this brilliant young man.
Labib was fortunate to have spent a whole week at the institute under the guidance of the best minds of science. He worked there as a Compact Muon Solenoid personnel and his initial task was to design a device which uses single electrons to produce large currents. The device called ‘Compact Muon Solenoid Gas Electron Multiplier’ was to be on display at CERN’s Microcosm Museum but due to a few complications, the project could not be completed.
After that project, Labib was assigned to work on a paper which deals with the usage of particles in radiology, portal imaging, and x-ray mechanism. The paper is soon to be published for summer interns by CERN in one of its yearly publications.
Among his many other tasks, he also engaged in rewriting the exhibit labels of the old particle accelerators of the Microcosm Museum and assisting fellow researchers, renowned professionals in their respective fields at the institute.
Not only was he exposed to the best works in the field but also to the most hard working individuals, all keen on making their respective contributions to the planet. ‘The people there all have one thing in common- they work all the time and everywhere. Be it during lunch or while having a conversation, they always have their laptops on their laps, working away,’ says the 17-year-old with much admiration. At CERN, it did not matter where you came from and who you were as long as you worked your best and helped develop the world of innovation. What made it even more enjoyable for Labib was how down to earth each and every person was at CERN, regardless of how popular or respected they were in their professions. ‘The men and women there are true slaves to their work; their true passion radiates through their dedication. That is what inspired me the most,’ mentions Labib beaming.
How was this all possible you ask? It was Labib’s online participation in the Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge with his team appearing in the Aerospace and Aviation category that helped facilitate the internship at CERN. The challenge was one organised by the Conrad Foundation for the Conrad Innovation Summit 2015. The summit is an annual gathering of the most innovative minds from around the world to have their various projects presented to the foundation. These projects, in the different categories, propose solutions to problems faced in the numerous fields of Science. Labib’s team consisted of three students including himself and their project called ‘Staticos’ was a model for ensuring flight safety when the electrostatic charge generated gathers on the surface of an aeroplane sometimes leading to chances of power failure in the cockpit. The project eventually got selected as one of the 10 semi-finalists in the Aerospace and Aviation Category.
The team won two most strenuous rounds online and with the win, the team made its way to representing Bangladesh among 50 other international teams at the summit held at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida while also enjoying a visit to NASA.
It was through the summit that Labib met a student from Delhi who underwent a similar internship at CERN. Through him Labib was introduced to Dr Archana Sharma, a staff physicist at CERN and the lady who would be his supervisor there; soon enough after the summit he sent in his resume and after an exchange of emails, several steps passed and confirmation from the Compact Muon Solenoid Secretariat, Labib was officially invited for the week long internship.
To understand how this 17 year old, fresh into his A levels at the Academia school in Dhaka, made his way to one of the most prestigious research institutes of all time, New Age Youth delved deeper into his story.
Labib proved to be different than the rest from his very childhood. As far as he can remember, his curiosity to know of how things worked drove him. ‘I used to be that child with screw drivers in his hands attacking any gadget that came his way. My curiosity has always led me to asking questions about how things, especially electronics, functioned,’ he says with a laugh.
Labib’s initial schooling was at the St. Joseph Higher Secondary School. When asked about his days there, the very first thing he mentioned was how school in fact disappointed him as it dampened his curiosity to a large extent. He felt as if he, along with the other students, were being shaped to meet the demands of the society and thus not being allowed to explore their own individual intellectual hunches.
‘We had nothing but a few Science fairs from the second to the fifth grade and that was a huge let down,’ he frowns. It was not until the ninth grade that he was actively involved in debate both nationally and internationally, travelling to places such as Thailand, Malaysia and India for tournaments.
His passion for science, in particular physics, stuck throughout. Labib has also always shared an interest in the environment which led to his participation in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize 2015, an annual competition for individuals aged 15- 20 to showcase their projects for solving the various water related problems in the environment. The competition is one conducted by the Stockholm International Water Institute with the award ceremony held at Stockholm during the World Water Week. Labib and his team of two others made their way through the national rounds making their way to Stockholm with their invention, the ‘Aqua Processor’, which harvests rain water as well as recycles grey water and can be used by new building owners to improve water efficiency as well as help consumers reduce their water bills in the long run. The invention also cuts down river pollution to a large extent thus helping the environment.
Besides being a science enthusiast, Labib is also a budding activist, advocating for social change particularly when it regards the needs of the physically and mentally disabled. He currently has his own initiative called ‘InclusionX’ which brings together students to be part of the lives of those with disabilities at school, helping them build better understanding and awareness on the issue.
The nation only waits for more tales of success from Labib, an inspiration to all of his age and older. That passion paired with curiosity is all that is needed to have dreams come true has been proved by this young man.