Planet named after John Cooper School science teacher

John Cooper School science teacher Ekbal Touma, pictured above, recently had a planet named after her to honor her work with a former student.

John Cooper School science teacher Ekbal Touma had a planet named after her to honor her work with a former student.

Touma, a seventh grade teacher, learned of the honor during summer break, when the Massachusetts Institute of Technology emailed her with the news that a minor planet was named Ekbaltouma, according to a John Cooper School news release.

"I couldn't believe my eyes," Touma said, referring to the email, in the press release.

She was selected for her work mentoring Cooper alum and Princeton University freshman Oliver Quintero.

Touma worked with Quintero on various science fair assignments during his middle and high schools years, including the project On the Synthesis of a New Wide Electrochemical Window Ionic Liquid for Advanced Electrochemical Endeavors. This submission secured his place as a finalist in the national Science Talent Search competition of the Society for Science, and the Public and Intel Foundation, according to the release.

The planet, located in the asteroid belt, can be viewed on clear night with a telescope, according to the release.

The John Cooper School is at 1 John Cooper Drive, The Woodlands. To learn more about the school and its programs, visit www.johncooper.org.