The innovators of tomorrow are already here. In this series, we’ll spotlight young minds who are shaping the future of STEM with their creativity, passion, and groundbreaking ideas. These trailblazers prove that age is no barrier to making a lasting impact.
“If you can’t find a solution, be the solution.” -Gitanjali Rao
At just 18 years old, Gitanjali Rao has already earned the title of “Kid of the Year” by Time Magazine for her incredible contributions to STEM. From inventing water contamination detecting devices to advocating for sustainability, her work is a perfect example of the power of young minds to shape the future.
In our fast-paced world, innovation is momentous in fighting environmental issues, inequalities, and health crises. Gitanjali’s story underlines how young innovators, especially women, are leading the charge in shaping the future of STEM and using their knowledge to make a lasting impact.
Gitanjali was born in Colorado to Indian-American parents. Even from a young age, she showed great interest in how things worked. This interest drove her to explore science and technology. Her journey through STEM originated at home, doing simple experiments, which sparked her drive to solve real-world problems.
In her visit to India in 2017 she saw the water crisis close up, specifically the widespread lead contamination in drinking water. She also took inspiration from the Flint, Michigan water crisis, fueling her desire to take action further.
Her passion to take action on the water crisis did not come without challenges. Gitanjali experienced skepticism from others about her age and capabilities. Being a young woman in a male-dominated field, she had to prove herself time and again. Her resilience, curiosity, and determination allowed her to push through obstacles and stay focused on the mission.
Lead contamination in drinking water affects millions of people worldwide. The problem is particularly prevalent in places with underdeveloped infrastructure or areas facing economic disparities. In 2017 Gitanjali invented Tethys, a portable device that detects lead contamination in water. The device uses a microfluidic chip to analyze water samples and provide users with results in a matter of seconds. The invention was designed to be affordable and user-friendly, making it accessible to people in communities without access to advanced testing facilities.
In addition to Tethys, Gitanjali also worked on a project aimed at detecting microplastics in water, using artificial intelligence and sensors to identify and measure the tiny plastic particles that are harming ecosystems worldwide.
Developing her idea wasn’t easy. Gitanjali spent months conducting experiments, learning from failures, and redefining her design. Her process involved a lot of trial and error, and the constant push to make her invention not only effective but also affordable and portable. She worked closely with engineers and scientists to improve the device, always with the goal of providing a solution that would be accessible to people in need. She credits many mentors and collaborators for their support. From teachers to engineers, and even fellow students, Gitanjali emphasized the importance of teamwork in turning her ideas into reality. She mentions how her success wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance of experienced professionals who helped her through the tough times.
Gitanjali’s long-term goal is to continue developing technologies that address pressing issues like clean water access and environmental sustainability. She envisions a future where innovations like Tethys can be used globally to improve water quality and reduce environmental harm caused by pollution. Today Gitanjali is a freshman in college at MIT, working to further her knowledge so she can go on to do even more for our planet.
“If you have an idea that can make the world a better place, don’t wait. You are capable of achieving great things, no matter your age or background.” — Gitanjali Rao
Gitanjali’s work serves as a reminder that each of us can contribute to solving global problems. If you’re interested in water safety or environmental activism, consider exploring organizations like Water.org or The Clean Water Project to learn more and get involved.
Sources:
- https://gitanjalirao.net/
- https://www.aspenideas.org/speakers/gitanjali-rao#:~:text=Gitanjali%20Rao%20is%20an%20inventor,develop%20solutions%20for%20environmental%20protection.
- https://www.forbes.com/profile/gitanjali-rao/
- https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/kids-educators/young-inventors/gitanjali-rao#:~:text=After%20more%20than%20a%20year,Greek%20goddess%20of%20fresh%20water.