Updated: December 4, 2020 10:48:21 am
Rao, who appeared on the cover of the latest issue of the magazine, was selected from a pool of more than 5,000 nominees. (Photo: Time Magazine)
Gitanjali Rao, a 15-year-old Indian-American scientist and inventor, was named Time Magazine’s First Boy of the Year. The US-based publication announced the award Thursday, citing its ability to use technology to “address problems ranging from contaminated drinking water to opioid addiction and cyberbullying.”
Rao, who appeared on the cover of the latest issue of the magazine, was selected from a pool of more than 5,000 nominees. In an interview with actress and activist Angelina Jolie, the Colorado teenager spoke about her innovations and shared a message for other young people: “If I can do it, anyone can do it.”
Introducing the first child of the year, Gitanjali Rao https://t.co/Hvgu3GLoNs pic.twitter.com/4zORbRiGMU
– TIME TIME) December 3, 2020
This is not the first time that Rao has been recognized for her work. In 2017, he won accolades when he created a device called ‘Tehys’ that used carbon nanotube sensors to detect lead in water in response to the water crisis in Flint, Michigan.
She later teamed up with scientists in the water industry to bring her device to market and was also named ‘America’s Best Young Scientist’ for her invention. In 2019, he earned a spot on Forbes’ prestigious 30 under 30 list for his invention.
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“I was about 10 years old when I told my parents that I wanted to investigate carbon nanotube sensor technology at the Denver Water Quality Research Laboratory, and my mother said, ‘What?’” Rao told him. to Jolie. “It was just that changing factor, you know this work will be in the hands of our generation very soon. So if no one else is going to do it, I will. “
More than an honor to be among these incredible finalists and friends. Catch the Child of the Year on December 4 at 7:30 pm EST / 6:30 pm CST / 5:30 MST @Nickelodeon #KidOfTheYear https://t.co/EGF0j7ZHqu
– Gitanjali Rao (@gitanjaliarao) November 30, 2020
Rao’s recent invention is an app and web tool called ‘Kindly’, which uses artificial intelligence to detect the first signs of cyberbullying. “You write a word or phrase, and it’s able to pick up on it if it’s bullying, and it gives you the option to edit it or submit it as is. The objective is not to punish, ”he explained.
“As a teenager, I know that teens tend to lash out sometimes. Instead, it gives you the opportunity to rethink what you are saying so that you know what to do next time, ”he added.
In May 2019, Rao won the “Health” Main Pillar Award at the TCS Ignite Innovation Student Challenge for developing a diagnostic tool for the early diagnosis of prescription opioid addiction.
“I don’t look like your typical scientist. All I see on television is that he is a senior scientist, usually white, “he told Time. “My goal has really changed from not only creating my own devices to solve the world’s problems, but also inspiring others to do the same. Because, from personal experience, it’s not easy when you don’t see anyone like you. “
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