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A 15-year-old scientist and inventor has been named Time magazine’s first “kid of the year.”
Gitanjali Rao from Denver, Colorado, has invented new technologies in a variety of fields, including a device that can identify lead in drinking water and a Chrome app and extension that uses artificial intelligence to detect cyberbullying.
He said he hoped he could inspire others to dream up ideas to “solve the world’s problems.”
Gitanjali was chosen from a field of 5,000 nominees based in the United States, which was narrowed down to five finalists by a youth committee along with comedian and television host Trevor Noah.
She and the other four finalists will be honored in a television special next Friday.
In an interview with actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie, Gitanjali said: “I don’t look like your typical scientist. All I see on television is that he is an older scientist, usually white.
“My goal has really changed, not only to create my own devices to solve the world’s problems, but also to inspire others to do the same.
“Because, from personal experience, it’s not easy when you don’t see anyone like you.
“So I really want to spread that message: If I can do it, you can do it and anyone can do it.”
Time began awarding its man of the year honor in 1927, later updating him to person of the year, but this is the first time it has named a boy of the year. Time, which also produces Time For Kids for children, partnered with children’s television channel Nickelodeon for the new award.
Last year, climate activist Greta Thunberg became the youngest person of the year when she received the honor at age 16.
