Gitanjali Rao
Gitanjali Rao is a young inventor and scientist who gained recognition for her innovative projects and ideas at a young age. Here is a look at her early life, education, professional life, and achievements.
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Early Life of Gitanjali Rao
Gitanjali Rao, an Indian-American prodigy, had an early inclination towards scientific exploration. Born and raised in Lone Tree, Colorado, she attended the STEM School Highlands Ranch. Even as a child, her interests were unconventional, hinting at her future achievements. At the tender age of 4, her curiosity was stoked by a science kit gifted by her uncle, setting the course for her future endeavors in the world of STEM.
Personal Life
Apart from her passion for science, Gitanjali’s life is marked by her love for Indian classical music, a testament to her diverse interests. She has been vocal about her ambition to delve into the fields of genetics and epidemiology. Moreover, as of 2020, she was in the process of acquiring her pilot’s license, showcasing her adventurous side. At the University of Colorado, Gitanjali is actively engaged in research, furthering her scientific pursuits.
Professional Life of Gitanjali Rao
Gitanjali’s professional journey, despite her young age, is awe-inspiring. Propelled by a news story about the Flint water crisis, she developed a device named Tethys at just 10 years old. This device, designed to measure lead content in water, earned her the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge award in 2017. Tethys uses carbon nanotubes to send water quality information via Bluetooth, an innovative solution that she formulated after collaborating with a research scientist at 3M.
Her innovative streak didn’t stop there. Gitanjali Rao developed Epione, a diagnostic tool for early detection of prescription opioid addiction, winning the Top “Health” Pillar Prize at the TCS Ignite Innovation Student Challenge in 2019. Her technological prowess was further displayed when she created “Kindly”, an app that uses AI to detect early signs of cyberbullying.
Gitanjali’s commitment to education is evident through her book, “Young Inventor’s Guide to STEM”, which outlines her 5-Step Problem-Solving method for students, educators, and parents. Besides, she regularly conducts innovation workshops globally, partnering with various educational organizations to promote problem-solving curricula for K-12 students.
Awards and Recognitions
Gitanjali’s contributions to science and technology have earned her numerous accolades. Her innovative device, Tethys, brought her the prestigious Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge award in 2017. Her commitment to the environment was recognized with the United States Environmental Protection Agency President’s Environmental Youth Award in 2018. In 2019, she received the Top “Health” Pillar Prize at the TCS Ignite Innovation Student Challenge for her invention, Epione.
Gitanjali Rao became the first-ever “Kid of the Year” by Time magazine in 2020, a milestone that saw her featured on the cover of the renowned publication. Further, she was honored as a Laureate of the Young Activists Summit at UN Geneva in 2021.
Age
As of 2023, Gitanjali Rao is in her late teens.
Salary
Gitanjali’s salary isn’t publicly disclosed, however, her innovation Tethys won her a $25,000 prize in 2017, and she raised an additional $25,000 at the 2018 MAKERS Conference.
Parents’ Name and Family
Information about Gitanjali’s parents and family is limited, however, it is known that she has Indian roots, and her family resides in Lone Tree, Colorado.
Net Worth of Gitanjali Rao
As Gitanjali Rao is still a student and a young inventor, her estimated net worth isn’t publicly available. However, it’s clear that her groundbreaking inventions and global recognition indicate a promising and prosperous future.
