Community Updates: May 2021
Our global community of youth here at Youth STEM 2030 are tackling the world’s biggest challenges through science, technology, engineering and maths, creating a real impact across all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Here’s how some of them have been changing the world lately…
Neha Recognised as Global Teen Leader
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Neha Shukla created SixFeetApart - a wearable social distancing device which uses microcontrollers and ultrasonic technology to alert users when approaching people cross CDC's guidelines of a 6-foot distance.
Neha took to the virtual stage at the 2020 Youth STEM Summit to share SixFeetApart, so we’re thrilled to hear that her project, and her efforts to inspire young innovators to leverage science and technology to solve global problems, have seen her recognised as one of We Are Family Foundation’s 2021 Global Teen Leaders!
Crowdfunding Oxygen Concentrators for COVID-19 Patients in India
Licypriya is widely known as a climate activist - both as one of the youngest at 9 years old, and as one of the leading voices - but right now, she’s also taking humanitarian action to combat the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in her country, India.
Having placed an initial order for 100 oxygen concentrators by spending her own savings and prize money from awards she won last year, Licypriya is now crowdfunding to buy oxygen concentrators.
To date, over 1,500 donors have helped her raise more than ₹5300000 (~£52,000), and Licypriya has been able to distribute dozens of additional oxygen concentrators across India.
Ending Maternal Mortality With A2M2
2020 Youth STEM Summit Speaker Rushank Goyal is continuing to create change within health, and is now launching A2M2, an international teen-led organization that aims to tackle the overlooked problem of maternal mortality with support from the UNDP and multiple local partners around the globe.
Every 11 seconds, a woman dies giving birth, not to mention the millions of women around the world who get infected with severe diseases in the process of childbirth.
Along with awareness efforts, A2M2’s main work will include raising funds to distribute essential maternal supplies and advising the UNDP on supporting women in developing countries.
Youth globally can express interest to get involved via this short form.
Second Prize in Worldwide Social Innovation Competition on Global Health for Space Era Project
Kaif Ali’s Space Era project, which he presented at the 2020 Youth STEM Summit, has been awarded Second Prize in the Social Innovation Competition on Global Health.
The competition, created by Human Development Research Initiative, was open to university students globally and Kaif’s project proposed a concept for a durable, cost-effective quarantine facility that can also be used as a shelter in flood and earthquake-prone regions.
Congratulations Kaif!
National Summer Undergraduate Research Project
National Summer Undergraduate Research Project (NSURP) is a community-driven initiative to create rewarding remote summer research opportunities in microbial sciences and computational immunology for BIPOC and Latinx undergraduate students across the United States.
Founded by Youth STEM Summit 2020 Speaker Dr Michael D.L. Johnson, NSURP is now in its second year, and this year the 8 week long placements will be completely virtual and a paid opportunity. Students will participate in seminars and online lectures focussed on professional development, alongside completing their summer research project.
BIPOC and Latinx undergraduates across the United States can apply by 14th May.
If you’re a researcher in STEM, and can offer a microbiology based research placement, NSURP are currently looking for mentors (based anywhere in the world) - sign up by 14th May.
Have a project, achievement or update that you want to feature in future Youth STEM 2030 Community Updates? Email the details to Mhairi McCann: mhairi@youthstem2030.org.
