Gitanjali Rao Receives First Lady's Honors for Scientific Innovations

By: WE Staff | Friday, 13 October 2023

On October 11, the White House hosted a discussion titled "Girls Leading Change" to commemorate International Day of the Girl. Gitanjali Rao, a remarkable Indian-American teenage inventor, was honoured with 14 other young women leaders from throughout the country who have made important contributions to their communities.

The ceremony was presided over by Jill Biden, the First Lady of the United States, who honoured these exceptional individuals for their efforts. Gitanjali Rao, a 17-year-old scientist, has gained recognition for her game-changing invention, 'Tethys.'

This device detects lead compounds in water using carbon nanotubes and then delivers water quality data to a smartphone app, grading it as 'safe’, ''slightly contaminated,' or 'critical.' Her achievements have earned her several prizes, including the EPA Presidential Award and the Discovery Education/3M title of America's Top Young Scientist.

Gitanjali Rao, in addition to her incredible creation, published a book titled 'Young Innovator's Guide to STEM,' which is utilized as a curriculum in chosen schools throughout the world. Her unwavering commitment to STEM education has helped over 80,000 elementary, middle, and high school students.

Gitanjali Rao, Time Magazine's inaugural Kid of the Year in 2020, not only continues to thrive as a scientist and inventor, but she also focuses on expanding her STEM education initiative. This freshman at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology was also named to Forbes' list of 30 Under 30 achievers.

At the White House event, First Lady Jill Biden highlighted the extraordinary achievements of these young women leaders, emphasizing their potential and the power of their innovation, fortitude, and optimism to improve the country.

She advised others to look for inspiration in their own accomplishments and efforts. The gathering acted as a memorial to these remarkable young women's efforts to create a brighter future in their communities and beyond.