Winning 1st place at NYSEF for designing a remote, alternative energy-powered charging station, harnessing renewable energy sources to solve problems in remote areas. I realized the potential of engineering to transform ideas into tangible solutions that could change how we interact with the world. That win was the catalyst, empowering me to innovate and redefine what I thought was possible.

I developed a rover designed to clean algae from a community pond, promoting healthier aquatic ecosystems. Equipped with sensors and a filtration system, the rover navigates underwater, collecting algae without disturbing the natural habitat. This project allowed me to explore robotics and environmental sustainability, combining technical innovation with solving a real-world ecological issue.

Soon, I found myself diving deeper into autonomous systems, developing prototypes powered by Raspberry Pi and equipped with sensors that could respond to human cues. One of my key projects involved creating a wearable device that could assist people with limited mobility. Using a combination of motion and proximity sensors, the Raspberry Pi processed input from a user, detecting gestures or slight movements to activate functions like opening drawers or turning on lights. For example, a wave of the hand near the sensor could trigger an automatic response, allowing the system to anticipate and react to user needs in real-time.

Together with 80 team members from around the world at a STEM camp, my team built an outdoor bread oven powered by a bicycle. We used 3D-printed parts to mill and grind grain into flour, creating a ‘pedal-bakery’ that showed me how engineering could tackle food inequity with human-powered solutions.