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Driven by her desire to one day hear the voice of her brother, who has autism, and to empower people with intellectual disabilities, a student in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was one of the top 10 finalists for the 2024 Chegg Global Student Prize.
The UAE is committed to building a world without discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities – officially called People of Determination (POD) in recognition of their achievements in a variety of fields.
Maha Nawaz said, “I plan to study electrical engineering and neuroscience at university. Although challenging, I am determined to continue to pursue this field. I hope to become a neurosurgeon with a concentration in brain-computer interfaces, striving to create implantable technology that can alleviate strokes, muteness and autism, allowing me to finally hear my brother’s voice and empower POD.”
Maha, who is a student at Dubai College, was selected from over 11,000 nominations and applications from 176 countries. She has created two prosthetic hands: one using Arduino (an open source platform through which users can create interactive electronic objects) and another controlled by the mind through machine learning.
The prosthetic hand can classify between different actions such as picking up a cup or shaking someone’s hand, predicted from brainwaves.
Additionally, she is also working in collaboration with New York University Abu Dhabi on developing an electroencephalogram (EEG) robotic arm for locked-in patients who have very limited communication. The arm would track the direction of the eyes to control the direction of the robotic arm’s movement.
Maha has also built a full-stack remote patient monitoring app that records patients’ vitals continuously and tracks their prescription intake.
“This catalyses preventative care for the mitigation of stroke and diabetic crashes. Doctors can monitor their patients from anywhere, facilitating remote critical care, potentially decreasing overbooked issues in the healthcare industry and medical bills for the patient.”
A TEDx speaker and e-NABLE, an online global community that creates 3D printable prosthetic hands, volunteer, Maha, also excelled with top General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) scores and distinguished herself in the Olympiads. As the leader of the Computer Science Society, she organises workshops and mentors others in 3D printing and coding.
Maha’s initiatives have also extended to Pakistan, where she works to improve education and healthcare. Her mind-controlled prosthetic, recognised by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, a technical professional organisation, showcases her dedication to inclusivity and diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
“I would also expand my mission of educating girls in rural Pakistan through a line of inexpensive robotics kits that are tailored to their learning needs, uplifting the next generation of innovators and makers to believe in their potential and ability to make a difference,” she added.
Sharing her excitement upon learning that she was a top 10 finalists in the competition, she said, “I was ecstatic, to say the least. I can’t wait to have the opportunity to share the stage with such amazing people who I hope to form lifelong connections with.”
Heather Hatlo Porter, Chegg’s chief communications officer, said: “I am thrilled to congratulate Maha on becoming a top 10 finalist. This honour not only reflects your outstanding achievements but also stands as a testament to the brighter future you’re actively shaping for all of us, day by day.
“We shine a spotlight on inspiring students from around the world, giving them an opportunity to share their stories, connect with one another, and have their voices heard. Now, more than ever, students like Maha deserve recognition, as their dreams, creativity, and remarkable endeavours are essential to tackling the urgent challenges facing our world.”
Angela Elena Olazaran Laureano, 17, from Mexico was announced winner of the 2024 Chegg Global Student Prize in New York, during the recent UN General Assembly.
She won the annual prize US$100,000 (RM421,000) award for making a real impact on learning, the lives of their peers, and on society beyond. – Khaleej Times/Tribune News Service
