Time Magazine’s ‘Man of the year’, ‘Woman of the year’ and ‘Person of the year’ is something that awaits millions. With a ground-breaking audience record, Time fits to bring inspiration every year. This year a 15-year old scientist is the attention as she is entitled first ‘Kid of the year’. She was chosen from a bunch of 5,000 US-based nominees judged by various prominent comedians and TV presenter Trevor Noah.

Gitanjali Rao, a 15-year old Indian-American from Denver, Colorado is the brain behind six innovations including an app and Chrome extension (Kindly) that can detect cyberbullying, a device (Epione) that can detect prescription drug addiction, and a device (Tethys) that can identify lead in drinking water. Gitanjali’s heed to science and technology accompanies her early school days. Apart from being a young scientist, Rao is a dancer, fencer, baker, and singer. Rao believes she always aspired to be a scientist that’s different from the ones that appear on TV. When Rao was interviewed by TV actor Angelina Jolie she said “I don’t look like your typical scientist. Everything I see on TV is that it’s an older, usually white, man as a scientist.” 

Rao is also a believer of engineering and mathematics and follows the disciples of STEM, works with STEM school girls, organizations like Shanghai International Youth Science and Tech group, and the Royal Academy of Engineering in London. She works in innovation shops and helps people across the world desire to save lives. Rao is a learner, optimist, and aims to inspire people around her.