Maha Nawaz

Maha Nawaz envisions a future where brain-computer interfaces, machine learning, and multifaceted engineering can significantly improve the lives of those with physical disabilities and neurological deficiencies, like her brother Yousef. Her dedication to this cause led to her creating two prototypes for hand prosthetics. The first, controlled by Arduino, enables various hand grips, while the second, a mind-controlled prosthetic, uses a machine learning algorithm to read brainwaves and perform actions such as picking up a cup or shaking hands. Maha also volunteers with e-NABLE, providing 3D-printed hands for amputees, and has delivered a TEDx talk advocating for people of determination, sharing insights from her personal experience with her brother.

In addition to prosthetics work, Maha has initiated projects to inspire the next generation of coders and engineers, co-hosting the largest National Hackathon for students in the Middle East, focusing on AI applications in education, attracting sponsorship from significant organizations such as the AI Ministry of Dubai and OpenAI. Maha created a prototype Fibonacci clock to teach mathematical applications in engineering and is developing kits for younger students and girls in rural Pakistan to introduce them to engineering and electronics.

Maha's academic journey is marked by a passion for learning and impressive achievements, including 14 nines in her GCSEs and the highest mark in the world for GCSE Physics, Statistics, and Business. Her Higher Project Qualification dissertation on prosthetics led her to design her first robotic hand prototype. She excelled in the National British Physics and Chemistry Olympiads, her thirst for knowledge driving her to a deep understanding of concepts and formulas, earning her top student honors in various subjects.

As Head of the Computer Science Society, Maha dedicates five hours a week to workshops for younger students, bringing in guest speakers and creating engineering kits for hands-on learning. She introduced a mentor program, teaching specialized skills like 3D printing and C++ coding, and spearheaded initiatives like the creation of a vending machine and a model to explain semiconductors. Beyond school she organized a charity event raising funds to build schools in Nepal and launched a school magazine and podcast to foster intellectual curiosity.

Her impact reaches her home country, Pakistan, where she volunteers with e-NABLE to provide customized prosthetics and introduced Fibonacci clock kits to teenage girls in rural areas. Collaborating with The Citizens Foundation, she helped audit a computer science curriculum for rural Pakistan and fundraised to support the education of three girls for a year through her Dribblethon event. Maha is also developing a remote patient monitoring system to improve healthcare in rural areas.

Her mind-controlled prosthetic project was showcased and published with IEEE. Overcoming challenges with noisy EEG signals and 3D-printing issues, she successfully created a prosthetic that responds to thoughts. Her work in fostering global citizenship includes co-organizing the InnovAIte Hackathon to democratize access to AI technology, promoting diversity and encouraging underrepresented groups to participate in STEM fields.