Young Student Innovator
Aahana Aims to Reform Cybersecurity Concerns to Advance Healthcare
At 16, Aahana is making strides in the world of healthcare and cutting edge technology, combining her passion for human health and engineering to become a better researcher for a safer community!
International STEM Research Program™ Scholar 2024
Aahana, a high school student from California, has made significant strides in the field of transdermal drug delivery techniques through her participation in the International STEM Research Program™ (ISRP) under the guidance of her mentor, an alumni from Cornell University and expert in the field of Bioengineering. She hopes to continue working and advancing in the fields of Computer Science and Engineering, helping technology advance and contribute to better cybersecurity measures over time.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about research?
Aahana: I wish more people knew about how much easier and fun it is to research once you get the hang of it, despite it seeming daunting at first. After learning the ropes, you'll know what to search for, what to look into, and how to phrase things that also carry onto other professional writing aspects. It's also quite interesting to learn about the topics being researched, as there is always something new to be discovered.
Tell us what you specifically loved about the International STEM Research Program™.
Aahana: I loved how easy it was to get feedback and communicate. The mentorship program made it so that even beginners will be able to write a full paper with time and guidance, mentors helping when asked and even moving deadlines around to accommodate external events, which helped me balance my personal and academic responsibilities.
When you think about the future of research and where it’s headed in the next decade, what role do you hope to play in shaping that future?
Aahana: I hope to continue research about up and coming topics and to be more involved in future endeavors to advance technology and the human race's development.
Is the program ideal for young high school students considering research is a very vast and advanced field?
Aahana: Yes, I would say that the program is a great place to help navigate the complexities of the field, especially for someone who is completely new. I myself began as someone who knew next to nothing of how to begin writing and publishing a paper, but through the aid of a mentor and step-by-step guidance that still allowed for me to grow my own knowledge and abilities was able to accomplish my goals.
What song is the soundtrack to your life?
Aahana: Guitar + Peaches by kelz, it describes the calming feeling of being with those around me that make me happy, as well as the feeling of music and alone time, both of which I enjoy.
What individual inspires you?
Aahana: My parents both inspire me, as they have taught me so much and make me wish to work harder and become more successful and knowledgeable each day.