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Co-Founder
My love for science was sparked from an early age. From reading books about all the sciences to innovative projects in elementary school, my passion for STEM and learning was always growing. After entering high school, I learned of the opportunities that students have to start making real-world impact, and apply their knowledge. However, I quickly noticed how inaccessible this can be. Following this, I was inspired to start HerCatalyst with my co-founders. Through this organization, we hope to bring opportunities (such as conferences!) to girls everywhere, making professional experiences, role models, and networking opportunities accessible to everyone. I truly believe that we can cultivate a community of like-minded people, work to close the gender gap in STEM, and inspire the future.
When not working in STEM, I like to travel, read, bake, and make memories.
Co-Founder
From the time I was introduced to investigation and experimental techniques in elementary school, science has been one of my favorite subjects. Harnessing this early passion, I was inspired to start this organization when I realized that many girls struggle to find accessible opportunities to explore their interests. Through HerCatalyst, I aim to empower women and girls to pursue ideas they are truly passionate about and provide them with the means for professional growth. By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, I hope to inspire others to achieve their goals. I firmly believe that working together to uplift others can bring about tangible change in STEM fields, cultivating a future where innovation and equity thrive.
In my free time, I enjoy conducting independent research, playing the violin, piano, and soccer, and spending quality time with my friends.
Co-Founder
When I was introduced to hands-on engineering projects, I knew I had found my passion. This early exposure to the world of science and technology ignited a deep curiosity within me, and I began to explore various fields, including software development. Recognizing that many girls and young women lack accessible opportunities to explore these interests. With HerCatalyst, I aim to empower women and girls to pursue ideas they are truly passionate about and provide them with the means for professional growth in robotics and other STEM fields. By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, I hope to inspire others to achieve their goals. I firmly believe that working together to uplift others can bring about tangible change, cultivating a future where innovation and equity thrive.
In my free time, I enjoy conducting independent research, building and programming robots, and enjoying life to the fullest extent.
Advisor
Rachna Nath is a co-chair of the UNA-USA (United Nations Association) Educator Affinity Group, a Fulbright Scholar, a TIME Innovative Educator, an entrepreneur, an innovator, a NASA Solar System Ambassador, a National Geographic Educator, a grant writer, and a STEM enthusiast.
She has won numerous awards such as the TIME Top 10 Innovative Teacher, Michael A. Cussanovich-Bioscience Educator, Governor's Celebration of Innovation Award, Global Innovation Award from TURNITIN, the Presidential Innovation Award for Environment Educators in the United States, Teacher of the Year by Junior Science and Humanities Symposium funded by the Armed Forces and also two Excite Awards from Lemelson-MIT foundation.
She has been featured as one of the fifty 2021 Women in Million STEM and in the Chandler Lifestyle 2020 Women of Chandler; she was recognized at the Women in Leadership Conference by the Chandler Chamber of Commerce. She has also received grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Healthy Urban Environments, FLINN Foundation, NSF, Department of Defense, Arizona Recycling Coalition, Society for Science and the Public, and Chandler Education Foundation.
She works with young entrepreneurs, making their dreams come true by working with community partners and patenting their ideas. Her work has successfully granted nine students the USPTO patent, with seven additional projects pending patents for various prototypes, ranging from anti-VOC scent bags to heat stress monitoring devices.
With our community, we hope to inspire the next generation of women to be trailblazers of STEM fields.