Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Age 15 at the time of innovation.
Achievement: Created a device to help slow the spread of COVID-19
How far is six feet?
Neha was concerned when she saw the direct impact COVID-19 had on her community—especially on neighbors who were at high risk for the disease. That inspired her to explore what she could do to help.
Using ultrasonic technology, infrared imaging, and artificial intelligence, Neha created a wearable social distancing device, SixFeetApart, to make staying six feet away from others easier. The device is tucked inside a hat and sends short pulses of ultrasonic waves out into the environment. When an approaching person comes within six feet, the waves refract back to the device and activate an alert for the wearer.
Neha has a patent pending for SixFeetApart and hopes to use her innovation as part of a lasting and impactful solution to the spread of disease. Her advice to other students: “Find a real-world problem that you’re passionate about, and get involved today.”
Visit Neha’s Website:
Watch Neha’s TED Talk here:
Read about Neha in Harpers Bazaar-“How Olay Is Working to Shrink the Gender Gap in STEM”
Read more about Neha in “Local girl creates wearable social distance sensor”