My Story

Later that year, she learned about the widespread impact of Energy Poverty and the Global Water Crisis, and created BEACON (Bringing Electricity Access to Countries through Ocean Energy) as a result. BEACON is purposed to bring both stable electricity as well as fresh water access to people of underdeveloped nations. For her work with BEACON, Hannah has addressed the United Nations, and has received many other honors and awards, including presenting BEACON at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair and being named America's 2015 Top Young Scientist. She is grateful that she has had a platform to share her work with others, and is passionate about inspiring other young girls to do STEM.

Hannah presents BEACON at the White House Science Fair.

Hannah tests an early BEACON prototype.

Hannah has a passion for robotics and has participated in FIRST Lego League, FIRST Tech Challenge, and FIRST Robotics Competition, SeaPerch, Science Olympiad, and Academic Games. Hannah was also a member of the National Honor Society and was president of the Student Athletic Leadership Team at FAU High School.

Owltonomous at the Houston World Championship

Hannah, Devin, Vithu, and Alexis building the animatronic owl

Hannah was a three time finalist at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (2016, Phoenix, AX, 2017, Los Angeles, CA, and 2019, Phoenix, AZ). She won the ASU Walton Sustainability Solutions Special Award in 2016, the Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force first place award in 2019, the Ashtavadhani Vidwan Ambati Subbaraya Chetty Foundation first place award in 2019, First Place in the category of Translational Medical Sciences in 2019, and Best In Category in Translational Medical Sciences in 2019.

Hannah discusses her research on public day

Hannah wins first place and best in category

Hannah with her project and awards

Hannah was a three sport student athlete at FAU High School. She played varsity high school girl's soccer, winning third place in the SACC championship and finishing second seed in the district. She was varsity cross country captain, placing third in the Disney Cross Country Invitational individually and overall, and eighth at the district championship. She was varsity track captain, and led her team to Florida Atlantic University High School's first district and regional team championship titles, and was part of the FHSAA state champion 4x800 meter relay team, as well as the seventh place 4x400 meter relay team. Hannah was a member of FAU High School's first National team, competing in the 4x800 meter relay and 1600 meter medly at the New Balance Outdoor National Track and Field Championships.

I would like to thank the many mentors who have guided me throughout my journey: Allan Phipps, Perry Weinthal, Jeff Emslander, Dr. Scooter Willis, Dr. Jason Hallstrom, Suzette Milu, Tricia Meredith, Robin Barkes, Dr. Marianne Porter, Dr. Daniela Scheurle, and Aubrey Clark. I would also like to thank Florida Atlantic University, Discovery Education, 3M and many others who have awarded and encouraged me. I am extremely grateful for the support of my family. My mom and dad have always encouraged me to care for others, pursue my passions, and work outside of my comfort zone. Thank you to my little brother Max who has supported me over these years. Thank you to my friends, who have encouraged me through every failure and have helped me to celebrate every success! Thank you especially to God for all of the blessings in my life.