Meet Naya Ellis, a 14-year-old African American girl from New Orleans who is the inventor of WingItt, an innovative wristwatch designed to detect early signs of a stroke. Inspired by her family’s health struggles, her invention has gained attention for its potential to save lives.
Naya, a 9th-grade student at John F. Kennedy High School in New Orleans, began her journey while enrolled in the STEM NOLA Fellows Program, which empowers young people to explore science, technology, engineering, and math. After spending about eight months there, she found her calling during one of her Saturday sessions. Thinking of her mother, who battled with breast cancer, and her grandmother, who suffered from strokes, Naya decided to create WingItt, a watch designed to spot early signs of strokes.
Using advanced technology, WingItt reads nerve impulses and heartbeats, providing an early warning system for strokes. Naya’s goal is to make it affordable for seniors who might not have access to expensive health monitors.
Naya’s hard work paid off when she was recognized as one of the top students in the National STEM Challenge. Now, she’s gearing up to showcase her creation in Washington, DC.
As Naya starts high school, she’s not just dreaming of making more inventions; She’s also aiming to excel in softball and pursue her dream of becoming an obstetrician-gynecologist, showing other kids in her community what’s possible with STEM education.
For more details about Naya, her invention, and/or the STEM NOLA program, visit STEMNOLA.com
Also, be sure to follow the program on Instagram @STEMNOLA
