Chantelle Kariuki

Global Challenge: Reverse engineering the brain

To successfully tackle the most complex issues in health and medicine, I believe that I must be able to inspire people to work hard and work together.”

Bio:

I am a junior at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, studying Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. I was born in Nairobi, Kenya and have lived in Kenya all my life. Currently, I am working towards a career in the medical field as I have been interested in medicine from a young age. In the past, I have had work experience at The Aga Khan Hospital Nairobi and The Nairobi Hospital where I was invited to assist the Interventional Radiologist in a laser lithotripsy surgery and got the opportunity to shadow a surgeon.

Because I am passionate about helping the younger generation, I am a general Chemistry and Biology tutor at NYU and I am the Pre-College Initiative Chair at NYU National Society for Black Engineers(NSB) where our mission is "to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community." I also volunteer to take care of orphaned and abandoned children at New Life Children’s Home in Nairobi.

Besides work and academics, I love engaging in sport. I was a competitive swimmer for 14 years and have been on the National Kenya Swim Team where I represented my country internationally. During my free time I like to spend time with family and friends, try out new restaurants and activities, work out, and listen to music. Fun fact about me: I have a twin sister and we can communicate telepathically!