Three exceptional young achievers from Mexico have caught the world’s attention with their extraordinary accomplishments in science and technology this 2024. Recognized as prodigious talents, these individuals have emerged from over 33 million students enrolled across the nation, showcasing skills and ideas well beyond their years.
Ángela Olazarán Laureano, only 17 years old and hailing from Veracruz, made headlines when she won the Global Student Prize 2024 on October 2, awarded by Chegg.org. This prestigious honor, which celebrates the best student globally, was granted due to her innovative project named Ixtlilton, a medical assistant powered by artificial intelligence capable of diagnosing 21 diseases through simple queries. According to Ángela, "Ixtlilton está diseñado para ayudar a personas en zonas marginadas y saber si necesitan atención médica..." This project aims to assist individuals residing in remote communities where access to healthcare often requires long journeys.
Following her win, she received $100,000 (around 2 million pesos), which she plans to invest back home by establishing a STEM classroom. Her vision is to inspire other young minds to pursue careers within science, technology, engineering, and math, which aligns with strategies put forward by the National Center for Assessment for Higher Education (Ceneval) to promote interest in these fields.
Then there is Ian Emmanuel González, who at just 14 is already the youngest graduate ever of the University of Guadalajara, where he completed his degree as a pharmaceutical biochemist at only 13 years old. Just this year, he finished his master's degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics and is now working toward his doctorate in the United States. Ian expressed to Gaceta UDG, "Desde pequeño me interesó la microbiología, la química, la biología molecular..." indicating his long-standing passion for these disciplines. With aspirations to develop technology for genetic diseases, he detailed, "Es una herramienta de edición genética, son tijeras moleculares para insertar y modificar genes, para prevenir y corregir enfermedades..." This highlights his commitment to using science to help patients grappling with genetic issues such as arthritis and cancer.
Lastly, we have David Camacho, the 10-year-old wonder from Querétaro. This bright child has scored 162 on the IQ test, surpassing famous geniuses like Albert Einstein. Known affectionately as "David Da Vinci," he was selected to participate with ten other prodigious children worldwide at the Junior NASA 2024 program. During this unique event, he experienced weightlessness, parasailed, and even piloted his own flight for the first time, reflecting, "Una experiencia inolvidable jamás me había subido a ningún avión..." on his Facebook page. With ambitions to study at Harvard University, David aims to secure funding for education and assist other young talents lacking resources.
David also humbly stated, "Más que un genio, realmente lo que me considero es un niño disciplinado..." showing his dedication and hard work rather than relying solely on his innate intelligence.
These remarkable stories underline not just individual triumphs but also reflect the potential of youth when armed with opportunity and recognition. Each of these young achievers is not just making strides for themselves but also paving the way for future generations of innovators from Mexico.
With society's support and investment, their ambitions could translate not only to personal success but to broader societal impact, showcasing the importance of fostering young minds to contribute positively to global challenges.
