Introducing the Newest Members of the Youth STEM Matters Team

AnnouncementsYouth STEM Matters
Written By Mhairi McCann

After receiving a record 440 applications from youth in 57 countries globally to join the Youth STEM Matters Team, we’re thrilled to announce the 14 young people who have been selected to join the Youth STEM Matters Team!

Aged 15-24 and representing 11 countries across 5 continents, this group of volunteers represents our most geographically diverse cohort yet, and includes Youth STEM Matters’ first ever volunteers in Jamaica, Egypt and Japan. They were selected from a record 440 applicants based in 57 countries, following a thorough shortlisting process including an application review, task and interview by members of the Youth STEM Matters Team.

The 14 new members of the Youth STEM Matters Team are:

  • Ayesha Murtaza, 16, Canada - Team Member

  • Catherine Bosnoian, 17, Egypt - Team Member

  • Fernando Olazabal, 17, Peru - Team Member

  • Ivy-Grace Adomako, 22, Japan - Research Editor

  • Joselyne Dusabemungu, 18, Rwanda - Team Member

  • Kondwani Levy Phiri, 19, Zambia - Team Member

  • María Paula Araujo, 16, Ecuador - Team Member

  • Menna Ibrahim, 24, Egypt - Team Member

  • Neha Bhati, 15, India - Team Member

  • Saranya Srikanthan, 21, Canada - Team Member

  • Shaneil Miles, 17, Jamaica - Team Member

  • Shanza Shakir, 16, Canada - Team Member

  • Thannista Suresh, 15, England - Science Communication Editor

  • Yasmeen Saleh, 21, UAE - Team Member

On the quality of applications and the review process, Youth STEM 2030 Founder & CEO Mhairi McCann said:

“It was incredible to see the number, quality and diversity of applications to join the Youth STEM Matters Team, which reaffirms how strongly the journal’s mission resonates with young people globally - we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to apply. Thank you to the members of the Youth STEM Matters Team, who put in an exceptional effort to ensure every application was reviewed thoroughly, every task was scored diligently, and every interview was conducted fairly, and to Youth STEM Matters Programme Officer Lizzie Bourn who coordinated this selection process. Huge congratulations to all 14 of our new members of the Youth STEM Matters Team - I can’t wait to see the impact you all make in your new roles!”
— Mhairi McCann, Founder & CEO, Youth STEM 2030
Mhairi McCann

Mhairi (she/her) is Youth STEM 2030’s Founder & CEO, and her work here is fuelled by a deep drive to create possibility for other young changemakers in STEM. Based in Inverclyde, Scotland, her expertise lies in creating meaningful, inclusive and participatory youth inclusion in decision-making. A generalist, Mhairi brings a strategic approach to the pursuit of our mission, and enjoys thinking of the bigger picture and ‘joining the dots’. She has a strong focus on equity & inclusion, is especially passionate about ocean conservation and, in her free time, enjoys volunteering and spending time in nature on long walks with Gordon the dog. Mhairi is a 776 Foundation Climate Fellow, and a 2021 National Geographic Young Explorer, and for her work at Youth STEM 2030, she was named Winner of the 2022 Young Scot Environment Award.

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Community Updates: February 2024