Carla Mattar
High School Senior at Al Sanawbar School (Year 13)
Carla Mattar, born on October 15, 2007, in the UAE, has forged a unique path combining her passions for music, art, and martial arts. As a pianist and athlete excelling in Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and Kickboxing, Carla’s experiences have shaped her belief in the transformative power of discipline and creativity. She is committed to exploring how music intersects with brain science and aging, advocating for its use in improving brain health and memory in older adults. Carla is passionate about inspiring young women to break boundaries in STEM while also addressing the growing importance of music in healing brain-related conditions.
Lamar Abdul Ghani
High school Senior (Year 13)
Lamar Ahmed is a charismatic and dynamic high school student with a passion for intellectual pursuits and a flair for social connection. As a proud member of TEDx, she channels her love for public speaking and storytelling to inspire and engage audiences. Known for her quick wit, infectious energy, and ability to bring people together, Lamar thrives on sharing ideas and fostering meaningful connections. Beyond academics and extracurricular activities, she finds joy in exploring creative expression and engaging in thought-provoking conversations, using her positive outlook to leave a lasting impact on those around her.
Layan Dayoub
High School Senior at Al Sanawbar School (Year 13)
Layan Dayoub, the eldest of her two siblings, was born in the UAE. During her early years, she traveled a lot, saw many different sights, and gained fresh perspectives of life. Driven by her love for sports and deep connections, Layan believes that the smallest gestures can have the greatest impact. Whether through friendships or her personal journey, she focuses on the moments that strengthen bonds and fuel growth. Layan’s path has been shaped by a deep commitment to making each step count, understanding that even the smallest gestures can transform relationships and drive both happiness and success.
Lidya Kasem
Speech-Language Pathology Third-year Undergraduate Student at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences (UAEU)
Lidya is a third-year speech-language pathology student and a research assistant at the College of Medicine in UAEU. She has a profound interest in neural networks in the brain and the biomarkers that evolutionarily and developmentally influence their growth and reorganization, facilitating the brain's constant rewiring. Among her notable endeavors is advocating for individuals with rare genetic diseases by exploring the anatomical and physiological mechanisms underlying these conditions. She empowers affected individuals to thrive in various aspects of life.
Majd Ghazal
High school Junior of Al Sanawbar School (Year 12)
Majd is an enthusiastic 11th grader with a deep passion for science and an insatiable curiosity about the future. Captivated by the concept of the Butterfly Effect, he is intrigued by how small decisions can ripple outward to create significant, far-reaching consequences. This fascination fuels his exploration of the interconnectedness of events and the profound impact of seemingly minor actions. Through his speech on the Butterfly Effect, Majd aims to inspire others to recognize the power of their choices and embrace their ability to shape a better world.
Omar Al Omari
High School Senior at Al Sanawbar School (Year 13)
Omar Al Omari, born November 8, 2007, is a high school senior known for his leadership, humor, and dedication. Elected school president by his peers, Omar is admired for his positivity, kindness, and integrity. He excels in extracurricular activities and is a motivating force in his school community, always inspiring others with his teamwork and innovative ideas. Loved by both students and teachers, Omar is a humble, honest, and hardworking individual who puts his morals first. With a bright future ahead, he continues to achieve and inspire those around him.
Saeed Monzer
High School Senior at Al Sanawbar School ( Year 13)
Saeed is a high school senior with a deep passion for learning, particularly in the sciences. He thrives on connecting concepts and drawing inferences from his knowledge to explore innovative ideas. Striving for a harmonious balance, Saeed values both fun and focus while actively pursuing his passions. Moments of feeling out of sync have cultivated his empathy and expanded his perspective, shaping him into a thoughtful and grounded individual. With a keen eye for detail, Saeed navigates life mindfully, aware of how his actions impact others. He remains committed to contributing to the greater good and supporting the community around him.
Syed Baqar
Business Major: Marketing, 3rd Year - Al Ain University (AAU)
Syed, a second-year Computer Science student at Al-Ain University, is passionate about machine learning, with a focus on training reinforcement learning agents. A philosophical thinker, he believes trial and error is life’s most profound teacher, shaping resilience and wisdom. Captivated by novelty, Syed seeks experiences that stretch time, enriching life’s rhythm with curiosity and wonder. With a relentless drive to explore the uncharted, he merges intellect and introspection, inspiring innovation and growth in the ever-evolving world of technology.