A masterclass with Rao

Gitanjali Rao always has three or four projects on the go at a time. So, what tips does this young powerhouse have? Rao says it is important to find a problem you want to solve. “Pick one thing you’re passionate about and go from there,” she tells Science+nature. When mentoring students she says they might spend half an hour discussing a project. Then she hands it over to the students to see how far they can take it.

Rao says, “I really believe in student potential and passion when it comes to work like this.” She is keen to emphasise that science is a group activity and not something you need to do on your own. “There’s a community of innovators who do want to make a difference, and who want to change the world.”

Rao speaking at the MAKERS conference.