If a hands-on approach is the best way to learn, then Naila Moloo has taken that adage into the stratosphere. This Ottawa-based eco-inventor has a long string of inventions to her name, notably a flexible solar panel and a bioplastic made from an aquatic plant. Moloo works out of two different university labs in Ontario. And she co-hosts a podcast called Curiosity to encourage youth interest in STEM.

Oh, and Moloo is 16 years old. An assignment in Grade 5 led her to researching clean energy—intensely. She soon developed a passion for renewables. Then, just three years later, in 2019, her work at a nationwide science fair caught the attention of The Knowledge Society, an after-school program for Canadian prodigies. This 10-month program helps students develop skills to create positive change. There, Moloo began her solar-cell project and researched fusion energy.

In addition to building solutions and advocating for the environment, Moloo is also becoming a powerful spokesperson for her generation. She has already made it to the Women’s Executive Network’s 2021 list of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women and delivered a TEDx Talk age 15.

Her message? “Start working on projects. Look for opportunities in your community, start talking to experts, and formulate your own ideas to bring forward.”

Go to nailamoloo.com to learn more.

 

Do you know of a Canadian who deserves to be recognized for doing good in their community? Send us their story at drivenbygood@caasco.ca and they could be featured in an upcoming issue.