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INNOVATORS IN ACTION
Dedicated to showcasing the young women who are leading the way in STEM. These scholars and high achievers, ages 15 to 21, are pushing boundaries, breaking stereotypes, and inspiring others with their incredible accomplishments. Join us as we celebrate their journeys, highlight their contributions, and support the next generation of female leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Want to nomiate someone? Send and email to admin@brainybuilders.org
Daria Boulankina
Daria Boulankina, a remarkable high school sophomore whose passion, leadership, and dedication to service are truly inspiring.
Daria was recently accepted to the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham, where she will complete her final two years of high school. With an unweighted GPA of 4.25, she is not only academically exceptional but also deeply engaged in creating opportunities for others. She currently serves as the Entrepreneurship Liaison at Wakaboomee, helping student-led organizations grow and thrive through bi-weekly entrepreneurship meetings. As Vice President of Leadership for DECA and a leader in Science Olympiad, Daria plays a key role in guiding her peers in both business and STEM fields.
In addition to her academic and leadership roles, Daria is an active member of the Debate Club, having competed in two Harvard Debate tournaments and earning a fully funded spot at the President’s Cup hosted by the Coolidge Foundation — an incredible achievement for her first year as a varsity debater.
Daria is passionate about business, biology, STEM, and marketing. She’s currently enrolled in AP Biology and participates in the most rigorous STEM courses offered at her school. She also took part in the Women’s Day Business Expo and competed in their business pitch competition. Most notably, she won $5,000 at Wake Tech’s first-ever business pitch competition. Daria also competed in a robotics competition with Forge Initiative.
Beyond academics, Daria is committed to making a difference in the lives of others. She mentors a young girl, helping her navigate school and life challenges, and serves as the Project Chair for her school’s Key Club, where she coordinates major volunteer efforts for one of the largest clubs on campus. She was also a member of a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society fundraising team, where she earned a spot in their Team Member Hall of Fame.
Daria was recently accepted to the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham, where she will complete her final two years of high school. With an unweighted GPA of 4.25, she is not only academically exceptional but also deeply engaged in creating opportunities for others. She currently serves as the Entrepreneurship Liaison at Wakaboomee, helping student-led organizations grow and thrive through bi-weekly entrepreneurship meetings. As Vice President of Leadership for DECA and a leader in Science Olympiad, Daria plays a key role in guiding her peers in both business and STEM fields.
In addition to her academic and leadership roles, Daria is an active member of the Debate Club, having competed in two Harvard Debate tournaments and earning a fully funded spot at the President’s Cup hosted by the Coolidge Foundation — an incredible achievement for her first year as a varsity debater.
Daria is passionate about business, biology, STEM, and marketing. She’s currently enrolled in AP Biology and participates in the most rigorous STEM courses offered at her school. She also took part in the Women’s Day Business Expo and competed in their business pitch competition. Most notably, she won $5,000 at Wake Tech’s first-ever business pitch competition. Daria also competed in a robotics competition with Forge Initiative.
Beyond academics, Daria is committed to making a difference in the lives of others. She mentors a young girl, helping her navigate school and life challenges, and serves as the Project Chair for her school’s Key Club, where she coordinates major volunteer efforts for one of the largest clubs on campus. She was also a member of a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society fundraising team, where she earned a spot in their Team Member Hall of Fame.
Aaliyah Owoyemi
Aaliyah Owoyemi is a passionate and driven high school senior, dedicated to advocating for women in STEM. Recognizing the lack of representation in her school’s STEM academy, she founded the Women in STEM Club to create a supportive space where girls can connect, collaborate, and thrive in male-dominated fields.
Her love for technology fuels her ambition to pursue a degree in electrical engineering and contribute to groundbreaking research. During the summer before her senior year, Aaliyah attended Duke’s Outreach Design Education (ODE) program, where she collaborated with a team to develop a cost-efficient diaphragm pacemaker, earning the People’s Choice Award.
Additionally, she competed at NC State’s Pitch and Design Contest, where she and her partner secured 3rd place and the Impact Award for their innovative app designed to make charitable donations more accessible and reliable.
Beyond STEM, Aaliyah has a passion for storytelling and serves as one of the Editors-in-Chief of her school’s yearbook. Her leadership extends across multiple extracurriculars, including varsity softball and tennis, winterguard, National Technical Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (National Math Honor Society), Student Government, and the Technology Student Association.
As the eldest daughter and the first in her family to graduate high school in the U.S., Aaliyah is determined to make an impact—blending engineering with real-world applications to drive meaningful change in underrepresented communities.
Her love for technology fuels her ambition to pursue a degree in electrical engineering and contribute to groundbreaking research. During the summer before her senior year, Aaliyah attended Duke’s Outreach Design Education (ODE) program, where she collaborated with a team to develop a cost-efficient diaphragm pacemaker, earning the People’s Choice Award.
Additionally, she competed at NC State’s Pitch and Design Contest, where she and her partner secured 3rd place and the Impact Award for their innovative app designed to make charitable donations more accessible and reliable.
Beyond STEM, Aaliyah has a passion for storytelling and serves as one of the Editors-in-Chief of her school’s yearbook. Her leadership extends across multiple extracurriculars, including varsity softball and tennis, winterguard, National Technical Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (National Math Honor Society), Student Government, and the Technology Student Association.
As the eldest daughter and the first in her family to graduate high school in the U.S., Aaliyah is determined to make an impact—blending engineering with real-world applications to drive meaningful change in underrepresented communities.
Ashley Gaines
Ashley Gaines is a dedicated junior at Winston Salem State University, majoring in Biology with a minor in Public Health. With a current GPA of 3.6, she demonstrates academic excellence, having earned recognition as a Phi Eta Sigma Scholar, Truist Stem Scholar, and a member of Beta Beta Beta Biological Science Honor Society. Additionally, she is the recipient of the WSSU Alumni Chapter Scholarship.
Her academic journey includes taking rigorous STEM courses such as Physics, Organic Chemistry Lab, and Molecular Biology, and she actively participates as a subject tutor, assisting peers in their studies. Ashley also contributes to the academic community as a Truist Stem Scholar and a Beta Beta Beta Biological Science Scholar, furthering her passion for science and research.
Aiming to attend medical school after graduation, Ashley aspires to become a physician. Her dedication to research and community impact is evident through her internship at Wake Forest University, where she worked on cancer biology, specifically studying Small Cell Lung Cancer and its impact on patients with Brain Metastasis. Ashley has also been invited to and attended the ABRCMS national research conference, further solidifying her commitment to advancing medical research and healthcare solutions for her community.
Through her academic achievements, research, and tutoring efforts, Ashley Gaines exemplifies leadership and a strong commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Her academic journey includes taking rigorous STEM courses such as Physics, Organic Chemistry Lab, and Molecular Biology, and she actively participates as a subject tutor, assisting peers in their studies. Ashley also contributes to the academic community as a Truist Stem Scholar and a Beta Beta Beta Biological Science Scholar, furthering her passion for science and research.
Aiming to attend medical school after graduation, Ashley aspires to become a physician. Her dedication to research and community impact is evident through her internship at Wake Forest University, where she worked on cancer biology, specifically studying Small Cell Lung Cancer and its impact on patients with Brain Metastasis. Ashley has also been invited to and attended the ABRCMS national research conference, further solidifying her commitment to advancing medical research and healthcare solutions for her community.
Through her academic achievements, research, and tutoring efforts, Ashley Gaines exemplifies leadership and a strong commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Adria Fogg
Adria Fogg is a high school senior who seamlessly blends artistry and innovation. As a dancer and STEM enthusiast, she finds grace in both movement and intellect weaving into every step she takes. A member of the National Honors Society of Dance Arts and Broughton High School’s Service Club, Adria has dedicated over 250 hours of community service. In addition to these accomplishments Adria has also received the Academic achievement award for a cumulative GPA over 3.75 all four years of high school.
This talented dancer has received multiple awards for her performances and a choreography award. She was honored with two invitations to participate in Governor's School for performing arts. Adria has also showcased her talent in the Raleigh, Fuquay, and Apex Christmas Parades, further highlighting her passion and dedication.
Adria’s commitment to service extends far beyond her community work. As a member of Broughton’s Career Academy, she was invited to pursue an internship that would align her interests in Aerospace engineering and Computer science. During her internship with AIXI, Inc, she gained valuable insight into how coding impacts the safety and efficiency of airlines. She has partnered with Southwest Airlines and contributed by translating complex code into simplified systems, directly enhancing airline safety protocols. To further sharpen her skills, she uses tools recommended by mentors like ChatGPT, even creating her own personal robot assistant that keeps her organized and supports her daily tasks.
Outside of her busy schedule, Adria loves exploring the mysteries of extinct animals and diving into the wonders of the world inside and beyond earth's surface. She’s always closely tuned to NASA’s latest discoveries and developments. Adria plans to study Geology and Anthropology, fields which will combine all her interests into one allowing her to explore the past, present, and future of our planet and beyond.
This talented dancer has received multiple awards for her performances and a choreography award. She was honored with two invitations to participate in Governor's School for performing arts. Adria has also showcased her talent in the Raleigh, Fuquay, and Apex Christmas Parades, further highlighting her passion and dedication.
Adria’s commitment to service extends far beyond her community work. As a member of Broughton’s Career Academy, she was invited to pursue an internship that would align her interests in Aerospace engineering and Computer science. During her internship with AIXI, Inc, she gained valuable insight into how coding impacts the safety and efficiency of airlines. She has partnered with Southwest Airlines and contributed by translating complex code into simplified systems, directly enhancing airline safety protocols. To further sharpen her skills, she uses tools recommended by mentors like ChatGPT, even creating her own personal robot assistant that keeps her organized and supports her daily tasks.
Outside of her busy schedule, Adria loves exploring the mysteries of extinct animals and diving into the wonders of the world inside and beyond earth's surface. She’s always closely tuned to NASA’s latest discoveries and developments. Adria plans to study Geology and Anthropology, fields which will combine all her interests into one allowing her to explore the past, present, and future of our planet and beyond.
Ciera Roseboro
Ciera is a highly dedicated conservation advocate persistently committed to preserving wildlife and building community involvement . With a little over 113 hours of volunteer experience at the Fort Fisher Aquarium, she has honed a strong base of knowledge in animal husbandry and patron education. Her role as an animal ambassador has allowed her to connect with visitors, bridging her passion for marine life and the relevance of conservation.
During her 80 hour summer internship as a junior intern at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital, Ciera not only gained hands-on experience in rehabilitating sick and injured sea turtles but also took on the responsibility of leading public tours. This role built her public speaking skills in order to educate visitors about the challenges sea turtles face in the wild and the significance of their conservation.
Ciera's love for zoology and natural sciences drives her love for NC State and hopes to pursue research on sea turtles and North Carolina wildlife and in turn contribute to the scientific community. Her entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her recognition at the UNCW Youth Entrepreneurship Competition, where she earned 2nd place in the Social Enterprise category and was honored with the Blue Economy award alongside her twin sister Maya. They pitched new ideas in order to protect marine life against ship strikes and bycatch. These achievements reflect her creative thinking and her desire to participate in sustainable solutions for our environment.
In addition to her conservation efforts, Ciera is an active member of the Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra, where she nurtures her passion for music. She is a founding member of the Isaac Bear String Quartet, where students can participate in group practice and performances in the community. Balancing her musical pursuits with athletics, she is also a proud co-captain in her school's varsity cross country and a member of the track team, demonstrating her ability to work in a team and persevere through physical activity.
Ciera's ultimate goal is to merge her interests in writing, STEM, and wildlife conservation at her dream university, NC State. By using her voice and skills, she aims to inspire others to appreciate and protect our ecosystems, which we rely so heavily on.
During her 80 hour summer internship as a junior intern at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital, Ciera not only gained hands-on experience in rehabilitating sick and injured sea turtles but also took on the responsibility of leading public tours. This role built her public speaking skills in order to educate visitors about the challenges sea turtles face in the wild and the significance of their conservation.
Ciera's love for zoology and natural sciences drives her love for NC State and hopes to pursue research on sea turtles and North Carolina wildlife and in turn contribute to the scientific community. Her entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her recognition at the UNCW Youth Entrepreneurship Competition, where she earned 2nd place in the Social Enterprise category and was honored with the Blue Economy award alongside her twin sister Maya. They pitched new ideas in order to protect marine life against ship strikes and bycatch. These achievements reflect her creative thinking and her desire to participate in sustainable solutions for our environment.
In addition to her conservation efforts, Ciera is an active member of the Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra, where she nurtures her passion for music. She is a founding member of the Isaac Bear String Quartet, where students can participate in group practice and performances in the community. Balancing her musical pursuits with athletics, she is also a proud co-captain in her school's varsity cross country and a member of the track team, demonstrating her ability to work in a team and persevere through physical activity.
Ciera's ultimate goal is to merge her interests in writing, STEM, and wildlife conservation at her dream university, NC State. By using her voice and skills, she aims to inspire others to appreciate and protect our ecosystems, which we rely so heavily on.
Maya Roseboro
From the busy hallways of Isaac Bear Early College to the labs at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Maya’s journey has been marked by dedication, leadership, and a drive to make a difference. Now in her third year as the President of the Student Government Association, she’s more determined than ever to create a collaborative and vibrant school community. As the President (and former Vice President) of the National Honor Society, she encourages academic excellence and service among her peers. In addition to her leadership roles, Maya is the liaison for the Women’s Empowerment through Education club and she is proud to have the charge in launching the first website for the Student Engagement Team, showcasing their digital efforts.
Maya’s impact can be seen across the STEM clubs at Isaac Bear. As a varsity member, executive assistant, and fundraising officer for the Science Olympiad team, she has helped them reach new levels of success. She also plays a key role in the math competition club, guiding them to several victories as project officer and competition manager.
Outside of school, Maya’s passion for science and research continues to shine. Through volunteering with the Science Fair Academy, she’s helped younger students while deepening her own understanding. Her work in research through the Wang Lab and the Taylor Lab reflects her interest in science. She’s also contributed to the Ethical Data Science group at UNC Charlotte, and her research has been presented at the State of Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium. Maya’s research has earned recognition at the North Carolina Science and Engineering Fair, the North Carolina Student Academy of Science, and on the international stage in competitions like Genes in Space and the North Carolina International Science Challenge. Having completed a research internship in Boston, Maya now herself as a future leader in biomedical engineering.
Maya’s leadership extends beyond academics. As a former Special Olympics U.S. Youth Ambassador, she founded the Special Olympics Eastern North Carolina Youth Activation Committee, championing inclusion and unity. She’s been part of major initiatives like the Generation Unified app and has contributed to events like youth summits and the World Anti-Bullying Forum. Her creative side is just as strong. Maya was accepted into Governor’s School for Visual Arts and Natural Science, reflecting her appreciation for both the arts and sciences. As an athlete, Maya has earned accolades like the Jim Law Most Valuable Player and the Fastest Freshman Award, leading her to compete at the USATF Junior Olympics nationals.
Maya’s story is still being written, but her impact is clear. She’s not just pursuing excellence—she’s setting the standard for it. Whether it’s through her leadership, her research, or her advocacy, Maya’s journey shows us what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
Maya’s impact can be seen across the STEM clubs at Isaac Bear. As a varsity member, executive assistant, and fundraising officer for the Science Olympiad team, she has helped them reach new levels of success. She also plays a key role in the math competition club, guiding them to several victories as project officer and competition manager.
Outside of school, Maya’s passion for science and research continues to shine. Through volunteering with the Science Fair Academy, she’s helped younger students while deepening her own understanding. Her work in research through the Wang Lab and the Taylor Lab reflects her interest in science. She’s also contributed to the Ethical Data Science group at UNC Charlotte, and her research has been presented at the State of Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium. Maya’s research has earned recognition at the North Carolina Science and Engineering Fair, the North Carolina Student Academy of Science, and on the international stage in competitions like Genes in Space and the North Carolina International Science Challenge. Having completed a research internship in Boston, Maya now herself as a future leader in biomedical engineering.
Maya’s leadership extends beyond academics. As a former Special Olympics U.S. Youth Ambassador, she founded the Special Olympics Eastern North Carolina Youth Activation Committee, championing inclusion and unity. She’s been part of major initiatives like the Generation Unified app and has contributed to events like youth summits and the World Anti-Bullying Forum. Her creative side is just as strong. Maya was accepted into Governor’s School for Visual Arts and Natural Science, reflecting her appreciation for both the arts and sciences. As an athlete, Maya has earned accolades like the Jim Law Most Valuable Player and the Fastest Freshman Award, leading her to compete at the USATF Junior Olympics nationals.
Maya’s story is still being written, but her impact is clear. She’s not just pursuing excellence—she’s setting the standard for it. Whether it’s through her leadership, her research, or her advocacy, Maya’s journey shows us what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
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