New Orleans Teen Creates Smartwatch to Detect Early Signs of Stroke

New Orleans Teen Creates Smartwatch to Detect Early Signs of Stroke

In a bid to change health outcomes and potentially save lives, 15-year-old Naya Ellis from New Orleans has designed a groundbreaking invention called the WingItt smartwatch. This innovative device is equipped with sensors to detect the earliest signs of a stroke, including heart rate, oxygen levels, emotions, and changes in speech patterns.

Ellis, who was recently honored as one of People magazine’s “Girls Changing the World in 2024,” was inspired to create the WingItt after witnessing the impact of a stroke on her grandmother, who has lived with disabilities since suffering a stroke before Ellis was born. Determined to prevent others from experiencing similar hardships, Ellis set out to develop a solution that could help identify stroke risk factors before it’s too late.

Through her participation in the STEM NOLA Fellows program, Ellis has been able to bring her vision to life. The WingItt smartwatch is designed to not only detect signs of a stroke but also to alert family members and emergency medical personnel in case of an emergency. Ellis’s ultimate goal is to make the device affordable and user-friendly, especially for seniors who may be less tech-savvy.

Despite her young age, Ellis is already making waves in the world of technology and has been recognized as a winner of the National STEM Challenge. With a passion for helping others and a desire to make a lasting impact as a physician, Ellis is determined to change the world one invention at a time.

“I’m changing the world and I’m not even that old yet,” Ellis said. “I’m proving that you’re capable of anything at any age.” With her innovative spirit and determination, Ellis is well on her way to making a significant difference in the world of healthcare.