Naya Ellis, 14, pioneers WingItt, groundbreaking watch designed to detect early signs of stroke

Naya Ellis, 14, has always harbored a deep passion for science and a strong desire to contribute to the medical field. Her journey began at the tender age of 7, when she diligently cared for her mother during her battle with breast cancer, assisting with bandage changes and offering support.

Today, as a ninth-grader at John F. Kennedy High School in New Orleans, Naya has merged her love for science with her altruistic aspirations by inventing WingItt – a watch designed to detect early signs of stroke in adults. Her remarkable invention earned her the title of champion in the National STEM Challenge just last month.

The inspiration for Naya’s innovative creation stemmed from her involvement in STEM NOLA, a program that engages K-12 students in hands-on projects centered around science, technology, engineering, and math.

The functionality of Naya’s watch revolves around its ability to detect nerve impulses and heartbeats. While visible symptoms of a stroke, such as a drooping face or unusual taste, may manifest in some individuals, Naya aimed to develop a device capable of identifying internal symptoms preemptively.