Editor's note: This year we honored some of the brightest young minds in the Bay Area innovation sector as part of our Inno Under 25 feature. Check out all the profiles from this year's honorees here.
High school junior Chloe Wang caught the attention of Theranos whistleblower Tyler Shultz and researchers at Stanford University with her value-led work. The 16-year old “tech nomad” dabbles in various passion projects outside the classroom, many of which tie back to themes of mental health. Wang is a research intern at Stanford for a project touching on artificial intelligence, neuroscience and civil environmental engineering. She is also building a system for whistleblowers to share their stories, where Shultz has lent support and advice to her work. Her team also won the NeurotechX 2023 International Hackathon with a suicide prevention tool, using her self-taught coding skills.
What got you started working in mental health tech innovation?
Growing up, I witnessed loved ones struggle with mental health issues and I also have relatives who suffered from neurodegenerative conditions. About two years ago, I lost a friend to suicide and that’s kind of when it hit me how dire the situation was. When one of my loved ones tried to seek help and schedule a counseling session, the nearest available date was about a month and a half out. That’s when I realized these industries are understaffed and it was time for me to try to take action, so I taught myself to code and I entered a hackathon.
When you’re in a space where you may be the youngest in the room, how do you ensure your voice is heard?
Not only being the youngest, but one of few women in a lot of these events, I think it’s really important to realize that the less you act like your age is a limitation, the less it will actually hinder you, because I believe that age can be a superpower. People are more likely to help you because they’ll say, “Oh this is a curious, ambitious, young individual — we’d love to help them out or kickstart their career.”
Who are some people who have been role models or inspirations?
The first one would definitely be Bridgit Mendler. I’m really inspired by that fact that she also doesn’t think she has to sort herself or label herself in different categories. She really just chases her curiosity and that’s something I really hope to do as well because I have a lot of interests and I hope to be able to go deep into them. It’s really inspirational just to see another woman do that.
About Chloe
Age: 16
Education: Junior, Homestead High School, Cupertino
Residence: Cupertino
Role: Founder, student researcher
Company: Spectr
