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Maryann Benny Fernandes

7,455

Bold Points

355x

Nominee

6x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

As an international, first-gen, low-income from India, I completed my MS in Electrical Engineering at Stanford University in Sept 2023. I'm pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University, designing antennas for outer space and medical applications. Towards the end of my Ph.D., I wish to make known antenna designs that can detect space debris of size 10 cm and below, as well as cancer cells in the human body. You may think of two fields, and I agree, but the idea of antenna research in the two fields stands to be very similar. I have realized it through my work experiences at the Radiometry System for Early Breast Cancer Detection project at the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER), a national Indian lab & while working on an inflatable antenna in the Spacecraft Design Lab class at Stanford. My understanding amplified while I was teaching a graduate-level class at Stanford in my final quarter - the fourier transform and its application on how I could use math to develop my idea. These experiences have my curiosity that there may be a link between using innovative antennas to tackle these issues. I connected the dots from my research in the summer of 2021 with the R42 AI Institute and the start-up Concr, where I studied the similarities of dark matter in the gravitational lensing of outer space with that of cancer cells in the human body. I will also apply to law school during the third year of my Ph.D. to focus on Space law, advocate for space sustainability, & take my Pilot licensee exam.

Education

Duke University

Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
2023 - 2028
  • Majors:
    • Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Minors:
    • Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
    • Medicine

Stanford University

Master's degree program
2021 - 2023
  • Majors:
    • Electrical and Computer Engineering

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
    • Computer Science
    • Physics and Astronomy
    • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
  • Planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Research

    • Dream career goals:

      scientist and professor

    • Student

      Duke University
      2023 – Present1 year

    Sports

    Track & Field

    Varsity
    2006 – 20104 years

    Dodgeball

    Varsity
    2012 – 20186 years

    Awards

    • 1

    Badminton

    Club
    2013 – 20141 year

    Awards

    • 2

    Basketball

    Junior Varsity
    2005 – 20105 years

    Awards

    • Inter - collegiate and Intra school

    Research

    • Electrical and Computer Engineering

      Duke University — Student
      2023 – Present
    • Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering

      NASA JPL — Graduate fellow
      2022 – 2023
    • Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering

      Stanford — Graduate student researcher
      2022 – 2022
    • Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering

      Stanford — Research assistant
      2021 – 2021
    • Electrical and Electronics Engineering

      Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engg & Research — Graduate Research Trainee
      2020 – 2021

    Arts

    • Xavier Institute of Engineering

      Acting
      Olio - St. Andrews college
      2015 – 2018

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      TEDxDuke — Board member
      2023 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Duke marching band — Percussionist - Cymbals
      2023 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Duke Catholic Community — Graduate director for liturgy
      2023 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Stanford Women's Community Center, First-generation low-income partnership — Graduate mentor
      2021 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Catholic Community @Stanford — Volunteer
      2021 – Present
    • Volunteering

      St. Anthony Church, Vakola — Animator for Confirmation Youth
      2013 – 2021
    • Volunteering

      UNESCO WHV 2018 – Let’s Heritage — Delegate
      2018 – 2018
    • Volunteering

      Samvedana Trust — Drama and Music Tutor
      2020 – 2020
    • Volunteering

      TEDxXIE — Licensee and Organizer
      2015 – 2018

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Student Life Photography Scholarship
    Learner Math Lover Scholarship
    As an international, first-generation, low-income student from India, I completed my Master's in Electrical Engineering at Stanford University in Sept 2023. I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University, designing antennas for outer space and medical applications. Towards the end of my Ph.D., I wish to make known antenna designs that can detect space debris of size 10 cm and below and cancer cells in the human body. You may think of two fields, and I agree, but the idea of antenna research in the two fields stands to be very similar, and I have realized it through my work experiences and internships. I worked on the Radiometry System for Early Breast Cancer Detection project at the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER), a national Indian lab. I never indeed recognized the impact of research until among all my tasks in the project after I observed nonlinear results from my first simulation of a 2.4 GHz microstrip antenna on HFSS under two test conditions, a breast phantom with and without a cancerous tumor ranging from 1 mm to 10 cm. Stanford changed my life in many ways, but I detail two crucial experiences that have helped me develop my research interests and passion for teaching. Inspired by radars and innovative antennas on spacecraft and CubeSats, for my Spacecraft Design Lab, my team and I pitched a project on undetectable sub-centimeter space debris detection and categorization. We designed a 3x3x3 meter, 2.4GHz inflatable antenna, after dozens of unsuccessful attempts, we succeeded in inflating and successfully testing the antenna. In my final quarter, I had the opportunity to be the primary course instructor for a Stanford graduate-level class in which I was previously a teaching assistant (TA): The Fourier Transform and its Applications. During this phase, I realized I was learning more while pondering my research questions, which helped me understand the math I needed in my research to tackle my antenna designs. These experiences have amplified my curiosity that there may be a link between using innovative antennas to capture tiny space debris and early cancer detection. I used the connections from my research in the summer of 2021 with the R42 AI Institute and the start-up Concr, where I studied the similarities of dark matter in the gravitational lensing of outer space with that of breast cancer cells in the human body.
    Redefining Victory Scholarship
    I'm Maryann & "Go forth & set the world on Fire" (St. Ignatius Loyola) is my life motto! As an international, first-generation, low-income student from India, I completed my Master's in Electrical Engineering at Stanford University in Sept 2023. I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University, designing antennas for outer space and medical applications. Towards the end of my Ph.D., I wish to make known antenna designs that can detect space debris of size 10 cm and below and cancer cells in the human body. You may think of two fields, and I agree, but the idea of antenna research in the two fields stands to be very similar, and I have realized it through my work experiences and internships. 1) I worked on the Radiometry System for Early Breast Cancer Detection project at the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER), a national Indian lab. I never indeed recognized the impact of research until among all my tasks in the project after I observed nonlinear results from my first simulation of a 2.4 GHz microstrip antenna on HFSS under two test conditions, a breast phantom with and without a cancerous tumor ranging from 1 mm to 10 cm. Through this research, I came to identify four goals: Higher education in the U.S., A space scientist career, Helping the medical community tackle cancer, and a Passion for teaching. 2) Stanford changed my life in many ways, but I detail two crucial experiences that have helped me develop my research interests and passion for teaching. a) Inspired by radars and innovative antennas on spacecraft and CubeSats, for my Spacecraft Design Lab, my team, which consisted of two undergrads, an aerospace and mechanical engineer, pitched a project on undetectable sub-centimeter space debris detection and categorization. Designing a theoretical radar system in the first few weeks of the class, we narrowed it down to a 3x3x3 meter, 2.4 GHz inflatable antenna. I worked on the system's mathematical calculations using MATLAB, HFSS simulations, and manual patch fabrication. Then, together as a team, after dozens of unsuccessful attempts, we managed to inflate and successfully test a 2.4 GHz antenna on a receiver. b) In my final quarter, I had the opportunity to be the primary course instructor for a Stanford graduate-level class in which I was previously a teaching assistant (TA) - EE261: The Fourier Transform and its Applications. During this phase, I realized I was learning more while pondering my research questions, which helped me understand the math I need in my research to tackle my antenna designs for space and medical needs. These experiences have amplified my curiosity that there may be a link between using innovative antennas to capture tiny space debris and early cancer detection. I used the connections from my research in the summer of 2021 with the R42 AI Institute and the start-up Concr, where I studied the similarities of dark matter in the gravitational lensing of outer space with that of breast cancer cells in the human body. I have developed critical thinking, leadership, communication, and teamwork in my international exposure. I won the MIT Hacking Racism in Healthcare by pitching as a team of four - accessible healthcare facilities to LGBTQ and BIPOC youth. As the runner-up in a group of three at the European Space Agency Virtual Hackathon, we identified a solution to the COVID-19 pandemic targeting SDG 3 - Health & Well-Being. I served as the Councilor at Stanford, representing the Electrical Engineering Department at Stanford's School of Engineering Dean's Graduate Student Advisory Council for 2022 - 23. Apart from the technical side, I will also apply to law school during the third year of my Ph.D. to focus on Space law, advocate for space sustainability, and take my Pilot licensee exam. In my personal and professional journey, my dream is to cross paths with the best people of my generation and continue the unparalleled path of a diverse education through my research in outer space and medical applications with extracurricular activities and meaningful community service that can help make this world a better place. I will acknowledge that I have succeeded if I can achieve this goal.
    Hicks Scholarship Award
    As an international, first-generation, low-income student from India, I completed my Master's in Electrical Engineering at Stanford University in Sept 2023. I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University, designing antennas for outer space and medical applications. Towards the end of my Ph.D., I wish to make known antenna designs that can detect space debris of size 10 cm and below, and cancer cells in the human body. You may think of two fields, and I agree, but the idea of antenna research in the two fields stands to be very similar, and I have realized it through my work experiences and internships. 1) I worked on the Radiometry System for Early Breast Cancer Detection project at the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER), a national Indian lab. I never indeed recognized the impact of research until among all my tasks in the project after I observed nonlinear results from my first simulation of a 2.4 GHz microstrip antenna on HFSS under two test conditions, a breast phantom with and without a cancerous tumor ranging from 1 mm to 10 cm. Through this research, I came to identify four goals: Higher education in the U.S., A space scientist career, Helping the medical community tackle cancer, and a Passion for teaching. 2) Stanford changed my life in many ways, but I detail two crucial experiences that have helped me develop my research interests and passion for teaching. a) Inspired by radars and innovative antennas on spacecraft and CubeSats, for my Spacecraft Design Lab, my team, which consisted of two undergrads, an aerospace and mechanical engineer, pitched a project on undetectable sub-centimeter space debris detection and categorization. Designing a theoretical radar system in the first few weeks of the class, we narrowed it down to a 3x3x3 meter, 2.4 GHz inflatable antenna. I worked on the system's mathematical calculations using MATLAB, HFSS simulations, and manual patch fabrication. Then, together as a team, after dozens of unsuccessful attempts, we managed to inflate and successfully test a 2.4 GHz antenna on a receiver. b) In my final quarter, I had the opportunity to be the primary course instructor for a Stanford graduate-level class in which I was previously a teaching assistant (TA) - EE261: The Fourier Transform and its Applications. During this phase, I realized I was learning more while also pondering on my research questions, which helped me understand the math I need in my research to tackle my antenna designs for space and medical needs. These experiences have amplified my curiosity that there may be a link between using innovative antennas to capture tiny space debris and early cancer detection. I used the connections from my research in the summer of 2021 with the R42 AI Institute and the start-up Concr, where I studied the similarities of dark matter in the gravitational lensing of outer space with that of breast cancer cells in the human body. In my personal and professional journey, my dream is to cross paths with the best people of my generation and continue the unparalleled path of a diverse education with extracurricular activities and meaningful community service that can help make this world a better place.
    Sikora Drake Women in STEM Scholarship
    As an international, first-generation, low-income student from India, I completed my Master's in Electrical Engineering at Stanford University in Sept 2023. I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University, designing antennas for outer space and medical applications. Towards the end of my Ph.D., I wish to make known antenna designs that can detect space debris of size 10 cm and below and cancer cells in the human body. You may think of two fields, and I agree, but the idea of antenna research in the two fields stands to be very similar, and I have realized it through my work experiences and internships. 1. I worked on the Radiometry System for Early Breast Cancer Detection project at the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER), a national Indian lab. I never indeed recognized the impact of research until among all my tasks in the project after I observed nonlinear results from my first simulation of a 2.4 GHz microstrip antenna on HFSS under two test conditions, a breast phantom with and without a cancerous tumor ranging from 1 mm to 10 cm. Through this research, I came to identify four goals: Higher education in the U.S., A space scientist career, Helping the medical community tackle cancer, and a Passion for teaching. 2. Stanford changed my life in many ways, but I detail two crucial experiences that have helped me develop my research interests and passion for teaching. a) Inspired by radars and innovative antennas on spacecraft and CubeSats, for my Spacecraft Design Lab, my team, which consisted of two undergrads, an aerospace and mechanical engineer, pitched a project on undetectable sub-centimeter space debris detection and categorization. Designing a theoretical radar system in the first few weeks of the class, we narrowed it down to a 3x3x3 meter, 2.4 GHz inflatable antenna. I worked on the system's mathematical calculations using MATLAB, HFSS simulations, and manual patch fabrication. Then, together as a team, after dozens of unsuccessful attempts, we managed to inflate and successfully test a 2.4 GHz antenna on a receiver. b) In my final quarter, I had the opportunity to be the primary course instructor for a Stanford graduate-level class in which I was previously a teaching assistant (TA) - EE261: The Fourier Transform and its Applications. The class was in person, streamed online, and comprised high school students, undergraduates, grads, and working professionals. While a graduate TA assisted me, this journey humbled me to realize the challenges and expectations that come to a professor when teaching at a premier school. These experiences have amplified my curiosity that there may be a link between using innovative antennas to capture tiny space debris and early cancer detection. I used the connections from my research in the summer of 2021 with the R42 AI Institute and the start-up Concr, where I studied the similarities of dark matter in the gravitational lensing of outer space with that of cancer cells in the human body. On my career road, my dream is to cross paths with the best people of my generation and continue the unparalleled path of a diverse education with extracurricular activities and meaningful community service that can help make this world a better place.
    A Man Helping Women Helping Women Scholarship
    As an international, first-generation, low-income student from India, I completed my Master's in Electrical Engineering at Stanford University in Sept 2023. I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University, designing antennas for outer space and medical applications. Towards the end of my Ph.D., I wish to make known antenna designs that can detect space debris of size 10 cm and below, as well as cancer cells in the human body. You may think of two fields, and I agree, but the idea of antenna research in the two fields stands to be very similar, and I have realized it through my work experiences and internships. I worked on the Radiometry System for Early Breast Cancer Detection project at the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER), a national Indian lab. I never indeed recognized the impact of research until among all my tasks in the project after I observed nonlinear results from my first simulation of a 2.4 GHz microstrip antenna on HFSS under two test conditions, a breast phantom with and without a cancerous tumor ranging from 1 mm to 10 cm. Through this research, I came to identify four goals: Higher education in the U.S., A space scientist career, Helping the medical community tackle cancer, and a Passion for teaching. Stanford changed my life in many ways, but I detail two crucial experiences that have helped me develop my research interests and passion for teaching. a. Inspired by radars and innovative antennas on spacecraft and CubeSats, for my Spacecraft Design Lab, my team, which consisted of two undergrads, an aerospace and mechanical engineer, pitched a project on undetectable sub-centimeter space debris detection and categorization. Designing a theoretical radar system in the first few weeks of the class, we narrowed it down to a 3x3x3 meter, 2.4 GHz inflatable antenna. I worked on the system's mathematical calculations using MATLAB, HFSS simulations, and manual patch fabrication. Then, together as a team, after dozens of unsuccessful attempts, we managed to inflate and successfully test a 2.4 GHz antenna on a receiver. b. In my final quarter, I had the opportunity to be the primary course instructor for a Stanford graduate-level class in which I was previously a teaching assistant (TA) - EE261: The Fourier Transform and its Applications. The class was in person, streamed online, and comprised high school students, undergraduates, grads, and working professionals. While a graduate TA assisted me, this journey humbled me to realize the challenges and expectations that come to a professor when teaching at a premier school. These experiences have amplified my curiosity that there may be a link between using innovative antennas to capture tiny space debris and early cancer detection. I used the connections from my research in the summer of 2021 with the R42 AI Institute and the start-up Concr, where I studied the similarities of dark matter in the gravitational lensing of outer space with that of cancer cells in the human body. On my career road, my dream is to cross paths with the best people of my generation and continue the unparalleled path of a diverse education with extracurricular activities and meaningful community service.
    Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship
    I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University, designing antennas for outer space and medical applications. Towards the end of my Ph.D., I wish to make known antenna designs that can detect space debris of size 10 cm and below, as well as cancer cells in the human body. You may think of two fields, and I agree, but the idea of antenna research in the two fields stands to be very similar, and I have realized it through my work experiences and internships. 1. I worked on the Radiometry System for Early Breast Cancer Detection project at the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER), a national Indian lab. I never indeed recognized the impact of research until among all my tasks in the project after I observed nonlinear results from my first simulation of a 2.4 GHz microstrip antenna on HFSS under two test conditions, a breast phantom with and without a cancerous tumor ranging from 1 mm to 10 cm. 2. Stanford changed my life in many ways and helped me understand how technology can improve this world. Inspired by radars and innovative antennas on spacecraft and CubeSats, for my Spacecraft Design Lab, my team, which consisted of two undergrads, an aerospace and mechanical engineer, pitched a project on undetectable sub-centimeter space debris detection and categorization. The ever-increasing Space debris is a major concern for our future space exploration, so we designed a theoretical radar system in the first few weeks of the class, we narrowed it down to a 3x3x3 meter, 2.4 GHz inflatable antenna that could help us achieve detection, and after dozens of unsuccessful attempts, we managed to inflate and successfully test a 2.4 GHz antenna. These experiences have amplified my curiosity that there may be a link between using innovative antennas to capture tiny space debris and early cancer detection. I used the connections from my research in the summer of 2021 with the R42 AI Institute and the start-up Concr, where I studied the similarities of dark matter in the gravitational lensing of outer space with that of cancer cells in the human body.
    Abu Omar Halal Scholarship
    As an international, first-generation, low-income student from India, I completed my Master's in Electrical Engineering at Stanford University in Sept 2023. I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University, designing antennas for outer space and medical applications. Towards the end of my Ph.D., I wish to make known antenna designs that can detect space debris of size 10 cm and below, as well as cancer cells in the human body. You may think of two fields, and I agree, but the idea of antenna research in the two fields stands to be very similar, and I have realized it through my work experiences and internships. 1. I worked on the Radiometry System for Early Breast Cancer Detection project at the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER), a national Indian lab. I never indeed recognized the impact of research until among all my tasks in the project after I observed nonlinear results from my first simulation of a 2.4 GHz microstrip antenna on HFSS under two test conditions, a breast phantom with and without a cancerous tumor ranging from 1 mm to 10 cm. Through this research, I came to identify four goals: Higher education in the U.S., A space scientist career, Helping the medical community tackle cancer, and a Passion for teaching. 2. Stanford changed my life in many ways, but I detail two crucial experiences that have helped me develop my research interests and passion for teaching. a. Inspired by radars and innovative antennas on spacecraft and CubeSats, for my Spacecraft Design Lab, my team, which consisted of two undergrads, an aerospace and mechanical engineer, pitched a project on undetectable sub-centimeter space debris detection and categorization. Designing a theoretical radar system in the first few weeks of the class, we narrowed it down to a 3x3x3 meter, 2.4 GHz inflatable antenna, and after dozens of unsuccessful attempts, we managed to inflate and successfully test a 2.4 GHz antenna on a receiver. b. In my final quarter, I had the opportunity to be the primary course instructor for a Stanford graduate-level class in which I was previously a teaching assistant (TA) - EE261: The Fourier Transform and its Applications. The class was in person, streamed online, and comprised high school students, undergraduates, grads, and working professionals. While a graduate TA assisted me, this journey humbled me to realize the challenges and expectations that come to a professor when teaching at a premier school. These experiences have amplified my curiosity that there may be a link between using innovative antennas to capture tiny space debris and early cancer detection. I used the connections from my research in the summer of 2021 with the R42 AI Institute and the start-up Concr, where I studied the similarities of dark matter in the gravitational lensing of outer space with that of cancer cells in the human body. I have developed critical thinking, leadership, communication, and teamwork in my international exposure. I won the MIT Hacking Racism in Healthcare by pitching as a team of four - accessible healthcare facilities to LGBTQ and BIPOC youth. As the runner-up in a group of three at the European Space Agency Virtual Hackathon, we identified a solution to the COVID-19 pandemic targeting SDG 3 - Health & Well-Being. I served as the Councilor at Stanford, representing the Electrical Engineering Department at Stanford's School of Engineering Dean's Graduate Student Advisory Council for 2022-23. My dream is to crossroads with the best people of my generation and continue the unparalleled path of a diverse education with extracurricular activities and meaningful community service.
    Act Locally Scholarship
    Education, love, and forgiveness can change the world. I do it by utilizing my time at Stanford to help my community and writing poems that revolve around disastrous events happening around the world apart from academics and research.
    Bold Wisdom Scholarship
    You are your own storyteller and no one can proclaim it better than yourself!