Early Life and Education
Born in 1995, Nada Raafat ElKharashi hails from Egypt. Her passion for design and innovation led her to pursue higher education at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar). She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design in 2017, graduating with high honors, and later obtained a Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Design Studies in 2021. During her academic journey, Nada’s dedication and excellence were recognized through a full scholarship from Hamad Bin Khalifa for her undergraduate studies and a graduate fellowship from the Dean of the Graduate School for her master’s program.
Professional Endeavors and Achievements
Nada’s career is marked by a series of innovative projects that blend design with sustainability and cultural advancement. In 2021, she co-founded Electric Skin, a pioneering venture that generates electricity from ambient air using innovative biomaterials. Serving as the Chief Creative Officer, Nada led the development of BioVolt, a self-powering sticker that functions as a body temperature sensor, alerting users when their temperature exceeds 38 degrees Celsius. This groundbreaking technology holds promise for providing sustainable energy solutions, especially in underserved communities. The team has filed a U.S. provisional patent for their Self-Powering Biomaterial from Ambient Air Humidity technology.
In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Nada has been recognized for her individual design projects. She created a unique public seating structure using recycled egg crates, which was unveiled at M7 in Msheireb Downtown Doha. This piece was later exhibited during Milan Design Week 2022 as part of the Rossana Orlandi Ro Plastic Exhibition, where it secured third place in the Urban and Public Design category. This project not only showcased her commitment to sustainability but also highlighted her ability to transform everyday materials into functional art.
Challenges and Resilience
Nada’s path to success was not without obstacles. Balancing her academic pursuits with her passion for interdisciplinary design required immense dedication and time management. Entering the competitive field of design and innovation, especially as a woman from the Arab world, presented its own set of challenges. However, Nada’s unwavering commitment to her vision and her ability to navigate and overcome these challenges have been instrumental in her journey.
Recent Endeavors and Future Aspirations
In 2024, Nada’s innovative spirit led her to participate in the 16th edition of “Stars of Science,” an edutainment reality TV show where Arab innovators compete to develop tech solutions for their communities. As the first VCUarts Qatar graduate to participate, she presented her project ‘BioVolt’ and emerged as a finalist, securing a spot in the top three. Reflecting on her experience, Nada emphasized that her journey was driven by a constant pursuit of meaningful endeavors rather than a focus on achievements.
Looking ahead, Nada aims to continue pushing the boundaries of design and technology. She envisions expanding the applications of sustainable biomaterials and integrating them into everyday products to enhance quality of life. Her commitment to cultural advancement and positive change remains at the forefront of her endeavors, as she seeks to inspire the next generation of designers and innovators.
Inspiration for Aspiring Innovators
Nada ElKharashi’s journey exemplifies the power of resilience, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to one’s vision. Her ability to merge interdisciplinary research with practical applications serves as a testament to the impact of innovative thinking. Aspiring innovators can draw inspiration from her story, understanding that challenges are an integral part of the journey and that perseverance, coupled with a passion for positive change, can lead to remarkable achievements.
In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and cultural integrity, Nada’s work stands as a beacon, demonstrating how design can be a catalyst for meaningful transformation. Do follow her on Instagram.
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