Reyhan Jamalova
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Reyhan Jamalova is an Azerbaijani woman in STEM whose work is geared toward sustainable energy in rural areas.[1] She is the founder and CEO of Rainergy, a company that focuses on harnessing the power of rainwater to sustainably generate electricity.[2][3] Currently, she is an undergraduate student at the University of Pennsylvania.[4] Additionally, she has received a number of honorable mentions, awards, and/or honors for the work that she has done, including praise from the Azerbaijani government.[1][5]
Childhood
Jamalova became interested in human rights as a child. She, along with her best friend started a fundraising campaign for children in Somalia who had limited access to education, food, and water.[2] After collecting $10 by selling things like crayons and pencils, Jamalova and her friend (with the help of Jamalova's parents) brought this money to a charity.[2]
As a child, Jamalova and her family experienced torrential rains in the Caucasus Mountains.[4] These rains would lead to devastating events for the community such as the loss of crops, flooding, and general building damage[4] along with potholes and bridge collapse.[6] Growing up in this environment influenced Jamalova's interest in sustainability in order to help her community and others alike.[2]
Education
Having been born in a small village, Jamalova did not have access to education in STEM and was expected to marry by the age of 17.[2] However, at the age of 12, Jamalova won the highest score on an entrance exam for a renowned school in Baku and moved away from her family to continue her education.[2] At age 15, Jamalova founded Rainergy.[1][7]
Jamalova received an admissions offer to the University of Pennsylvania along with a scholarship.[5] She is currently in her freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania, interested in majoring in computer and information science.[8] After she earns her bachelor's degree, she plans to get a master's degree in Data Science while working on Rainergy.[8]