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The Best and The Brightest of 2024

Abhiraj

Gedela

Age 17
Senior
Paradise Valley High School 
Phoenix

He’s an entrepreneur and inventor with a mission to positively change the world. Abhiraj eventually hopes to begin work on neural implants to monitor brain activity patterns related to autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions. His motivation stems from his younger brother who has autism. He’s currently working research and development on medical devices monitoring diabetes with Labelle Labs at Grand Canyon University. The project won first place at the Paradise Valley Science and Engineering Fair, and he will soon be competing at the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair. 

 

Abhiraj is an avid sneakerhead, and in January 2023, he launched a sneaker business called APMsells. Since starting his business, he’s learned and mastered new skills like social media marketing, e-commerce and meetups. His business has generated upwards of $27,000 in revenue and $6,000 in profits in the last 13 months, and beyond finding his favorite Jordans, he’s learned the importance of giving back to the community. He often collects shoes and clothing and distributes them to homeless people in Arizona.  

 

“I love seeing the smiles we bring to people’s faces,” said Abhiraj. “It’s made me realize I need to keep my passions and entrepreneurial endeavors aligned and support my community whenever possible.”

 

In his spare time, he enjoys Karate and basketball. He’s a Karate State champion and earned his 2nd Degree Black Belt. He is also a teacher and loves instructing people of all ages on the physical and mental aspects of Karate. Abhiraj is also captain of the Varsity Basketball team.

 

Community service is important to Abhiraj too, so he volunteers monthly with his dad at St. Vincent de Paul, packing sandwiches for the less fortunate, something they have done since middle school. He also founded his school’s local Science National Honor Society Chapter.

 

“I think my brother’s experience with autism has made me more compassionate, empathic, kind, and curious,” said Abhiraj. “I help my family with him as much as possible. It’s also motivated me to study biomedical engineering and help people everyday moving forward.” 

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