Hasini Manda is a high school student passionate about using creativity and technology to make a difference. She is the Founder of Crafted For A Cause, a youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers students to craft handmade goods and raise funds for children in need. As a STEM educator with DiscoverTech, she teaches coding and engineering to younger students through fun, hands-on projects. Her research explores how AI and engineering can drive sustainability and accessibility. Beyond academics, Hasini enjoys tennis, track, and leadership roles that help her grow as a learner, mentor, and changemaker.
- Skills
- Awards
- Experience
- Activities
- Education & Certifications
Innovative Problem Solving
Scientific Research & Experimentation
Leadership & Initiative
Empathy-Driven Innovation
Engineering & Prototyping
Analytical Thinking
Communication & Storytelling
Civic Engagement & Service
Technology & Coding Fundamentals
Creative Design & Interdisciplinary Thinking
Community Empowerment & Social Impact
The President’s Volunteer Service Award, GOLD, 2024
4th place, ACSEF, Food Waste Preservation – Innovative and Sustainable, 9th grade
Winner of the Naval Horizons Essay Contest – National, 10th summer
Winner of the Earth4all Essay Competition – International, 10th summer
AI Marketing Intern – StarSpark.ai
10th Grade, Summer Internship
10th Grade, Summer Internship
Student Research Intern – Inclusive Interaction Lab (UC Merced)
Under Prof. Ahmed Sabbir Arif, Associate Professor of Computer Science & Engineering
theiilab.com/students
Research Focus Areas:
Under Prof. Ahmed Sabbir Arif, Associate Professor of Computer Science & Engineering
theiilab.com/students
Research Focus Areas:
- Perception of Humanoid Robots — 9th–11th Grades (2024–2026)
- Media Consumption Study — 11th Grade, Summer 2025
Tennis Hitter – Paid Work
9th–11th Grade
9th–11th Grade
Tennis – Varsity Team
9th–10th Grade, Regional
9th–10th Grade, Regional
Fundraising Commissioner – WiSTEM
11th Grade
11th Grade
Communication Manager – Graphic Design Club
11th Grade
11th Grade
Regional Director – Where The Water Speaks
11th Grade
11th Grade
Independent Research Project – Optimizing Industrial AMR Paths
Enhancing obstacle detection and navigation with AI & ML
10th Grade
Enhancing obstacle detection and navigation with AI & ML
10th Grade
Thermal Haptics Assistive Device for the Visually and Hearing Impaired
ACSEF 2026, Local Fair (In Progress)
11th Grade
ACSEF 2026, Local Fair (In Progress)
11th Grade
Introduction to Generative AI
Duke University
Summer 2024
Duke University
Summer 2024
Positive Psychology: Resilience Skills
University of Pennsylvania
Summer 2025
University of Pennsylvania
Summer 2025
Introduction to Python
Gavilon Community College
Summer 2024
Gavilon Community College
Summer 2024
Introduction to C++
Gavilon Community College
Summer 2024
Gavilon Community College
Summer 2024
AutoCAD
Mission College
Summer 2024
Mission College
Summer 2024
Introduction to Statistical Programming in R for Scientists and Engineers
Solano College
Summer 2025
Solano College
Summer 2025
Robotics and Embedded Systems
Mission College
Summer 2025
Mission College
Summer 2025