By Zaid Aboobacker
KUWAIT: Hanya Ahmed, an exceptionally accomplished student who graduated from high school at the remarkably young age of 15, commenced her bachelor’s studies at the age of 16 at Queen Mary University London, and embarked on a PhD program at 19. Kuwait Times spoke with Hanya to delve into her journey, current pursuits and the advice she has to offer to young individuals.
Kuwait Times: Tell us more about yourself.
Hanya Ahmed: I am an electrical and electronic engineer with a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronic engineering, specializing in robotics. My PhD is also in the same field, focusing on medical imaging using machine learning and terahertz wave technology. My hobbies include cycling, swimming, dancing, and reading books.
Kuwait Times: Can you tell us about how you managed to earn a PhD at such a young age?
Hanya: I graduated from high school at the age of 15, which was made possible by fast-tracking my grades during secondary school and combining year 11 and 12 into one year. Following the British school system, I completed my IGCSE and AS-Levels in just two years by the age of 15. I then received offers from UK universities to study engineering, so I moved to the UK at 16 to pursue my bachelor’s degree. Since the UK bachelor’s program is typically three years long, my final year project, which was my dissertation, received such a high score that I was offered the opportunity to continue it as a PhD. Consequently, I graduated at 18 and began my PhD at 19, which will be completed when I am 22.
Kuwait Times: Were you enrolled in any specialized courses, or did you independently prepare for your journey?
Hanya: I independently prepared for my journey because I always knew I wanted to pursue engineering, although I hadn’t initially decided on the specific field. My friends and family encouraged me to choose engineering, and I was drawn to it because of my interest in coding, which I had been doing since I was in school. I took computer science classes, and it provided me with a path to coding, which proved to be very beneficial. So, I didn’t take any specialized courses; I simply followed my passion and strengths, rather than venturing into fields like humanities or business that I wasn’t as proficient in.
Kuwait Times: How much of a role did your parents play in your journey to achieving your position in a PhD program?
Hanya: My parents played a significant role and provided tremendous support throughout my journey. Even when the school was against me skipping grades and combining years to finish school early, my parents stood by me and continually motivated me, emphasizing that I could achieve my goals and that it would greatly benefit me. Their support was instrumental in helping me accomplish a lot in a relatively short amount of time.
Kuwait Times: Why was the school against you skipping grades?
Hanya: The school had reservations about it because of the considerable stress it could place on someone at a young age. I acknowledge that it was indeed a stressful experience, and it did take a toll on me psychologically and mentally. However, in the end, it was a valuable experience as it led to excellent grades and improved my time management skills significantly. I had to ensure that everything was completed within a strict timeline.
Kuwait Times: What field are you currently studying?
Hanya: I primarily focus on computer science in the medical field. In the medical field, my work encompasses various aspects, including medical devices, medical imaging and forecasting. I have worked on projects related to respiratory diseases, cardiology, ophthalmology and dentistry.
Kuwait Times: How did you become interested in this field?
Hanya: My interest in this field was heavily influenced by my mother’s career, as she works in the medical field. I recognized that there was significant room for improvement in the medical sector, particularly in areas such as medical devices and medical imaging. I saw the potential for machine learning to greatly enhance diagnostics and assist clinicians by reducing time, effort, and costs.
Kuwait Times: How did you handle not attending classes in the usual order? What was the process like?
Hanya: Attending classes out of the usual order required me to double my efforts compared to regular students. I also had to take additional tuition to keep up with the accelerated pace. Fortunately, all my teachers were understanding and accommodating, giving me extra time and assistance whenever needed.
Kuwait Times: Do you miss anything about having an adult life at such a young age, even if it meant missing out on regular school activities?
Hanya: Not really. I make sure to maintain a balanced life and not act older than my age. During my school years, I participated in activities such as basketball and netball, spent time with my friends, and made an effort to stay connected with everyone I knew. I ensured that I had a normal life and kept my personal life intact.
Kuwait Times: What do you currently do now?
Hanya: I am involved in multiple research projects and work as a researcher in various fields. My current research focuses on cardiology, dentistry and respiratory diseases, all related to medical imaging and the application of machine learning and AI to improve medical diagnostics.
Kuwait Times: What are your plans for the future?
Hanya: In the future, I aspire to become a professor and teach at a university. I also plan to continue consulting, as I do currently, alongside my teaching responsibilities.
Kuwait Times: Do you have any advice for young people?
Hanya: Don’t doubt yourself; you are capable of achieving anything. People often doubt themselves when they face challenges or encounter areas where they aren’t as strong. Remember that everyone has both strengths and weaknesses, and that’s perfectly normal. Embrace your strengths and keep pushing forward.