5. Asmaa Jrad

Age: 29
Occupation: Postdoctoral Associate at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD)
Nationality: Lebanese
Residence: U.A.E.
Category: Science & Technology

Jrad is developing water filtration systems that use advanced covalent-organic frameworks (COFs) as molecularly designed active layers within conventional filters. The COF filter will feature active layers of COFs to remove emerging contaminants. It could be incorporated in water bottles, under the sink, or into shower heads. Jrad has partnered with an industrial entity in the U.A.E. to commercialize her technology. She has a provisional patent for the technology on PFAS sensing and removal using a cationic covalent-organic framework. She previously worked as a postdoc at AUB and has 11 publications in scientific journals like Chem, JACS, and Nature Communications.