02-07-2025
Durban teen Tristan Maistry joins prestigious 2025 Summit STEM Fellowship
The fellowship connects ambitious young learners with top mentors from Harvard University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Princeton University to empower the next generation of leaders in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).
Maistry joined the programme from June 22. It runs until July 12 and provides an in-depth, sustained learning journey that includes workshops, mentorship sessions, and project work.
Out of over 3 000 applicants from 90 countries, Maistry's passion, innovation, and dedication secured him a place among the world's future changemakers.
Tristan Maistry, a Grade 10 pupil at Curro Embury, was selected to participate in the 2025 Summit STEM Fellowship Programme.
A Durban teenager has been selected for a prestigious international fellowship that empowers the next generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering and maths.
Maistry, 15, from Morningside, said he was honoured to have been selected through a stringent process.
"Knowing that I am part of a small, passionate group of learners who share a love for STEM is very inspiring. It motivates me to make the most of this opportunity and to contribute meaningfully to the programme," he said.
Maistry said from a young age he had an aptitude for maths. He said he applied to be part of the Summit STEM Fellowship because it offers an exciting opportunity to develop STEM skills beyond the classroom, engage in hands-on projects, and learn from industry leaders.
"I was eager to challenge myself and grow through this experience. It also helps me to build a strong professional network. I have access to mentors and experts who I can reach out to for guidance and to discuss future STEM developments that I'm passionate about," he said.
He said the fellowship covers a wide range of topics, including coding, engineering, data science, and innovation principles.
Maistry added that it also focuses on leadership development, problem-solving, and preparing learners for future STEM careers through mentorship and exposure to real-world challenges.
"It has been an incredible experience so far. I've particularly enjoyed the collaborative projects and the exposure to new technologies and problem-solving techniques.
"One of the most interesting things I've learned is how to approach complex problems by breaking them down into manageable steps, which is a skill that will benefit me in any career," he said.
Maistry said they have engaged in science trivias and on weekends have been able to chat to different mentors about anything that they are concerned about and want to know.
"It is interesting to hear how people in different fields got to where they are and the challenges they faced.
"It is about how you use the information taught and the skills learned to make a difference in your work and get involved in your community," said Maistry.
He is considering studying actuarial science, engineering, mathematics or to become a chartered accountant, after matric
"I am passionate about technology and innovation. This programme has strengthened my interest in these fields," he said.
