Hi! I’m Hasini Manda, a high school student who loves exploring how creativity, curiosity, and compassion can work together to make a real difference. I’m drawn to challenges that connect science and people where innovation can improve everyday life, expand access, or make the world a bit more sustainable and inclusive.
I’m the Founder and President of Crafted For A Cause, a youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers students to turn creativity into community service. What began with a few handcrafted bracelets and baked goods has grown into a volunteer network that raises funds to provide school supplies, clothing, and care kits for children in need. Through this work, I’ve learned that leadership is not just about organizing projects, it’s about mobilizing others to care. Seeing our small creations transform into real help for others has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey.
As part of our DiscoverTech initiative, I lead hands-on STEM workshops for younger students in local libraries and community spaces. These classes introduce children to coding, problem-solving, and design through fun, creative projects. Beyond teaching technical skills, I focus on building confidence and curiosity, especially for girls and students who may not see themselves represented in STEM. The most rewarding moments are when a student tells me they want to “keep creating” that spark is what drives me.
My research and innovation projects grow from the same desire to make an impact. In Food Waste Preservation: Innovative and Sustainable, I explored ways to reduce food waste and promote sustainable living, an issue that connects environmental science and human behavior. In another project, I worked on a Robotics Navigation study to understand how autonomous systems can move and learn more intelligently. I am also working on designing a Thermal Haptics Assistive Device to help people with hearing or vision impairments navigate their surroundings through gentle sensory feedback.
As a two-time research intern at the Inclusive Interaction Lab at the University of California, Merced, under Dr. Ahmed Sabbir Arif, I studied how humans perceive and interact with robots and how technology can be designed to feel more natural, ethical, and inclusive. These experiences taught me that meaningful innovation isn’t just about invention it’s about understanding people and designing with empathy.
Through both my research and community initiatives, I’ve seen how science and compassion can shape each other. Whether it’s developing a sustainable idea, teaching a new skill, or supporting a child’s education, I strive to use what I learn to create tangible, positive change in my community.
Outside academics, I’m a tennis and track athlete, which keeps me focused and resilient, and I serve in student leadership roles that allow me to bring people together around shared goals. Each experience in the lab, the classroom, or on the court has taught me that growth comes from collaboration, curiosity, and heart.
Looking ahead, I hope to continue exploring how innovation and empathy can come together to solve global challenges from sustainability to accessibility to education equity. My goal is to keep creating ideas and initiatives that remind others that technology, when guided by compassion, can be one of the most powerful tools for good.
This portfolio presents Hasini’s commitment to academic research, innovation, and leadership, sharing the principles that inspire her educational and community endeavors.