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As part of Nord Anglia Education’s exclusive partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), BIS Abu Dhabi students gain access to world-class STEAM learning experiences. This collaboration is designed to inspire creativity, problem-solving, and innovation by connecting students with leading researchers and hands-on projects at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.
"I’m Sai, a Year 12 student originally from India, and this is my third year at The British International School Abu Dhabi. I’m deeply passionate about the workings of the human body and even more so by scientific innovation and discoveries. This curiosity draws me to a career in medicine and public health."
Sai hopes to study a field that combines biology, technology, and social impact. Her goal is to approach healthcare challenges through an interdisciplinary perspective, leveraging technological advancements to improve treatment and prevention of diseases.
"When the opportunity for the MIT NAE Student Trip opened up, I applied immediately! It felt like the perfect chance to combine my passion for medicine and technology."
To secure her spot, Sai submitted a poster and video presentation proposing a real-world solution using MIT’s STEAM-driven approach. Her idea focused on two common health conditions: Cancer (Lymphoma) and Social Anxiety.
"I wanted to highlight both physical and mental health issues to erase the disparity in treatment and stigma associated with mental health."
Sai designed a biometric bracelet that conducts biomarker analysis on sweat to detect early symptoms. The bracelet connects to an app powered by machine learning, displaying results such as time analysis and heart rate. It also sends warning messages for early detection and supportive notifications to reduce anxiety symptoms. Sai linked her concept to MIT resources including the Media Lab, MIT.nano, and the Koch Institute for Cancer Research.
The week-long trip was packed with immersive workshops and lab tours. Sai explored the MIT BioMakerspace and Motorsports Lab, and participated in sessions like:
"Working with Light was definitely the highlight of my trip, it transformed simple ideas into something extraordinary."
Students also engaged in a UN Climate Negotiation simulation, aiming to reduce global warming by 2030, and attended research talks from MIT graduate students on geosciences, robotics, and cancer research.
Sai’s group tackled a zero-gravity challenge, identifying problems in microgravity environments and designing a prototype solution. Their project addressed the danger of lunar and Martian dust damaging equipment and airways.
"Our solution was a static dust collector using two aluminum-coated plates that induced a static charge as they vibrated with a potential difference running through them. In microgravity, this would theoretically attract and clump dust for easier removal."
"Although I was put in a room full of strangers for a week, I never once felt out of place! Collaborating with students from different parts of the world encouraged me to think from multiple perspectives and explore new ways of problem-solving."
The experience inspired Sai to write for the ISM student newspaper about cancer therapy talks from the trip and pursue independent research projects in biomedical technology.
"The trip gave me the final nudge to fully commit to my goals. I want to create meaningful advancements in healthcare using a holistic approach."
This incredible opportunity is open to Nord Anglia Education students worldwide. The next MIT NAE Student Trip will take place in November 2026, with applications opening in December 2025. Students will need to submit a project proposal and video presentation showcasing innovative solutions to real-world problems using STEAM principles.
Stay tuned for announcements from BIS Abu Dhabi and Nord Anglia Education on how to apply. If you’re passionate about science, technology, and making a global impact, this is your chance to shine!