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Brad Wu

Brad Wu

2025 Davidson Fellow
$50,000 Scholarship

Age: 17
Hometown: Chandler, AZ

Engineering: “A Novel Brain-Computer Interface-Driven Forearm Exoskeleton Rehabilitation System with Real-Time Feedback”

About Brad

I am a senior at Arizona College Prep High School and have pursued a rigorous academic path, combining AP courses in calculus, physics, computer science, and biology. I plan to major in engineering in college.

I am a two-time ISEF Grand Award winner. At my high school, I serve as president of the AI Club and as an officer of the Academic Decathlon Club. I am also a Youth Council member in the local government, helping develop programs that address youth health issues. I am passionate about history and art, believing that the best innovations emerge at the intersection of technology and humanity.

When I’m not busy building things, I enjoy playing video games with friends, traveling, and sampling new foods. I am a Kung Fu athlete with 12 years of training, specializing in forms such as Tai Chi and Rope Dart—a dynamic martial arts weapon known for its speed and fluid motion.

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"Joining a community of passionate, intellectually driven peers—whether in STEM or the humanities—gives me the confidence to pursue my passion for engineering with greater purpose. I will be forever grateful to the Davidson Institute for its generous support, which empowers me to pursue higher education and future career."

Project Description

This project developed a lightweight, affordable robotic arm device controlled by brain signals to help stroke patients regain arm movement. It combines a brain-computer interface that detects when a patient is actively engaging, a safe and adjustable forearm exoskeleton, and real-time vibration feedback to guide recovery. Using advanced machine learning, it accurately interprets brain activity to support personalized rehabilitation. This low-cost device makes high-quality stroke therapy accessible to more people, especially in underserved communities, and has the potential to reduce reliance on caregivers, improve independence, and enhance quality of life for millions worldwide.

Deeper Dive

My project focuses on developing a brain-controlled exoskeleton system to assist patients with motor impairments. Combining brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), EEG-based neuroregulation, haptic feedback, and rehabilitative functions, the system aims to restore independence while reducing rehabilitation costs.

I first drew inspiration for this project while volunteering at a senior center, where I saw many seniors, especially stroke patients struggling with severe hand impairments. Building a fully functional prototype required overcoming steep technical challenges, from signal noise in EEG data to designing safe and reliable mechanical systems. My school’s science teachers provided guidance and encouraged me to explore interdisciplinary topics.

I see my work as part of a larger mission: making assistive healthcare technologies more affordable and accessible. Stroke is one of the leading causes of motor impairment, yet rehabilitation solutions are often prohibitively expensive and inaccessible to underserved populations. By integrating cost-effective materials and scalable designs, I hope my project will lay the groundwork for technologies that improve rehabilitation outcomes, bridge gaps in healthcare equity, and enhance quality of life for millions worldwide.

Q&A

What is your favorite hobby?

I’m passionate about cars, from reading reviews in Consumer Reports to exploring the latest innovations in automotive design.

If you could have dinner with the five most interesting people in the world, living or dead, who would they be?

Claude Shannon, Isaac Newton, Buddha, Laozi, Leonardo Da Vinci.

What is one of your favorite quotes?

The two greatest warriors are patience and time. - Leo Tolstoy

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In The News

CHANDLER, Ariz. — Brad Wu, 17, of Chandler, has been awarded a $50,000 Davidson Fellows Scholarship for his engineering project, which created a lightweight, brain-controlled robotic arm device to help stroke patients regain movement. The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for students 18 and younger. His award is part of the program’s 25th anniversary year, which is granting a record $825,000 to 21 students nationwide.

Download the full press release here