Student’s invention gives him a global platform to advocate change
Unsinkable Storytelling Author: Erfan Nouraee
Erfan Nouraee has invented a sensor that can detect particles of light. Erfan Nouraee, 20, invented a unique, low-cost optical communication sensor that can save optical signals’ quality and power. The invention has garnered him worldwide recognition, such as the bronze medal at the United Nations’ International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) Invention Award among 35 countries and 1000 inventions. In 2016, when Nouraee first heard about the idea that sending information through light has problems, he was shocked that something so essential to the industry should be designed. Nouraee, who was born and raised in Iran, immigrated to Canada with his family, is studying electrical engineering at York University. Aside from being an inventor, he is a mental health advocate who wants to talk about mental health and always seeks to invite other young people to join him. Erfan Nouraee’s home country of Iran uses a highly competitive, nationwide standardized examination as a University Entrance Exam called “Konkour” which has had devastating impacts on Iranian students’ mental health because of the huge amount of stress and anxiety to get university admission. Nouraee said, “For Iranian teenagers and their families, the university admission test, or Konkour, is a stressful and life-changing event.” Several cases of suicide among Iranian students have been reported because of the examination and its tough criteria to accept students. “That was moving for me,” Nouraee says. He began iMind as a non-for-profit organization to develop digital mental healthcare platforms aiming to normalize the discussions around youth mental health and to fight the stigmas. “I remember during high school, the exam was so competitive and stressful that some schools banned students from using smartphones,” he added. Toronto Star’s City Hall Bureau Chief wrote “Erfan Nouraee of Toronto city youth council says city must invest in community-based mental health crisis response. Pandemic has been reminder of what investment in mental health looks like, Toronto youth need city's help.”
Nouraee shared three strategies that he found important for young people to protect their mental health:
ONE - Talk about your feelings:
It is not simple for everyone to express their feelings. Putting a name to our emotions might help us bridge the gap between ideas and feelings. This alone can provide a great deal of relief. Heavy feelings lighten when you put them into words. When we voice our emotions, the pain gives way.
TWO - Exercise mindfulness:
Mindfulness entails paying attention to the current moment as it is. It's difficult to feel nervous when you're entirely focused on the current moment - what you're seeing and doing RIGHT NOW.
THREE - Ask for help:
We can protect our mental health even in times of extreme anxiety and stress.If your emotions are overwhelming, persistent and/or are interfering with your daily functioning, it's important to seek mental health support. There are many mental health resources in Canada, like Unsinkable Youth, Jackorg, KidsHelpPhone, CAMH, CMHA. “You can set small goals and celebrate them with your family and always talk with your parents, friends and your social network. You also can exercise mindfulness, take deep breaths and make sure you're thinking about those who need your help and support,” said Nouraee In 2017, Nouraee won Khwarizmi Youth Award both at provincial and national levels for his invention of the Photon Detector System which is an optical fibre communication sensor that can detect particles of light and solves a major issue in the optical fibre industry. Optical communication systems, or communication based on lasers and optical fibres, still use electronic systems to send messages through light which drastically reduce their speed. This invention extends the lifespan of optical fibre cables, reducing waste and costly replacement and its potential is widespread. In fact, Nouraee said that it drew the attention of well-known investors and manufacturers, who are interested to collaborate with his start-up to commercialize the invention. In 2018, he won the 23rd RoboWorld Cup held in Taiwan for designing a sports robot, and Nouraee was selected among a competitive pool of applicants as an Economic Club of Canada’s Young Leader Delegate to participate in a conversation with President Barack Obama.