Adversity often gives rise to heroes, like Pothunuri Laya, who was one of 22 young changemakers from around the world selected as National Geographic Young Explorers for their efforts to take on present and future threats, including the pandemic. The NTU undergrad and serial innovator with a heart for the planet has received funding from National Geographic for her latest project on the viability of harvesting locusts, traditionally known as crop pests, as a food source.

This story was published in the Jan-Mar 2021 issue of HEY!. To read it and other stories from this issue in print, click here.