For over 137 years, National Geographic has been synonymous with exploration, discovery, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Now, the iconic brand turns its lens toward a new generation of changemakers with the launch of National Geographic 33—an initiative that honors 33 extraordinary individuals reshaping the world’s future. This new cohort includes visionaries from all walks of life: actors, scientists, athletes, and activists who are not merely raising awareness but driving tangible change.
In homage to National Geographic’s 33 founders—those pioneering explorers, scientists, and scholars who set out in 1888 to deepen humanity’s understanding of the planet—the NG33 celebrates modern leaders working at the intersection of passion and purpose. Among them are household names like Jason Momoa and Michelle Yeoh, but the list is far from celebrity-centric. It spans five generations and five continents, highlighting people whose impact transcends disciplines.
And while conservation, social equity, and mental health are recurring themes, one thread quietly running through this tapestry is technology—not as a flashy centerpiece but as a subtle, potent tool for transformation. Nowhere is that more evident than in the work of Dr. Shu Yang, a materials scientist and engineer whose innovations could reshape both how we interact with nature and how we build for the future.
Technology as a Tool for Transformative Change
A scan through the NG33 roster reveals an impressive cadre of innovators leveraging technology to tackle global challenges. Victor Glover, NASA astronaut, represents humanity’s next chapter in space exploration. Lucie Basch has built an app connecting surplus food with people in need, reducing waste on a massive scale. And Dr. Muhammad Mansoor Mohiuddin is spearheading breakthroughs in xenotransplantation, offering hope to patients awaiting organ transplants.
These leaders remind us that technological solutions often arise from multidisciplinary collaboration, imagination, and a deep understanding of both human and environmental needs. At the heart of this intersection stands Dr. Shu Yang.
Engineering a More Sustainable World: The Vision of Dr. Shu Yang
I had an opportunity recently to chat with Dr. Shu Yang, a professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, for an exclusive interview about the honor of being chosen as one of the NG33.
It was fascinating to delve into what motivates her. She doesn’t just look at nature—she learns from it. Her work in biomimicry takes inspiration from the natural world’s elegant and efficient designs, translating them into smart materials that can adapt to their environment.
“My interest as an engineer,” she explained in a recent interview, “is how do I turn theory into reality? How do I work with designers who care about beauty and translate nano- and micro-scale concepts into materials you can actually touch and feel?”
Yang’s projects range from creating energy-efficient building materials to developing engineered reefs that mimic coral and oyster structures. These innovations not only provide physical resilience against climate change’s impacts—such as rising sea levels and intensified storms—but also promote biodiversity and restore degraded ecosystems.
One of her most ambitious efforts is a collaborative project that aims to rebuild oyster reefs in areas like New York City’s harbor. These reefs are critical for filtering water and providing coastal protection, yet have been devastated by pollution and overharvesting. Yang and her team use 3D printing to develop concrete reef structures with geometries inspired by nature, enhancing both function and aesthetic appeal.
“What we are interested in,” Yang said, “is designing something natural—like a coral reef, like an oyster reef—structures that are hardy, porous, and curved, not boxy things. They enhance biodiversity and can mitigate the impact of heat waves and extreme weather events.”
Her work extends beyond environmental applications. Yang is developing self-healing materials, flexible electronics, and coatings that adapt to temperature and moisture, all with a mind toward sustainability. A recurring challenge is balancing cutting-edge innovation with real-world scalability and affordability.
“I constantly challenge my students: How do you do it in a simple way? How do you make everything simple so everybody can access it?” Yang told me. “I don’t want fancy things. I want a simple solution, a cheaper solution—because making things accessible is actually much more challenging.”
A Blueprint for Change in the 21st Century
The National Geographic 33 isn’t just a list of honorees; it’s a reflection of a shifting worldview. Today’s changemakers understand that to address issues like climate change, social inequality, and resource scarcity, we need a blend of old wisdom and new tools. Technology is one piece of the puzzle—not a silver bullet, but an enabler.
Dr. Shu Yang’s story exemplifies this mindset. Her work bridges theory and application, beauty and function, the natural and the synthetic. By collaborating with designers, scientists, architects, and ecologists, she demonstrates how cross-pollination of ideas leads to breakthroughs that no single discipline could achieve alone.
And that’s precisely what the National Geographic 33 initiative celebrates: people who aren’t just dreaming of a better world but building it, often with tools and technologies that didn’t exist a decade ago.
An Invitation to Reimagine Our Future
National Geographic is not merely spotlighting these innovators for their accolades but amplifying their efforts to inspire others.
Whether you are an aspiring scientist, a budding activist, or someone looking to make a difference in your community, the message is clear: bold thinking, collective action, and creative solutions can reshape our future.
As Dr. Yang puts it, “You have to be creative and grow out of your box. Talk to people. Be resourceful. That’s how we create something new.”
The stories of the NG33 are now live at NatGeo.com/NG33 and are also featured in the April 2025 issue of National Geographic magazine.
