WATCH: Meet the Gay Teen Whose Discoveries Will Change the World

Jack Andraka developed a revolutionary new way to test for pancreatic and ovarian cancer -- when he was just 14.

Sunnivie Brydum

Sunnivie is the managing editor of The Advocate, and an award-winning journalist whose passion is covering the politics of equality and elevating the unheard stories of our community. Originally from Colorado, she and her spouse now live in Los Angeles, along with their three fur-children: dogs Luna and Cassie Doodle, and "Meow Button" Tilly.

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Sunnivie Brydum

August 04 2013 7:13 AM EST

November 17 2015 5:28 AM EST

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Jack Andraka is 16 years old. He's an award-winning scientist, an advocate for open source information, and at 14 years old, he developed a revolutionary way to test for pancreatic and ovarian cancer that is faster, cheaper, and more accurate than the current medical standards. That discovery led him to a series of highly acclaimed TED Talks, and a sit-down with President Obama. Andraka also happens to be openly gay.

Media startup Vocativ sat down with the teenage prodigy to talk about life as an openly gay teenage scientist, how American science education is destroying the next generation's curiosity, and why his generation will be the ones to change the world and finally do away with discrimination.

Watch the video below, and feel comforted that with kids like Andraka around, the future is in good hands.