1. What motivated you to start the Newton North Medicine in the Media Club, and what are some of the key messages you aim to convey through this initiative?

Media outlets often falsely represent medical stories to attract viewers, leading to inaccurate perceptions. The complexities of medical practice are often oversimplified or areoverly dramatized, leading to an incomplete understanding of the field.

I co-founded Newton North Medicine in the Media Club to support peers who, like me, are interested in the medical field and exploring various career options. Our goal is to show that medical careers are often different from their portrayals in the media and to highlight the wide range of important roles within the field.

2. You’ve authored multiple articles for various publications. Can you discuss one piece that you’re particularly proud of and why?

My writing has provided me with the opportunity to connect with many new people and learn about their unique journeys, so I’ve enjoyed writing them all. However, one piece I’m particularly proud of is one I wrote for the MIT Club of Boston on Dr. Kieren Marr at Johns Hopkins. Reflecting on this piece, I can clearly identify ways in which I have grown as a writer but also why I find writing so fulfilling. I was able to speak with an inspiring role model. I am proud that I was able to be confident and determined in my goals and self to speak with Dr.Marr and write about her. Our conversation deepened my admiration for my own passion and courage in pursuing my interests, even at a young age.

3. How has your participation in the The Young Entrepreneurs Program (TYE) influenced your approach to problem-solving and innovation?

TYE Entrepreneurship Academy is a global program dedicated to fostering future generations of industry leaders by teaching high school students the rewards and challenges of becoming an entrepreneur.

My participation in the TYE Program influenced my approach to problem-solving aninnovation because it taught me to tackle challenges collaboratively, manage team dynamics, and integrate diverse ideas. The program strengthened my entrepreneurial and innovative mindset along with my pitching and presentation skills. Throughout the year, my team faced difficulties with our project and we worked on delegating tasks, time management, and perseverance.

4. What has your experience been like working on the iGEM 2024: Boston-BOSLab team, and how has it shaped your interest in science and research?

BOSLab is a Community Science Lab with a mission to democratize biotechnology. I’ve been part of BOSLab’s “Scientists In Training” program since summer of 2021. Through this program I’ve learnt a range of research skills, from wet lab to fundraising. To hone our skills further, we have participated in a variety of science competitions: iGEM 2024 is one of them. iGEM is the world’s biggest synthetic biology competition and our team (Boston-BOSLab) will be the first High School team from the Greater Boston area to participate in iGEM. We are a group of students from multiple high schools united with our curiosity for science. Our team’s project is to manufacture synthetic Heparin (an anticoagulant) from its naturally occurring precursor found in E. coli. This experience has been rewarding, challenging, and intriguing.

5. How do your cultural and language activities, like leading the Baal Yuva Manch talent show and participating in the Newton North Asian Americans Culture Club, contribute to your personal growth and what is its greater impact on society?

Understanding Indian culture deeply connects me with my roots, giving me a profound sense of identity and belonging. It strengthens the bond with my family, especially with my maternal grandfather who lives with us. My knowledge of both Indian and American cultures enhances my cultural competence, improving my ability to navigate diverse environments. My cultural and language activities contribute to my personal growth to having a strong sense of pride in my culture and eventually, myself. In the town where we previously lived, a predominantly white town, I was often put down and became ashamed of being Indian. It's challenging to break free from that mindset, but by actively participating and truly engaging with my community, I grew to love being Indian and learning more about my heritage. These organizations offer young people like me opportunities to stay connected to our culture and create a sense of family that preserves our language and traditions.

In a globalized world, this cultural understanding broadens our worldview and enhances interactions with diverse backgrounds. I also aim to be a role model, inspiring others, especially younger generations, to learn about and take pride in their own cultural heritage.

6. As a platform for women dreamers, what is your next big dream?

Over the past couple of years, my love for science has really taken off, pushing me to dive deeper into specific areas. I self-studied AP psychology two years ago marking the beginning of my love for the human brain. Given my keen interest in biology, I’ve been digging more into neuroscience and even the surgical side of things. I'm fascinated by neurons, psychology, and just the brain in general. It blows my mind how much there is still to discover, and my big dream is to be part of that journey of discovery.