What would I want to tell you about myself… hmmm
Questions usually turn into projects.
My association with Spoorthy Jyothi, a blind school, inspired me to make this project. The goal is to make navigation safer and more independent for visually challenged people. Ongoing conversations with SJ and Meta helped me build a software prototype compatible with Meta glasses. A provisional patent has been filed. Next: hardware prototype.
For a year, I worked on a VR game that incorporated lower-body physical therapy movements for stroke patients. Completing the movements helped players accomplish tasks and receive rewards in the game. The goal was to make difficult rehabilitation more motivating.
My team designed and tested permeable pavement mixtures intended to reduce urban flooding. We compared water flow through our mixtures with standard concrete and identified a more effective composition. The project was nominated at the Student Environmental Action Showcase.
I made a sensor to collect weather parameters from a high-altitude balloon. The project taught me how to build within real boundary conditions and system constraints.
Building things changed how I think.
FIRST Robotics gave me the opportunity to design, fabricate and prototype main-season and off-season robots as part of World's qualifying team. I learned laser cutting, mechanical assembly and iterative problem-solving. I was able to compete as a technician on the field and lead other members as they honed their skills.
During my junior year, I led the fabrication and assembly of our FIRST Robotics B-bot. The project gave newer members real build experience while veteran members focused on the main competition robot. I also led our drive team on the competition field.
I was selected for hands-on robotics workshops at the Army Research Laboratory two years in a row. I built projects, explored current laboratory research and learned directly from researchers.
Taking responsibility and helping teams move forward.
I lead the organization of a fundraising event by gaining approval from a non profit organization that I work with for a karaoke night. $2,000 were raised to support the needs of the Spoorthy Jyothi Foundation.
I began at Rural Reach VA as Product Manager, deciding what materials belonged in each hygiene kit. I now serve as Co-President, helping guide the organization and its service initiatives across Virginia.
For three seasons, I mentored middle school students as they developed research projects. In the most recent season, our group received an honorable mention in the Toshiba ExploraVision competition.
As part of my FIRST Robotics team, I have spoken with senators and representatives at both the state and national levels about STEM access and funding. I advocated for expanding opportunities and preventing budget cuts that could limit students’ exposure to these subjects.
I began with Stage as its Website Manager, performer and fundraiser organizer. I later became Director of Outreach Engagement. I now maintain partner relationships, introduce new organizations to Stage and help onboard new team members.
Using music and technology to serve others.
I performed as both a soloist and choir member at Stage’s annual fundraising program in 2023. Performing helped me use music not only as an art form, but also as a way to support my community and international causes.
During my freshman year, I participated in Girls Who Code outreach at elementary schools. We taught younger students about strong passwords, phishing, online strangers and other cyber-safety risks. The goal was to help them navigate the digital world more safely.
Experiences that widened my perspective.
I received the $1,000 FIRST Chesapeake Women in STEM Scholarship, sponsored by Dominion Energy. The recognition reflected my combination of robot fabrication, field experience, STEM advocacy and outreach.
At the Virginia Junior Classical League convention, I completed Latin examinations and submitted original artwork, including a Medusa bust and a Pompeii-inspired sketch. My combined work earned a Top 10 placement at the convention.
During my freshman year, I was selected to participate in NAIMUN. I represented the World Health Organization in the General Assembly. The experience strengthened my research, diplomacy and public-speaking skills.
Music has always been another way for me to create.
For an AP Physics project, I rewrote the lyrics of Laufey’s “From the Start” around physics concepts. I wrote the lyrics and recorded the vocals myself. It was a fun combination of school, STEM and music.
In eighth grade, I auditioned and was selected for a national choir. We performed around eight songs in a beautiful Cincinnati concert hall, with several composers and arrangers in attendance. It was an unforgettable musical experience.
In seventh grade, I was selected for a multi-state Southeast regional choir. We performed in Raleigh, North Carolina, as part of a large choir with students from across the region.
I have trained in Indian classical music for about ten years, studying both Carnatic and Hindustani traditions. The training has strengthened my discipline, expression and confidence as a performer. It has also given me opportunities to perform through the Stage Non-profit.
I enjoy experimenting with pottery, painting and sketching. Each medium gives me a different way to explore an idea, solve visual problems and create something from nothing.
