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PURPOSE OF THE INITIATIVE


Seattle Neuroscience Education Initiative is dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible, and engaging neuroscience education to high school students, regardless of their geographical location or background. Our initiative serves as a steppingstone for students preparing for competitions like the Brain Bee, making the journey less daunting and more achievable.

Our mission is to foster a global community of future neuroscientists, and through our YouTube channel, we aim to democratize neuroscience education. We want to break down entry barriers and inspire the next generation of brain scientists.

We believe that by nurturing curiosity, promoting understanding, and providing comprehensive resources, we can empower students to delve into the fascinating world of neuroscience, by illuminating the path, and making journey to becoming a brain scientist a memorable adventure.

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Purpose

THE TEAM

The ones who runs this initiative


<p><strong>Saranya Sriramula</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hello, I am a rising senior at Eastlake High School. My interest in the workings of the human mind has led me to develop a deep passion for neuroscience. I am fascinated by the complexity of the brain and the vast potential it holds for understanding human behavior and improving health outcomes. I have been volunteering at a local hospital, where I have had the privilege of interacting with elderly patients with various mental and physical disabilities. I offer them books and magazines, but more importantly, I provide them with meaningful conversations. These interactions have not only helped me understand the impact of different neurodegenerative diseases but have also highlighted the importance of empathy and communication in completely understanding and improving the condition of these disorders. Additionally, I am an active member of the HOSA chapter at my school. My involvement in HOSA has allowed me to participate in medical innovation projects, where I continuously explore ways to improve the healthcare field. This experience has furthered my interest in neuroscience and my desire to contribute to the medical field. I am excited to work as a Co-Founder in the Seattle Neuro-Education Initiative and I can't wait to collaborate with other high schoolers with similar interests.</p>
Saranya Sriramula
<p><strong>Shreya Karthik</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hi, I am a rising senior at Henry M. Jackson High School, excited to be a co-founder of the neuro-education initiative. My unbound passion for neuroscience stemmed from a variety of profound experiences, beginning at Camp Prov, where I have been a summer volunteer, working with neurodivergent youth. This experience is what inspired me to delve deeper into learning more about the neurodivergent community. Relating it to my interest in research, I have been investigating biomarker identification research for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. For my work, I am honored to have been awarded recognition by the American Psychological Association. Now, I also volunteer at a stroke unit and have continued serving our community in a myriad of ways, promoting mindfulness in youth to advocate for actionable mental health awareness. In the glimpses of in-between time, you can find me either scouring the newest scientific journals and magazines to learn about novel innovations or perhaps even belting out nostalgic Disney songs with my sister, but most often, you can find me making new connections, eager to learn, mentor and give as I hope to do with the neuro-education initiative!</p>
Shreya Karthik
<p><strong>Gayathri Arvindh</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hi, I am a rising senior at Eastlake High School. I am passionate about pursuing a career that involves biosciences and engineering, specifically neuroprosthetics. I am inspired by the works of Professor Hugh Herr and would love to follow in his footsteps. I have spent 13 years learning how to assemble and program intelligent robots. At school, courses such as AP Biology and Anatomy & Physiology have been fascinating windows into how the brain functions. In addition, I enjoy participating in DECA and other extracurricular activities. In my free time, I am usually in the outdoors or spending time with friends and family. I am excited to work alongside other motivated high schoolers to ensure education is accessible for all, regardless of socioeconomic status.</p>
Gayathri Arvindh
<p><strong>Sanjana Katti</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>I am a rising senior at Tesla STEM High School. In the future, I would like to work in research to help treat traumatic brain injuries. At school, I am a state champion in three events as part of HOSA and TSA (Technology Student Association), and won two special awards at the Central Sound and Washington State Science and Engineering Fairs for my research project in toxicology and endocrine disruption. I am also a volunteer at my local hospital and in my free time, play competitive badminton for my high school. I started SNEI because neuroscience is an ever-expanding field, with new discoveries being made daily that have strong impacts on our future scientists. Our generation has become hugely advocative of mental health disorders, and one step to lessening the stigma of these and other neurological conditions is to normalize and study them. I am excited to help others learn about this incredible field! </p>
Sanjana Katti
<p><strong>Nivriti Chandrasekar</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>I am a rising senior at Westview High School in Portland, Oregon. I aspire to pursue a career in medicine and hope to be a neurosurgeon. I am the Founder and President of the Oregon Brain Bee. I am a Student Director at ONPRC’s Science Ambassadors program and the Outreach Coordinator of the local Operation Smile Chapter. I am a member of HOSA, NHS, SNHS, and Red Cross club at school. I have won awards in the Brain Bee competition at the regional and national level. I am working on a research internship with neuroscientists at OHSU, as part of the PSI program. I enjoy volunteering at my local hospital on weekends. I completed the SAFL Sanskrit program and volunteer as an assistant teacher at Samskrita Bharati Portland Chapter. I have completed the OMTA Level 6 Piano exam and trained in Indian classical music. I love playing badminton, hiking, painting and baking. My strive to promote interest in neuroscience among students, fueled by my passion for the subject, led to co-founding SNEI, a distinguished drive to help the next generation neuroscientists.</p>
Nivriti Chandrasekar
<p><strong>Drithi Pasupuleti</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>I am a rising senior at Interlake High School. My aspiration to become a child psychiatrist is driven by my fascination with the intricate complexities of the brain and its profound impact understanding these processes can make for others. Over the past four years, I have been actively involved in mentoring and tutoring middle and high school students, advocating for voter registration, women’s rights, and mental health. I currently lead a mental health advocacy group, where I plan and host workshops and create advocacy posts on social media. I have also contributed to earth restoration and horticulture projects. Beyond academics, I find joy in spending time with friends, playing golf, piano, singing, volunteering, and engaging in robotics. I am eager to continue utilizing these qualities to make a positive impact in the future, and I believe that SNEI will help me accomplish my goals! </p>
Drithi Pasupuleti
<p><strong>Sara Sunil</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hello, I am a rising senior at Eastlake High School. I competed in DECA with a 20 page report on coronary heart disease research and its role in the ease of monitoring heart health. Including the use of an electrolyte regulated monitor (ERM) and an amplified heart disease detector(AHDD), two product prototypes I created. In my international internship in Kotputli last summer, I observed 3 surgeons for a total of 240 hours, watching active surgery in the Operating Room. I also gained knowledge about surgery as a medical specialty by observing 1200+ patient contacts through making rounds in the ICU and viewing 12+ invasive surgeries. In July 2023, through the UW YSP neuroscience program I observed 5 scientists detail neuroscience as a medical specialty including experts in the field such as Sara Georing and her research on Neuroethics and Neurotechnology. By learning about brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and neural stimulation’s potential to restore abilities in individuals with paralysis and addressing conditions like Parkinson's disease and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Attending lectures that detailed the development of encoding algorithms and stimulation patterns, tailored to individual needs and contexts, is crucial for optimizing the effectiveness of BCIs and neural stimulation has peaked my interest in the neurosurgical field. When I'm not competing in a national competition, I'm working on art for my business TheCloudArtsUSA, or painting wall murals for a partnered 501c(3) non-profit, Expressions. I hope to learn and grow through the neuro-education initiative.</p>
Sara Sunil
<p><strong>Vaishnavi Annamraju</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hi, I am a rising senior at Eastlake High School in Redmond, Washington. I hope to pursue a career in medicine as either a neurosurgeon or OB/GYN. Outside of SNEI, I volunteer at a local hospital on the Acute Rehab unit and interact with patients facing various neurological challenges. I am also a two-time international DECA competitor and an officer at my school’s DECA chapter. I am also the founder of Wings for Women, a local nonprofit that address issues that women in our communities face, especially hygiene poverty. I have been a scholar in Kode With Klossy’s coding camps for the past three years and will be an Instructor Assistant for their Data Science curriculum for this summer. I am also member of HOSA (5th at state in medical reading), NHS, and MHS at school. I enjoy volunteering at my local Telugu school on weekends. I am trained in Indian Carnatic vocals and I also take part in my school’s choir where I am President. I have also participated in the WMEA All-State Honor Choir. Over the years, I have also volunteered as a Teacher Assistant as Anagha’s Math. I love playing badminton, reading medical memoirs, and trying new recipes. My passion for making education more accessible for our future generation of scientists and researchers and interest in neuroscience motivated me to co-found SNEI, a comprehensive approach to neuroscience education.</p>
Vaishnavi Annamraju
<p><strong>Chinmayi Pandyaram</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hello, I am a rising senior at Eastlake High School in Sammamish, Washington. I aspire to pursue a career in medicine and hope to be a psychiatrist. My deep interest in psychology led me to further develop a passion for studying the human brain. What fascinates me most is how the brain and environmental factors determine a human’s behavior, and how that can be studied. I am a part of the COPE Junior Health Scholars program as well as the Overlake Teen Volunteer program. Through these two programs, I have had lots of experience discharging, taking vitals, and periodically checking in on patients. These experiences not only taught me the importance of effective communication in the healthcare environment, but also showed me the impact of various conditions on people. This not only provided me with valuable experience in clinical settings, but also heightened my interest in psychology and neuroscience. In my free time, I work as an intern at the Sammamish Montessori School, and a teacher at Samskrita Bharati. I completed the SAFL Sanskrit program and have been volunteering as an assistant teacher at Samskrita Bharati Seattle Chapter for 6 years. I love hiking, painting and baking. I am interested in becoming a part of SNEI due to the research opportunities it provides me, and excited to meet several other like-minded people.</p>
Chinmayi Pandyaram
<p><strong>Saahiti Mamidipaka</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>I am a rising senior attending Tesla STEM High School and am excited to be a part of the neuro-education initiative! In the future, I aspire to enter the medical field as a practitioner with a focus on pediatrics. I have achieved state championship in both HOSA and FBLA and was awarded the 1st place award at Washington State's Science and Engineering Fair, along with a special award from the US Army for my research project on alternative treatments for gluten digestion. As a volunteer for the North South Foundation, I contribute to improving education for children in rural India by raising funds through teaching math to first graders in the US. In my free time I love to bake, play badminton, and read a wide range of genres. I started SNEI because of my love for human anatomy, and the need to make newer topics in research, such as neuroscience, more accessible to younger generations.</p>
Saahiti Mamidipaka
<p><strong>Arnav kolluru</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hi, I am a rising Junior at Liberty High School, Renton. I have been watching various minor surgical procedures like wound management, chest tube insertion, central line insertion, which piqued my interest in the surgical field. As a result, I set a goal to become a surgeon. During weekdays, I am generally busy catching up on my school homework. On weekends, I primarily study for the upcoming AP exam. On Sunday evenings, I play basketball with my friends. When I want to relax, I play the saxophone, one of my favorite activities. I love reading history and have read quite a few historical fiction novels. I am planning to start my ACT preparation in the summer. However, during the summer, I want to spend two weeks visiting different European countries to better understand their culture and history. Recently, I developed an interest in neuroscience and found it exciting to know about the human brain. In the summer, I am willing to work with the co-founders of the Seattle Neuro-Education Initiative project to spread the essence of neuroscience globally. I understand it is a very long road when someone wants to be a surgeon. It involves 15 years of dedication after high school, and I will be 32 by then. But I am passionate and determined to achieve my goal. So, during my remaining high school years, I hope to conserve energy, improve my life skills, and be ready physically and mentally for the upcoming challenges in college and beyond.</p>
Arnav kolluru
<p><strong>Shivani Venkatesh</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hi, I am a rising Junior at Juanita High School (Cambridge Program), Kirkland, WA. I am really excited about this initiative. While there is the internet, we still do not have it all and There is so much inequality in terms of access to quality knowledge. I, along with my friends here, hope to break the barrier of entry for all students across the globe. I hope this effort will level the playing field and quality content available to all who are interested. I am passionate about invention, research and biomedical engineering. I am the founder of the Biotechnology club at my school and the Vice President of the “Coding for Medicine” club too. I love biology and especially applying research/technology to improve it. I am interested in building devices and my friends and I recently built a Moon Rover using Arduino for WA TSA and were placed as finalists. I love building medical instruments or devices and recently built an Arduino based infant liver disease detection device (aka ChromoLiv). I also love AI/ ML and have built mini projects with it. Apart from science, I love swimming and I’m a part of the Junior Varsity Swim team at my school. I love art and have been drawing / painting for the past 10 years. I paint with anything that is available, such as shoes, canvases , rocks, digital media, T-Shirts, and regular paper too :) . I've won a couple of local awards for art. In my spare time, I teach art to kids. In addition, I love to do community service such as meals for shelters, blankets for puppies or tree planting. Last year, I won the PVSA award for social service. Again, looking forward to partnering with you all and making this initiative a great success. I wish to thank my parents, teachers, friends and coaches who have helped me to be who I am today.</p>
Shivani Venkatesh
<p><strong>Haarika Nidadavolu</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hey everyone! I'm Haarika Nidadavolu, a rising junior at Eastlake High School in Sammamish, Washington. I aspire to pursue a career in the field of neuroscience and medicine in the future. I am the Founder and President of my district neuroscience chapter under the organization IYNA(International Youth Neuroscience Association). I am also a Research Club officer at my school and member of HOSA where I have placed in the Top 5 at state. Additionally, I am also a member of SNHS and BioClub. I frequently volunteer at a local hospital during the weekends in the orthopedic and neurological telemetry departments. Outside, I am an avid dancer and have been learning bharatanatyam for the past 11 years. I also love playing badminton and reading (mostly historical fiction and fantasy). I'm looking forward to getting involved in SNEI and nurturing the future of neuroscience research.</p>
Haarika Nidadavolu
<p><strong>Shreyansi Swain</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>I’m Shreyansi Swain and I’m a rising junior at Tesla STEM High School. I aspire to pursue a career in medical microbiology and research in the future. I am the Public Relations Officer of the Tesla STEM Science Olympiad and I have placed in the top 4 for regionals and was a Team Leader during my sophomore year. I am also the Communications Officer of a non-profit giving circle I helped found called EcoHealth, where we spread awareness of medical and ecological issues. I have also participated in HOSA for the past two years, doing events where I explored neurology. I volunteer as a teacher’s assistant in my dance studio for both Bollywood and classical Odissi dance styles. I enjoy doing dance, both classical and Bollywood, and I’ve been doing them since I was 3. I also enjoy art, such as traditional drawings and painting, and also do graphic design from time to time. I love to play video games in my free time and hang out with my friends. I started SNEI because I love learning about Human Anatomy and neurology is a topic that has always interested me for a long time.</p>
Shreyansi Swain
<p><strong>Shruti Vinodkumar</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>I am a rising junior at North Creek High School. My goal is to pursue a career in medicine by becoming neurologist. I am a member of the clubs HOSA, FBLA, Red Cross, and NHS (recently achieving the Gold Presidential Award). I was a founder of my Science Olympiad chapter and have been a state qualifier for multiple clubs. I’ve volunteered at the Finn Hill Animal Clinic, allowing me to understand diagnosis and patient care. I volunteer as a teacher at the Nrityalaya School of Dance, and have recently completed my arangetram (or dance graduation). I’m a part of the music team, and have collaborated with other talented individuals to produce live music for events. Some of my extracurricular activities include being a dancer, singer, and piano player. My talented team and I have placed 2nd in the national competition, Let’s Dance America, under the television network Flowers TV. My most recent singing competition has allowed me to place 3rd under the National Association of Teachers of Singing. My hobbies include reading, playing piano, and listening to music. I would love to co-found SNEI to allow others the opportunity to experience the topic of neuroscience by fostering understanding and change.</p>
Shruti Vinodkumar
<p><strong>Samarth Mandyam</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>I am a rising Junior at Interlake High School in Bellevue, Washington. I want to design aircraft as an Aerospace engineer. I am a black belt certified Taekwondo instructor. I have won medals in both national and international matches. I am also a carnatic vocalist and I have sung in several concerts. I created Project Dhrishti, an online initiative under 1M1B, a UN certified organization. It aims to raise awareness on myopia or shortsightedness. I enjoy coding, gaming and 3D Modelling. While I enjoy playing the piano, I mainly sing. I also like playing badminton, volleyball and soccer.</p>
Samarth Mandyam
<p><strong>Anagha Rayaprolu</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hi, I am a rising freshman at Redmond High School in Redmond, WA. I am a member of NJHS at my school. NJHS has given me many opportunities to serve our community and develop a strong sense of social responsibility. Through participating in NJHS projects and events, I've honed my teamwork and communication skills. Additionally, I've been involved with the Science Olympiad team and achieved recognition as one of the top performers in various tournaments. Outside of academics, I've devoted nine years to playing the violin, cultivating a deep love for music and performance. I'm part of the TOMY ensemble, which has performed on stages across the Seattle Area, including at the Northwest Folklife Festival, Indian Arts and Music Festival, and the Bushwick Book Club. Our ensemble also volunteers at senior centers, contributing to the community well-being. Additionally, I am trained in Indian Classical Music and currently pursuing a 4-year Senior Certificate program in Music. I have always harbored a profound interest in anatomy and physiology, and over the past few years, I have developed a strong fascination with neuroscience. The human brain, the most complex organ in the human body, remains one of science's greatest mysteries. I believe that the human brain is responsible for the world’s greatest inventions, and it is fascinating to understand its complexity. The human brain distinguishes itself from other primates and continues to do so in many different aspects. I am excited to be a part of this Neuroscience-Education Initiative and to deepen my understanding of neuroscience and its vital role in the world.</p>
Anagha Rayaprolu
<p><strong>Anya Kak</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hi, I am a...</p>
Anya Kak
<p><strong>Arushi Prashil</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hi, I am a rising freshman attending Redmond High School in the fall. Throughout middle school, I've cultivated an interest in neuroscience through participation in extracurriculars such as Science Olympiad, You Be the Chemist, and National Science Bowl. In addition to this, my participation in National Junior Honor Society and the Girl Scouts of America has provided me with many opportunities for community service. Outside of academics, I am interested in badminton and have been playing for more than seven years. I also have a passion for art and other forms of creative expression. My strong interest in community service has motivated me to help others learn and inspired me to join the Seattle Neuro-Education Initiative. Through this initiative, I want to challenge myself to learn about the intricacies of the human brain and introduce others to the field. My participation in this initiative will allow me to educate myself more deeply about the world of neuroscience, make important connections with peers, and grow as a person.</p>
Arushi Prashil
<p><strong>Ashley Mahajan</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hi, I am a rising freshman at Emerald Ridge High School in Puyallup, Washington. Within school, I am heavily involved in various clubs, including National Junior Honors Society (NJHS), POWER Team, and Community Service Club, which have further developed my passion for academic excellence and pursuit, leadership, as well as community service through the reiteration of the importance of service, moral values, and collaboration. Alongside this, I have been an avid piano player and classic music listener for over eight years as well as an ardent tennis player of five years, enjoying both singles and doubles with a hard-court preference. As an aspiring physician, I have begun to explore the field of medicine as a whole, developing a keen interest in anatomy, chemistry, and neurology along the way. Through the various specialties (and sub-specialties) I have explored, I have continuously found myself coming back to brain's inner workings. With an interest in immunology, I have been fascinated with the brain's connections and influences upon our immune system and its subsequent responses to external forces. This Neuroscience Educational Initiative allows all to explore the brains overwhelming influences upon our bodies and in turn, decipher the answers we are left with. The field of neuroscience is at an exciting point in time, as there is very little we know about the brain and its connections as compared to what we don't. In joining this initiative, you have the chance to explore the field and its discoveries, an ever-expanding subject.</p>
Ashley Mahajan
<p><strong>Bhadra Pramod</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hi, I am a rising freshman at Tesla STEM High School. I like to debate, play piano, hike, and play basketball with my friends. Debating has made me understand different perspectives and it has helped me be more open to new ideas. I aspire to become a medical doctor, and my keen interest in both biology and psychology makes neuroscience - a captivating blend of these fields - exceptionally intriguing. As the president of the National Junior Honor Society at my middle school, I have had many opportunities to lead efforts to make our school and our community safer and better for everyone. I organized events to improve the school campus, such as planting native plants and trees and removing invasive species. Through these activities, we not only cleaned up our school environment but also learned about the importance of our ecosystem and how everything is interconnected. Being part of NJHS has taught me the value of teamwork, and I now understand that successful completion of any task relies on the proper functioning of the entire team. This concept applies to the brain too. All the different parts of the brain must function properly and with coordination for the brain to run smoothly. I have always been interested in the brain and how it makes decisions and controls our body. It is intriguing to think about why the brain makes the decisions it does, and what the brain is thinking about in its subconscious. Each part of the brain has its own functions, and I am very excited to learn and share my knowledge about the brain through the Neuro-Education Initiative. Truly understanding the human brain is something scientists have puzzled over for centuries, searching for the essence of life, and if students can learn this essential information, we are one step closer to understanding ourselves and the world around us. The Seattle Neuro-Education Initiative helps students from all over the world understand the fascinating science of the brain, regardless of whether they have little or no prior knowledge about neuroscience. This initiative is truly global, and I am very honored to be a part of it.</p>
Bhadra Pramod
<p><strong>Gaurangi Gupta</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hi, I am a a rising 9th grader at The Overlake School, Redmond. I've always been fascinated by how our brains work. From the way we perceive the world to the emotions that shape our experiences, it's all a masterpiece of neurological wizardry. Learning about neurotransmitters, and the inner workings of the brain feels like uncovering the secrets of a captivating puzzle. Neuroscience isn't just about science for me; it's a journey into understanding what makes us who we are. Plus, the idea that studying the brain could lead to breakthroughs in mental health treatment is incredibly inspiring. So, whether I'm devouring books on the subject or conducting my own little experiments, diving into neuroscience fills me with excitement and a sense of purpose.</p>
Gaurangi Gupta
<p><strong>Navneeth Badhri</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hi, I am transitioning from Timberline Middle School to Redmond High School this year. Since the onset of middle school, I have been deeply engaged in STEM, particularly biology, participating in competitions like Science Olympiad, which ignited my interest in the subject. This passion led me to further explore biology through events such as the National Science Bowl, You Be the Chemist, and Washington State Science Fair. Last year, my preparation for the Brain Bee significantly deepened my knowledge and fascination with neuroscience, compelling me to delve deeper into brain science. Outside of academics, I am an avid tennis player and a dedicated volunteer with Child Rights and You. This organization works to improve the lives of underprivileged children in India by ensuring access to basic necessities and education. This role has shown me the critical importance of knowledge and its value globally, inspiring me to join and contribute to neuroscience initiatives. Through this initiative, I aim to share the wonders of brain science with others, enhancing community understanding of how our brains manage consciousness and intelligence daily.My goal is to inspire a broader appreciation for neuroscience and empower others with knowledge that can lead to innovative neurological solutions and greater community well-being.</p>
Navneeth Badhri
<p><strong>Sahasra Kalvakunta</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hi, I am a rising freshman at Henry M. Jackson High School. As a member of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), I'm deeply committed to academic excellence, leadership, and giving back to my community. Being part of NJHS has taught me the importance of service and the value of working together to make a positive impact. Apart from this, I've been immersed in the world of classical dance for the past 8 years. Classical dance has shaped me in countless ways. Through this, I've learned the power of discipline, dedication, and expression. I was awarded 1st place for dance choreography in Reflections at the State level and went on to Nationals. I am passionate about Science and I want to pursue a career in the field of neuroscience. I have a keen interest in the world of neurology and hope to make an impact in our community with this initiative. Exploring the intricacies of the human brain is something that truly captivates me. Understanding how the brain works and its impact on behavior and cognition is a journey I'm eager to continue. Whether I'm on the stage, in the classroom, or delving into the mysteries of the brain, I'm always striving to learn, grow, and make a difference. I'm very excited about this initiative and I aim to foster a deeper understanding of neuroscience and contribute to the overall well-being of our community.</p>
Sahasra Kalvakunta
<p><strong>Praya Athi</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>My name is Praya Athi, and I am a rising freshman at Issaquah high school in Washinton. In the future I hope to join the medical field, specifically neurology. Throughout middle school I discovered my interest in neuroscience and was inspired greatly by seeing my aunt and uncle, both in the medical field, provide care for my grandpa who had brain surgery. Outside of school, I graduated from Redmond Tamil School, completing 9 years of studying Tamil to now be very fluent. I am going on to volunteering at Redmond Tamil School as a teaching assistant. I have also won competitions involving using creative skills to create posters and logos for the Sammamish earth day fair, and recycling program. In school I’ve also participated in Junior Honors Society and classes such as yearbook and leadership. These clubs and classes have helped me grow my leadership skills and gain experience in leadership positions and given me opportunities to explore community service. I have been contributing to my community since elementary school. I joined Sankara Healthcare Foundation where I prepared and donated food to a homeless shelter. In my free time I love to play tennis, bake and make pottery. I have loved art since a young age and have become very passionate about it, winning many competitions. The brain's ability to manage countless tasks, both consciously and unconsciously, fascinates me, which is why I joined SNEI.</p>
Praya Athi
<p><strong>Neelansh Bhandari</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>My name is Neelansh Bhandari, and I am currently a rising freshman at Skyline High School in Sammamish, Washington. My passion for medicine drives my ambition to become a neurosurgeon. During my time at Beaver Lake Middle School, I founded and captained the Science Bowl team, leading us to 3 wins out of 4. Additionally, I established the Science Olympiad Club and served as its founder, while achieving significant success with two awards at the State Competition. I also founded and currently serve as president of our school's Math Club. Active in my community, I am the philanthropic chair of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) and contribute to my school's robotics club by teaching coding. In addition to my academic pursuits, I hold a grey belt in Jiu Jitsu and enjoy competing regularly. As a boy scout, I find great joy in camping and hiking. In my leisure time, I am an avid cricket player and devote time to reading and watching movies. To unwind, I play guitar and piano. My fascination with the brain is a driving force behind my involvement in this organization, as I am eager to expand my knowledge and share it with others.</p>
Neelansh Bhandari
<p><strong>Vibhi Shukla</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>I'm Vibhi, a rising freshman at North Creek High School. I'm interested in science, specifically biology. Due to this, I have participated in the Science Olympiad club and have been a part of it for the past 2 years. My school introduced Science Olympiad for the first time when I was in 7th grade, and I took that chance to try something new. Last year, I won 3rd place in regionals and 4th place at the state level of the competition. I have also represented my school at the Science Bowl competition. Similar to the Science Olympiad club , the Science Bowl competition was introduced for the first time at my school this year. The reason for joining these competitions was due to my fascination for life science.I find life science intriguing because learning about it helps me to understand myself and my surroundings better. In the future, I hope to conduct research on medical topics and give back to my community. Other than science, I've been playing flute in my school band for the past 3 years, and I look forward to joining the high school band. I also occasionally like to play badminton, crochet, knit, and read (mostly mystery books). I also enjoy painting. Last year, I sold some of my paintings and donated the money that I earned. This act not only helped me to be creative but also helped people in need. I felt a sense of accomplishment after doing this.this experience also sparked my curiosity about the brain and its role in emotions.The brain is truly fascinating, which is why I'm excited to be a part of this initiative.</p>
Vibhi Shukla
<p><strong>Tanisha Shankpal</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hi, my name is Tanisha Shankpal. I am a Rising freshman at North Creek high school in Washington and I look forward to starting high school this fall. My career aspirations is to go into stem and more particularly life science /biology related research field. I have been a consistent honor student and volunteered in activities such as teaching elementary school, playing violin as music therapy at hospitals, fundraising for school initiatives etc. As part of extracurricular activities, I am pursuing taekwondo black belt and have been practicing it for last three years . I play the violin, and I am part of school orchestra. I have also been recommended for direct entry into theater and drama at high school level. And lastly I enjoy public speaking and have won local competitions.</p>
Tanisha Shankpal
<p><strong>Aadhya Srinivasan</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>I am a rising freshman at Eastlake High School. In the future, I hope to delve deeper into the field of neurology. I have experience with competitions such as the Science Olympiad and National History Day, which have taught me dedication, resilience, and have sparked my interest in the field of science. Outside of school, I have been learning classical dance (Bharatanatyam) for 8 years, and I also am an avid badminton player. Additionally, I am a passionate artist, frequently dabbling in mediums such as watercolor and oil. I started SNEI because of my fascination with the brain; how such a small organ is so complex. With this initiative, I hope to grow my understanding of Neuroscience and the human brain.</p>
Aadhya Srinivasan
<p><strong>Arka Samatham</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>I am a rising freshman at Tesla STEM High School, aspiring to a medical career with a goal of becoming a neurosurgeon. I recently led my team in the National History Day (NHD) Competition, where we scored first at the state level, representing Washington State at the national level. I was also part of the committee responsible for school activities, speaking at assemblies, and managing various leadership events at my middle school. I have volunteered at a non-profit daycare, helping to manage the children when staff were short for a few days. Additionally, I volunteered at a local non-profit cultural committee, where I helped organize summer activities and manage an event. I am an alumnus of a Hindi teaching organization, having attended for six consecutive years and completed the course. I also participated in soccer, tennis, and basketball extracurricular at my previous school. My top hobbies include basketball, chess, and tennis. My aspiration for neuroscience extends beyond myself, as I am passionate about spreading my love for the subject to others. This led me to part of SNEI as a beginning, an initiative that provides free neuroscience education world.</p>
Arka Samatham
<p><strong>Pranav Magham</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hi, I am Pranav Magham, a rising freshman at International School in Bellevue, Washington, driven by a powerful ambition to become a skilled surgeon. Throughout my academic journey, I have actively engaged in leadership roles such as serving as the executive secretary of JSA, participating in BOOM and Future Health Professionals, and contributing to the Red Cross Club. I have participated in research competitions. These experiences have deepened my passion for STEM fields and career, particularly in understanding the complex workings of the human brain, which is the most intricate organ in the human body, which I further explored through my participation in the Brain Bee. Outside of school, I find joy in volunteering at local libraries, where I connect with diverse communities and contribute meaningfully to society by teaching children and families. Beyond academics, I excel in mathematics, science, volleyball, and piano. My incredible decision to work with SNEI (Seattle Neuro-Education Initiative) comes from my interest to dive deeper into neuroscience and explore its practical applications in medicine. This pursuit is fueled by my profound fascination with the intricacy of the human brain and the desire to make an impact within the field of healthcare.</p>
Pranav Magham
<p><strong>Akchara Mukunthu</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>I am Akchara Mukunthu, a rising sophomore at Tesla STEM High School. My achievements include qualifying for the Quest program within the Lake Washington School District and receiving the prestigious Initiative Award for being the single student showing the most initiative of my graduating class in middle school. I enjoy writing everything from fictional stories to research articles which are available on Medium. Through my articles, I strive to advocate for climate change and animal rights. Also, I have published a science fiction novel, Miss Einstein, at age 11 and an episode-based story, Seen, on Amazon at age 12. I am the founder and lead teacher of my nonprofit organization, Spanish Scholars, which gives back to the community by teaching students Spanish. Last summer, I taught a Spanish summer camp to a group of 12 students as part of Sourashtra Association. I coach Essay Writing and Science at North South Foundation. In this foundation, I was a finalist for the 2022 Panacea Writing Challenge. I am proficient in multiple languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Tamil, and Sourashtra. I am a graduate of Gurukul where I learned Hindi language and Indian culture. I have secured multiple awards competing in Washington Technology Student Association (TSA) such as 1st place in Data Science and Analytics and Leadership Strategies. Inspired by my love for animals, I created posters to promote pet adoption, highlighting the dogs most in need. Overall, I would like to apply my skills and stretch my comfort zone to grow as an individual and serve the community. I am especially passionate about neuroscience as I enjoy exploring the connection between the neural networks in the brain and the physiology of the human body.</p>
Akchara Mukunthu
<p><strong>Bhavya Kotthapalli</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hey there! I'm Bhavya, a rising sophomore over at Juanita High School's Cambridge program. Ever since I was a kid, I've been captivated by the human body, especially the mind-boggling complexity of the brain. My fascination with neurology really kicked into high gear when I saw my great grandparents struggling with brain-related issues like brain strokes and Alzheimer’s during their last days. That firsthand experience led me to dive deep into understanding the brain and its workings. I've been volunteering at a memory care center, where I've gained invaluable insights into the challenges faced by those battling advanced dementia and Alzheimer’s. It's been eye-opening and incredibly rewarding. Witnessing my grandparents’ devoted care, I was motivated to support families navigating similar challenges. This personal connection spurred me to innovate, leading to the creation of an AI/ML project aimed at harnessing explainable machine learning algorithms to predict brain strokes. This pioneering work seeks to provide early warnings to those at risk, potentially saving lives and preventing financial hardship. I won 1st place in my category at the Washington State Science and Engineering Fair. I have a passion for merging technology with healthcare is further exemplified through my active participation in clubs like HOSA, TSA, NHS, and a leadership as the Vice President of a biotechnology club. Moreover, I founded “Coding for Medicine,” a club that bridges coding skills with medical. Along with my friends, I recently built a Moon Rover using Arduino for WA TSA and was placed as finalists. In addition, beyond neurology, I'm passionate about mental health advocacy and tackling hunger issues in my community. I believe in making a difference where it matters most. When I'm not busy with all that, you can find me lost in a good book, exploring new cuisines, or catching up on the latest movies. Life's all about balance, right? So, here's to new beginnings and making a positive impact together!</p>
Bhavya Kotthapalli
<p><strong>Chinmayi Buddhavarapu</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hi, I am a rising sophomore at Tesla STEM High School in Redmond, WA. I aspire to pursue a career in medicine, particularly in pediatric care. I am still exploring the various specialties, like neurology to understand what I like the best. The human body has always interested me, but the brain is a particular part that is simply mysterious. Growing up reading a lot of mystery books, the brain seems like the perfect mystery for me to crack. I am really excited about this initiative as it is about neuro and education. I have always loved teaching, especially to kids, whether it be a simple topic or complex and this initiative gives me the perfect chance to educate people on Neurology. In school, I am an active participant of HOSA and Science Olympiad. Apart from school, my other activities include playing the violin, learning Carnatic music, and learning and teaching Sanskrit. I have been playing the violin since 4th grade, and I have been learning Carnatic music since I was 7. Carnatic music has always been a form of music close to my heart, as it closely relates to my culture. Along with that I also have been learning Sanskrit for 6 years. This year I began volunteering at the Seattle chapter of Samskrita Bharathi USA co-teacher for the children's class. It has been such a fulfilling experience to be able to give back to my Sanskrit community, and I plan to continue doing that. I also study Sanskrit poetry and literature on my own, under the guidance of a teacher. In my free time I love to read, hang out with my friends, and spend time with my parents.</p>
Chinmayi Buddhavarapu
<p><strong>Harshita Sinha</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hi, I am a rising sophomore at Cavelero Mid High School, Lake Stevens. As the name means, Harshita is a fun-loving and a people person. I have dedicated myself to the field of STEM, showing results by being part of the Microsoft National Championship of 2024 and the World Vex Robotics Championship 2024. Outside of STEM, I am a player of the Northwest Juniors Club volleyball U16 team. It has taught me how to play as one unit, one team and how to lean on your people. I also have put in hours of volunteering in my community and holding leadership roles. I am ASB Secratay for my class of 2027 and President of NJHS at my school. Using these positions I have been able to host a monthly study night called “Cookies and Cram” for kids at my school to support them with a calm environment and provide snacks for motivation. To support my community, I volunteer any extra time to the younger kids robotics tournaments and hold food drives to help out the Lake Stevens food bank. In the future I want to continue my study in STEM, focused on neurology and pursue a career dedicated to advancing our understanding. I once learned that 1 out of 4 people suffer from a mental illness. This reason is why the study of neurology is one of the most important in our world. I have a drive to understand the most complicated thing the human population consists of, and understand how our brain can make reckless decisions and also are capable of figuring out how to get to the moon.I want to be a part of this conversation and understand the connections in our brain.</p>
Harshita Sinha
<p><strong>Lahari Nellore</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hi, I am a rising sophomore at Lake Washington High School in Kirkland, WA! I love science, especially Biology, and have been participating in Science Bees since elementary school. This inspired me to start the first Science Bowl team at my school too! But what always had my interest was the unknown depths of our very own brains. How our brain’s physiological and psychological aspects work together is an engaging subject and leaves me with so many questions I hope to find the answer for. In my free time, I enjoy playing the piano, reading books filled with mystery, suspense, and plenty of plot twists that I don't expect, and catching up on old cartoons.</p>
Lahari Nellore
<p><strong>Priya Emani</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hi, I am a freshman at Interlake High School. My interest in health sciences has always inspired me, leading me to participate in science fairs with projects focused on biomedical research. I'm a firm believer in mentorship, knowledge sharing, and teamwork – I think we all benefit when we teach and collaborate. Outside of school, I volunteer at elementary school science fairs to inspire younger students and coach public speaking workshops to empower their voices. It would be an honor to work with other high schoolers to expand these efforts and pay it forward.</p>
Priya Emani
<p><strong>Shreya Rangaswamy</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hi, I am a rising sophomore in Lake Washington High School, and I aspire to go into the medical field someday. I am interested in several aspects of science like anatomy and chemistry, but I am particularly fascinated by neuroscience and the working of the brain. I developed an interest for it when I took up psychology this year in school and HOSA. It is truly compelling to learn about the complex functioning of the brain and how it affects all of our thoughts and behaviors. I was part of the first Science Bowl team in my school, and participating in the regional competition was an enriching experience and enhanced my passion for science. I also wrote a research paper this year through Polygence and published it in a couple of high school journals. Beyond academics, I find purpose in community service and I have been volunteering at Gurukul and for several other organizations. It has given me an opportunity to share my knowledge and passion for culture and language in the community. I am also immensely dedicated to Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance form , and I have spent 7 years learning it. I enjoy performing in temples nearby and helping in teaching and spreading the art form to other children. In my free time, I love reading books, especially fantasy, and spending time with my friends. I am really excited to be a part of this initiative, as I believe it will not only further enrich my own journey in science but also provide valuable opportunities for growth and collaboration for myself and others.</p>
Shreya Rangaswamy
<p><strong>Veer Shah</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hi, I am a rising Sophomore at Juanita High School (Cambridge Program), Kirkland, WA. I am really excited about this initiative. I am passionate about human anatomy, physiology and aspire to be an orthopedic surgeon one day. I believe that knowledge is power and while I know this initiative is about neuro, I love everything simple and complex about human anatomy, starting with brain. Brain is the powerhouse, controlling all aspects of our existence. I love biology and interested in applying research in the field of neuro and ortho to improve lives of people. Along with my friends, I recently built a Moon Rover using Arduino for WA TSA and were placed as finalists. Apart from science, I love playing piano and being part water polo swim team since 7th grade . I have been playing piano since the age of 5 and this musical instrument has been instrumental in my thought process, bringing calmness when there is chaos around me. I have performed in several piano recitals and it has been a wonderful experience for me. Water polo has taught me resilience and being a team member, playing as a team. In addition, I have been part of Sankara foundation which has empowered me to do community service such as cooking and making meals for shelters, blankets for puppies and tree planting. I have also been volunteering at a memory care home in Kirkland wherein I have been playing piano, making games for senior citizens and spending time with them. I have yearly pledged and have been doing fundraising for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital via walkathons towards this cause for childhood cancer research. Serving my time in community services has taught me to be kind, compassionate for all and to do my bit to make a positive impact in society. In my free time, I have been a chess tutor to elementary and middle school grade students and have been earning pocket money via this opportunity which go towards St Jude Children's Research Hospital. In addition, I enjoy being a member of HOSA, DECA and TSA clubs at school and participating in several events via these clubs to learn and grow in the field of biology. I hope to learn, diving deep, grow and make a positive impact through this neuro-education initiative.</p>
Veer Shah
<p><strong>Lakshmi Sahasra Narlapuram</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>I'm Lakshmi, a rising sophomore at Juanita High School's Cambridge Program. When I'm not studying, or hanging out with family and friends you can find me investing time in Carnatic music, playing badminton, or in a pencil medium sketch/drawing. Last year, I was part of the school's badminton club and also participated in DECA. Currently, I'm taking part in the Horizon Research Program, where I explore new perspectives and learning opportunities. My passion for neuroscience probably stemmed from this one dream I had when I was younger. Since then my interest in the subject has increased drastically. I'm driven to join this neurology education initiative because I'm fascinated by the intricacies of the human brain and its impact on our daily lives. I also aim to deepen my understanding of neurology through this initiative, particularly cognitive and behavioural neuroscience, as well as computational neuroscience. I'm thrilled to be part of this community and look forward to learning from and contributing to this initiative. So thank you for this opportunity.</p>
Lakshmi Sahasra Narlapuram
<p><strong>Lavanya Sharma</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>My name is Lavanya, and I'm a rising sophomore at Redmond High School. I’ve been interested in science since a young age, and my interest in neurology specifically began when my grandma started struggling with basic daily tasks due to Parkinson’s disease. Seeing her challenges and the impact of this condition on her life sparked a deep interest in me in understanding the workings of the brain and the nervous system. This experience also made me realize how critical neurological health is and further motivated me to learn more about the brain. To deepen my understanding, I joined Science Olympiad and HOSA where I learned about various types of sciences. Additionally, I love exploring new trails on long walks and experimenting with baking in my free time, even though I’m not very good at it. I also enjoy creating art, which helps me to unwind and relax! With this initiative, I aim to raise awareness about neurological conditions, inspire interest in brain health, and contribute to advancements in the field!</p>
Lavanya Sharma
<p><strong>Saathvik Voora</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Hello! My name is Saathvik, an incoming sophomore at Redmond High School. I’ve been interested in science for as long as I can remember, always being curious by nature and investigatory by heart. My love for science had led me to participate and excel in multiple science related competitions including NSB, Science Olympiad, IRO, USABO, and the Brain Bee. In my free time, I love to pick up a good book like The AI Revolution in Medicine and soak up information in order to improve my general knowledge. I also enjoy spending time in the great Washington outdoors with my friends! My favorite topic in science is the field biology, specifically human anatomy, cellular biology, and genetics. We humans have the privilege of being home to a plethora of organ systems and the organs that compose them, one of those being the nervous system and the brain. The human brain is one of the most complex entities on the planet whilst also being home to some of the most troubling problems of the 21st century, such as a cure to Alzheimer’s. Within this initiative, I hope to further the general public’s understanding of the complex identity of the brain and spark a fervor in neuroscience in the Seattle-related area with my colleagues!</p>
Saathvik Voora
<p><strong>Yana Joshi</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>I'm Yana Joshi, a rising sophomore at Henry M. Jackson. I've always been interested in neuroscience and I placed 4th in the Washington State Brain Bee in 2024. During my preparation for the Bee, I began to really enjoy neuroscience and learning about the intricacies of the brain. From there, I’ve done research projects centered around the brain. My most recent one involves using electromyography signals to control human-machine interfaces. I want to pursue a career in which I can contribute to breakthroughs in mental health and cognition. If I'm not catching up on anything F1 related, I'm usually outdoors, playing piano, or reading. I believe that increasing neuro-education around the world is the only way that innovation within neuro-science can increase. I hope that studying for the Brain Bee will foster the same passion for neuroscience for others, as it did me.</p>
Yana Joshi
<p><strong>Saket Lingamallu</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>I am Saket Lingamallu, a rising sophomore at Redmond High School. Ever since I was little, I’ve been fascinated with the human body and have always dreamed of being a part of the medicine industry. I went to multiple state level science competitions including science Olympiad and placed top 3 in multiple topics, including Anatomy and Physiology a subject that solely focuses on the human body. Additionally, I’m passionate about innovating medical technology and I’m a part of many clubs related to biology and dedicate plenty of time researching new medicine innovations. I love volunteering and volunteer all the time to help support locals! I’ve donated over 200 meals to multiple local food banks, and I’ve also hosted multiple food drives to help out people in need. I currently enjoy playing the piano and have performed multiple times at public places including local churches. I love gardening, and love to teach it, to encourage the newer generations of people to stay healthy and active. When not researching medical innovations, I like playing sports such as basketball and badminton, and enjoy painting and hiking tall mountains.</p>
Saket Lingamallu
<p><strong>Saket Lingamallu</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Devarsh Aswin is a high school student with a strong interest in neuroscience. He is currently conducting independent research on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, studying how TDP-43 (Tar-DNA binding protein kDa 43) aggregates and why this process contributes to neurodegeneration. His work is focused on building a deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms and developing a methodology to reduce aggregation. In addition to his research, Devarsh is involved in an international non-profit organization named miRcore (which stands for micro RNA core), where he writes student research abstracts and leads a student-run newsletter aimed at making scientific topics easier to understand for the public and highlighting the work of other students in the community. Devarsh also leads a student project at his school’s Speech and Debate Club, where high school students support younger middle-schoolers by helping them build communication skills, confidence, and critical thinking. Outside of academics, Devarsh enjoys karting and practicing piano. He hopes to continue exploring neuroscience while contributing positively to the communities he’s part of.</p>
Devarsh Aswin
<p><strong>Saket Lingamallu</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Aditi Kolluru is a 8th grader at Maywood Middle School. She served as the 7th grade class representative and enjoys exploring a variety of academic and creative interests. She is passionate about spellings and proud to be the youngest qualifier for the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee. Last year, she participated in the Washington State Science Fair in the Plant Science category, where she collaborated with two teammates to present their research project. In her free time, Aditi enjoys painting, playing the violin, and attending Carnatic music classes, which allows her to express creativity and connect with culture.</p>
Aditi Kolluru
<p><strong>Saket Lingamallu</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Laasya Priya Mandavilli is an 8th-grade student at Maywood Middle School. She is interested in the field of neurology and aspires to become a neurosurgeon. Her interest in the medical field stems from a strong passion for helping others and making a positive impact on people’s lives. During the current school year, she is serving as an ASB member. She is also the president and a biology member of her school’s National Science Bowl team. This year, she placed second at the NorthSouth Foundation Senior Science Bee. Laasya has been learning Kuchipudi dance for the past ten years and has recently completed her SAMPADA Kuchipudi dance certification. In music, she plays the violin and is a member of her school’s advanced orchestra as well as the ISD Honors Orchestra program. She has participated in the Washington State Science and Engineering Fair, earning first place in both 2024 and 2025. Her project has also been accepted to the ThermoFisher JIC this year, where she placed in the top 3% at the national level. Laasya is excited to continue exploring her interests in STEM, the arts, and leadership as she works toward her goal of becoming a neurosurgeon. She is also excited to be a part of the 2025 Seattle Neuro Education Initiative.</p>
Laasya Priya Mandavilli
<p><strong>Saket Lingamallu</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Ardra Arwin is a high school student at Skyline HS Sammamish, WA. A keen Neuroscience enthusiast, Mental health advocate and award winning artist, Ardra is the one of the cofounders of the Seattle Brain Bee Club, a club that helps students learn about the brain and prepare for competitions such as the Brain Bee as well as the Secretary/ Treasurer of the Oregon Brain Bee. Ardra serves as the co-host, lead organizer and Vice President of the Seattle Neuroscience Education Initiave (SNEI) conference and has been a member of the team since its inception. As emcee and organizer, she is excited to bring together a diverse group of extremely talented and experienced Keynote speakers, coordinating with students, parents, educators and the community to come together, create, share and learn from the diverse topics being presented. Her project on Neuroplasticity and how the Brain rewires itself to differentiate learning won her the 1st prize in the Washington State Science & Engineering Fair (WSSEF) and nomination to the National ThermoFisher Junior Innovators Challenge in 2025. She is currently working on her research to build upon the findings of her study and raise awareness on multiple neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Dementia. Her passion for science started when she was in elementary school, attending the Science-tech magnet program doing fun engineering design projects and researching on marine ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest. In middle school, she co-founded the first ever Science Club at her school and served as the co-President, helping form the first ever team from her school to compete at the National Science Bowl and Science Olympiads and being a mentor and support to her peers and juniors. The future is technology enabled and Ardra is deeply passionate about exploring how machine learning, predictive models and biometric tools can support physical and emotional wellness. Wellness starts from within and Ardra believes dance is a great way to improve physical stamina as well as mental acumen. She is a trained classical dancer since the age of 5 and performs at various fundraising events for charities and causes that she deeply cares about.</p>
Arda Arwin
<p><strong>Saket Lingamallu</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Veer Shah is a rising senior at Lake Washington High School with a deep passion for human anatomy, physiology, and a long-term goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. He’s especially drawn to the brain as the body’s control center, and he’s excited to explore the neuro side of this initiative. Beyond academics, Veer has built a Moon Rover using Arduino for WA TSA, played piano since age five, and competed on the water polo swim team—experiences that have shaped his creativity, discipline, and resilience. Service has been a major part of Veer’s life. Through Sankara Foundation, he’s cooked meals for shelters, made blankets for animals, planted trees, and volunteered at a memory care home where I play piano and create activities for seniors. He regularly fundraises for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and tutors younger students in chess to support this cause. With involvement in HOSA, DECA, and TSA, Veer is committed to growing in biology and hopes to make a meaningful impact through this neuro-education initiative.</p>
Veer Shah
<p><strong>Saket Lingamallu</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Arav Parakh is an 8th grade honors student with a strong interest in Science, Math, and English. He’s passionate about STEM, especially robotics, coding, and learning more about human sciences. He’s always looking for ways to challenge himself and build new skills, whether it’s in school or through hands-on projects. Outside the classroom, Arav is a pace bowler and loves playing cricket whenever he gets the chance. He is also a proud member of the National Junior Honor Society, where he volunteers at local food banks and helps with community service activities. This year, Arav started coaching elementary school kids in coding so they can explore STEM and participate in competitions and events. He enjoys learning, building, and helping others, and he is excited to keep growing in STEM and make a positive impact wherever he can.</p>
Arav Parakh
<p><strong>Saket Lingamallu</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Tarunika Tamisetty is a 7th‑grade student at Leota Middle School with a strong academic focus in science, leadership, and interdisciplinary learning. She participated in the 2024–2025 Washington State Science and Engineering Fair (WSSEF), where she earned 1st place in the Plant Sciences category and received the prestigious Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC) nomination. Tarunika also competed in Science Olympiad, achieving a top‑eight placement at the regional level in one of the topics. In addition, she was a member of a Future Problem Solving (FPS) team that advanced to the state competition last year. Beyond academics, Tarunika is a proud member of the National Junior Honor Society and is actively involved in school athletics and music. She plays volleyball and the violin, balancing her passion for science with creativity and teamwork.</p>
Tarunika Tamisetty
<p><strong>Saket Lingamallu</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Sneha Sankar is an 8th grader at Skyview Middle School. She chose to present on “Bullying and the Developing Brain” because she is really interested in neuroscience and understanding how the brain works. She is curious about how our experiences, especially stressful or difficult ones like bullying, can affect the way the brain develops and functions. In addition to her interest in neuroscience, Sneha enjoy exploring STEM through extracurricular activities. This is her fourth year participating in VEX Robotics, where she works on driving, building, and programming robots. Being involved in robotics has taught Sneha problem-solving, teamwork, and creative thinking: skills she can also apply to understand complex topics like neuroscience.</p>
Sneha Sankar
<p><strong>Saket Lingamallu</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Charith Gummineni is a 9th-grade student at Monroe High School. Because of his strong interest in neuroscience and his curiosity about how the brain works, his passion for medicine fuels his ambition to one day become a surgeon. Driven by his enthusiasm for medicine, Charith took the initiative to establish a HOSA chapter at Monroe High School. Beyond academics, he is musically talented, playing both the flute and keyboard, and has been honored with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Charith is currently a Tenderfoot rank in Boy Scouts, and from 2022 to 2025 he has leaded and participated in the FIRST Lego League Challenge. Apart from his academic activities, Charith is in his school tennis, swimming and soccer team and enjoys playing chess, learning something new and coding.</p>
Charith Gummineni
<p><strong>Tanisha Shankpal</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Aaratrika Paul is a 9th grader at Eastlake High School in Sammamish, Washington, and a STEM-focused student concentrating primarily on biology and medicine. She is deeply fascinated by the complex systems of the human body and how they work together to support every aspect of life—especially the brain. She participated in her middle school’s Science Olympiad team, placing in the top 10 for both of her events at regionals, and has competed at the Washington State Science and Engineering Fair, winning first place in both 2024 and 2025, with her most recent project ranking in the top 3% of middle school projects nationwide. She is also an avid music lover and a member of her high school band. She has been playing the clarinet for four years and the piano for nine years. In 2024, she was selected for the WMEA (Washington Music Educators Association) Jr. All-State Band and has won multiple piano competitions. This year, she is involved in HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America), with hopes of advancing to SLC (State Leadership Conference), as well as Science National Honor Society, Research Club, and Science Bowl. In addition to science and music, she also enjoys skiing and serves as an assistant coach for a ski school. As a presenter at the 2025 Neuroscience Winter Conference and a passionate supporter of both music and science, she is excited to present Music and Your Learning Brain – How Musical Training Enhances Cognitive Abilities.</p>
Aaratrika Paul
<p><strong>Tanisha Shankpal</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Harshitha Nallanchakravarthula is a 9th grader in Interlake High School who has always been passionate about being in the medical field. Her interests are biology, music and being creative. She has been dancing since ten years old and has performed a lot in India and in the United States which makes dancing a big part of her life. Her interests outside academics are badminton, Carnatic singing and a little bit of Volleyball for fun. The reason why she chose the topic how stress affects academic performance is because I noticed that academic stress is very common in students which made me curious if stress in academics is caused because we just don’t handle it right or is there a more to it which makes it a big part of students’ life?</p>
Harshitha Nallanchakravarthula
<p><strong>Tanisha Shankpal</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Meera Sankar is a 7th-grade student at Skyview Middle School. Her favorite subjects are math and science, and she loves learning how ideas from these fields can be applied to real life. Meera is especially interested in how we can learn from one another while giving back to our community. She’s always been someone who asks a lot of “why” questions—like why we feel stressed before a test, how our brains help us learn new things, or why habits are so hard to break. This curiosity led her to explore neuroscience and its role in health and everyday life, which inspired Meera to help organize the quiz at the Seattle Neuro Initiative Conference. She am excited to learn from the many topics and speakers featured here. Meera spent time doing her own research to create this quiz as a fun and interactive way for all of us to reinforce what we learn and enjoy the experience together.</p>
Meera Sankar
<p><strong>Tanisha Shankpal</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Dhiya is a 4th-grade student who loves art and science—especially the kind where she gets to experiment and figure things out on her own. Whether she’s mixing things in the kitchen or building something cool with LEGO, Dhiya is always curious about how things work. She loves turning what she learns into games and questions, and she’s especially interested in how our brains help us think, remember, and make decisions. Dhiya is super excited to be here at the Neuroscience Conference and to help co-host the quiz. She hopes you find it both interesting and fun! Outside of school, she enjoy building with LEGO, drawing and painting, and watching Sid the Science Kid—he’s awesome and makes science even more exciting. Dhiya can’t wait to share this experience with all of you!</p>
Dhiya Sankar
<p><strong>Tanisha Shankpal</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Anish L. Naraynan is a freshman at Ingraham High School. He has five years of experience playing the violin and currently volunteers as an academic tutor for a local nonprofit organization. He has participated in the NEDC MESA competition, earning second place at the state level twice, and his team secured third place at the national level for an academic poster. As part of his team, Anish has worked on innovative projects, including developing an asthma alert button that sends wireless alerts during an asthma attack and designing a small-scale algae farm intended to provide a sustainable food source for communities facing poverty. Anish’s passion for biology and medicine began in sixth grade during a human anatomy class, where he had the opportunity to dissect a lamb’s heart. This experience, followed by a middle school summer program in which he dissected a lamb’s brain, deepened his fascination with the human body and inspired him to explore a future in medicine.</p>
Anish Naraynan
<p><strong>Tanisha Shankpal</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Dedeepya Yaramasu is an 8th-grade student at Skyview Middle School with a strong interest for creativity, art, and self-expression. She is excited to present on “The Creative Brain: Where Ideas Are Born,” exploring the role of the default mode network in creative thinking and how the brain generates new ideas. She’s been dancing for almost 9 years, and enjoys reading and making art in her free time, and is especially interested in understanding neurodivergence and trauma psychology. In addition to her creative interests, Dedeepya is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and actively participates in academic competitions, including math and science bowls. She also volunteers at a local art studio, where she teaches and inspires young children through art, combining her love for creativity with community service.</p>
Dedeepya Yaramasu
<p><strong>Tanisha Shankpal</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Nethra is a freshman at Skyline High School with interests in gynecology, neuroscience, and brain–computer interfaces, particularly in understanding how the human brain functions and interprets information and how these processes can be applied to technology. She shadows a physical therapist outside of school as part of her introduction to sports medicine class and actively seeks opportunities to learn more about various medical professions. Outside of academics, Nethra has participated in Science Olympiad, advancing to the state level. She teaches ski lessons to younger children and plans to begin tutoring younger students in math during the winter. She is a member of her school’s HOSA team and hopes to qualify for the State Leadership Conference in her first year of participation. In addition, Nethra has been playing the Carnatic violin for over seven years, studying under Grammy Award–winning artist Ganesh Rajagopalan. She has also played classical Western violin for four years and has qualified for All-State.</p>
Nethra Senthil
<p><strong>Tanisha Shankpal</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Sriya Emani is a 7th grader at Odle Middle School with a passion for biology and a goal of pursuing a career in medicine. She is an active participant in STEM, having placed third in the senior science bee, received an award at the Washington State Science and Engineering Fair (WSSEF), and participated in Science Olympiad and a coding club. Beyond her scientific interests, Sriya is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, through which she has helped with community food drives. Sriya has also developed her communication skills by winning a speech competition and joining a public speaking club. Her hobbies include creative writing, swimming, tennis, and playing the flute.</p>
Sriya Emani
<p><strong>Tanisha Shankpal</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Divisha Arora is a sophomore at Skyline High School with aspirations of becoming a psychiatrist. Her strong interest in psychology and neurology drives her involvement in science-focused activities, including serving as a member of her school’s Science Olympiad team, which advanced to the state level, and participating in Science Bowl, where her team won three out of four rounds. She has earned state- and national-level awards in competitions such as Math Kangaroo, the National Math Challenge Tournament, and the International Math Contest. Divisha is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and regularly volunteers at school and in her community, tutoring students in math, science, and language arts. She is also actively involved in DECA, where she was a double qualifier for the International Career Development Conference as a freshman in two events, and HOSA, where she qualified for the International Leadership Conference. These experiences have strengthened her leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Outside of academics, Divisha enjoys expressing herself through dance, singing, sketching, and writing. She runs a YouTube channel with over 1,000 subscribers, where she creates content focused on self-development, psychology, and the arts. She has won multiple essay and poetry competitions, including recognition in the Washington State Reflections Program. In addition, she performs at senior citizen programs, using her singing to bring joy to audiences while helping raise funds for NGOs that support seniors, and has been a finalist in several national-level singing competitions. Divisha is particularly excited about being part of the Seattle Neuro Education Initiative, as it closely aligns with her passion for psychology and neuroscience. The initiative would allow her to deepen her understanding of the brain and its role in shaping human behavior while gaining exposure to real-world applications of neuroscience in education and community impact.</p>
Divisha Arora
<p><strong>Tanisha Shankpal</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Shruti Sundar is a 6th grade student at Charles B. Pearson Middle School. She is an active member of her school’s STEM and Biology clubs, where she enjoys exploring how science connects to everyday life. She is especially interested in neuroscience and loves learning about how the brain supports memory, focus, and emotions. Shruti has participated in her school’s spelling bee and science fair, experiences that strengthened her curiosity and discipline. Outside of academics, Shruti is a Bharatanatyam dancer, plays piano and violin, and collects miniatures, a hobby that reflects her attention to detail. She is excited to share her passion for science at the Seattle Neuro education initiative.</p>
Shruti Sundar
<p><strong>Tanisha Shankpal</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>He is a senior at Interlake High School in Bellevue, Washington, with interests in the fields of aerospace, psychology, hardware, and automobiles. He is a black belt–certified Taekwondo instructor and has won medals in both national and international competitions. In addition, he is a Carnatic vocalist who has performed in several concerts in both India and the United States. He founded Project Dhrishti, an online initiative under 1M1B, a UN-certified organization, to raise awareness about nearsightedness and its effects on children’s development. He serves as the Head of Technology for the Belle-View Initiative and as a technical specialist in his school’s Aviation Club. Outside of academics and leadership, he enjoys PC building, gaming, and music production, as well as playing badminton, volleyball, and soccer.</p>
Samarth Mandayam
<p><strong>Tanisha Shankpal</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Arjun Muthuchetty is a sophomore at Piscataway High School in New Jersey. His goal is to specialize in AI. Throughout his academic journey, Arjun has actively participated in AI, Student Government in was President for both clubs during his 8th grade. His commitment to sustaining an active lifestyle has been significantly influenced by hisd understanding of physical fitness, which not only enhances physical strength but also enhances mental clarity and concentration along with healthy food habits.</p>
Arjun Muthuchetty
<p><strong>Tanisha Shankpal</strong></p> <p style='text-align: justify;'>Harshita is a driven, service-oriented student leader with a strong commitment to healthcare, public service, and STEM innovation. As President of HOSA–Future Health Professionals at Lake Stevens High School, she has significantly expanded the chapter, growing membership from 10 to 50 students while spearheading fundraisers, medical conferences, and initiatives aimed at elevating her school’s HOSA presence. In addition to serving as President, she is also the Founder of the LSHS HOSA chapter, where she collaborates with members to organize volunteer events, raise public health awareness, and develop new leadership opportunities. Her involvement in HOSA spans multiple roles, including Treasurer and Member, where she has strengthened her skills in fundraising, event planning, teamwork, and professional communication. Beyond healthcare leadership, Harshita excels in robotics as part of the VEX Robotics “Vexing Vipers,” competing at local, state, and world levels and earning awards in design, excellence, and sportsmanship. She also contributes meaningfully to student governance as ASB Secretary, where she manages records, leads meetings, supports student initiatives, and advocates for her peers. Harshita’s dedication continues through roles in National Honor Society, YMCA Youth & Government, Washington State Legislature’s Page Program, and a lab shadowing experience at Harvard Medical School, reflecting her deep passion for public policy, scientific inquiry, and community impact.</p>
Harshita Sinha
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Conference Day - 21st July 2024


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