Varsha S. (IN A NUTSHELL)

Varsha is a freshman at Stanford University who intends to study Symbolic Systems (an interdisciplinary major that delves into the fields of Computer Science, Philosophy, Psychology, Linguistics, and Mathematics.) In June 2022, Varsha graduated from Hauppauge High School in New York as Salutatorian. She was also named a 2022 Coca-Cola Scholar and Regeneron Science Talent Search Semifinalist. With a deep interest in empowerment and equity, Varsha is a published first author in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction for her work in the creation of a holistic community resilience index in her local community. During high school, she ran a social justice-themed collaborative platform called Perspective, volunteered as a crowdsourced mapper against FGM, and created menstrual equity and girls' education resources as ambassadors for Girl Talk and Eco Femme. She takes part in mentorship to promote gender equality and co-taught 200+ high school students about International Women's Rights. As an International Baccalaureate Diploma Recipient, Varsha led and assisted her high school's Interact Club, Ethics Bowl team, and Ignition group (a freshmen mentorship club). Varsha has individually tutored elementary school students by creating interactive and personalized math/reading content to ensure educational equity through the Hauppauge Public Library’s summer tutoring program. She also served as a leadership intern where she led groups of 30+ elementary school students; helped conduct hands-on STEM and self-empowerment activities. Most importantly, Varsha loves dogs, long nature walks, painting, and spending time with friends and family!