Q. In what grade are you currently enrolled?

A. I am currently a 12th grader at Emmaus High School.

Q. What is your favorite subject? Why?

A. I would have to say that my favorite subject is psychology. With an interest in neuroscience, its fascinating to learn about the complex brain and its involvement in our daily decisions and actions.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. At EHS, I have been recognized with the Award for Academic Excellence and Science Fair Award multiple times. During my freshman year, I also received the Future Scientist Award from the Eastern Regional Research Center of USDA. During my junior year, I qualified for the AIME exam after scoring a 99 on the AMC exam. This past summer, I won seventh place in the nation for “Prepared Presentation” at TSA Engineering and had the privilege of attending the Stanford Clinical Summer Internship Program. Most recently, I qualified as a National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist.

Q. Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

A. Some of the extracurricular activities in which I am involved include EHS boys tennis, Emmaus Academic Team, Debate Team, Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society and Pennsylvania Math League. Outside of the school community, I play the Tabla (an Indian percussion instrument), teach at the Allentown Hindu Temple and work as a tutor. In 2015, I founded Cleat For Feet (cleatforfeet.org), a nonprofit organization that assists underprivileged youth and athletes in playing sports in a more safe environment. With over a 20+ member team spread nationwide, we collaborate with local and international charities, nonprofit organizations and sports academies.

Q. What is your next goal after high school?

A. After high school, my goal is to pursue a degree in neuroscience or biomedical engineering at a top research university. While challenging myself academically, I look to interest myself in making new connections and friends, join an instrumental group and play in club soccer all at college.

Q. What do you consider your biggest challenge to date?

A. Entering high school, managing my time was quite difficult at first. Attempting to participate in various activities with piles of homework, was overwhelming. After maturing as an individual and student, I have developed time management skills that now enable me to complete my tasks while still having the time to explore.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. I want to be remembered as an individual who is not only very hard working but also one that is very outgoing and collaborative. I hope to leave a mark and impact those around me in a positive way. Rather than my success, it would mean more to me if people were to remember my caring personality and humbleness.

Q. Who is in your family?

A. My father Vikas, my mother Mamta and my brother Ansh.

Q. Whom do you admire? Why?

A. I have two main role models: First, my father, who emigrated to the United States from India as a young man. Witnessing his success from the beginning till this day is a true inspiration. He has come to play a crucial role in my life not only as a father but also as a mentor, partner, coach and friend. Another person I look up to is Bill Gates, who has inspired me with his entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, humbleness and generous personality, all things that I aim to incorporate in my daily actions.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. Never be afraid. With high school and college being the time of when we discover who we truly are, don’t be afraid to try new experiences, meeting new people, or step outside your comfort zone. Having such an approach has provided me with numerous opportunities and the platform to chase my passions and succeed.