A ‘doodh’ entrepreneur: How Shraddha Dhawan grew her farm revenue 24 times
Written by: Amrita Priya
(March 20, 2022) Trailblazing into the male domain, milking buffaloes, and riding a bike to deliver milk, Shraddha Dhawan, a native of Nighoj village, near Pune, has established herself as a unique entrepreneur. The 23-year-old village entrepreneur had entered the family dairy business seven years ago as a teenager studying in class 11 when she saw her polio-afflicted father struggle to deliver milk. From a couple of buffaloes, the village entrepreneur’s relentless efforts burgeoned the small family business into a farm with over 80 buffaloes and a turnover that grew 24 times.
All set for future
The soon-to-be-married entrepreneur is now venturing into the bio-fertiliser business, CS Agro Organics, with plans to reach international markets. Juggling responsibilities with elan is her forte. When children of her age were busy with studies and play, she was working to make the family business grow. “I am confident that my new venture will reach the pinnacle,” she tells Global Indian.
Inspiring others, garnering support
When she initially started delivering milk door-to-door, Shraddha felt a bit awkward. But she soon began enjoying her work. Seeing her efforts, her parents, Satyavan and Janaki, and younger brother supported her and began helping her. Now, with the business having grown by leaps and bounds, Shraddha has employed a team of people. “With the increasing number of buffaloes, it was difficult to manage on our own and we started employing people to take care of day-to-day activities,” says the village entrepreneur, whose turnover has gone from Rs 25,000 to Rs 6 lakh per month in a span of seven years.
Village entrepreneur Shraddha Dhawan
Inspired by Shraddha, other girls in her village started driving a bike, but her entrepreneurial choice remains unique. “I was blessed. Instead of people looking down upon me for doing something that was outside a ladies’ purview, fellow villagers appreciated me for my work, calling me my father’s son. I am grateful to my father for believing in me and allowing me to do things which were not stereotypical and my mother for her constant support,” says the eldest of three siblings. While her brother, who is now in his teens, is ready to step into her shoes, her sister had not been very inclined towards dairy farming since the beginning.
The physics student is pursuing her M.Sc from a college which is 20 km away from her village. She loves trekking and finds solace in going to nearby places to recoup. The village entrepreneur is proud of her origins and says that her village has some fine trekking routes nearby. Her fiancé, Chaitanya, who is pursuing a Ph.D and researching the world of bacteria, is all set to join her new venture as a business partner. While Chaitanya will bring his in-depth knowledge to the table, Shraddha will put her entrepreneurial skills to the best use with their new venture.
Epitomising the Indian woman
With plans to create an impact with her bio-fertiliser venture, Shraddha is happy to start something afresh. “As far as my dairy business goes, I did not think about myself, the aim was to put my family of five in a comfortable position financially. I always looked at it as ours, not mine alone. The new venture is something that I would call my own. I am hoping to get good investors who would help me realise my dream of making rural farmers prosper in their lives,” says the village entrepreneur.
After her wedding, she would be relocating to Jategaon where her fiancé lives. With the experience of rising from almost nothing, she is all set to make Jategaon as popular as Nighoj through her work.
(May 31, 2024) 12-year-old Dubai-based Kerala native Leena Rafeeq made headlines when she developed an AI-based app Ogler Eyescan to detect eye diseases and conditions. Interestingly, she was only 10 when she developed the app which is capable of detecting various eye conditions through a unique scanning process. "Using advanced computer vision, and machine learning algorithms, Ogler can analyse various parameters such as light and colour intensity, distance, and look-up points to locate the eyes within the frame range. It also identifies any light burst issues and if the eyes are positioned exactly inside the scanner frame," she said. [caption id="attachment_38056" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Leena Rafeeq[/caption] Using AI to create an impact A self-taught coder, the Global Indian built the app using machine learning algorithms and computer vision systems, thus leading to 70 percent accuracy in diagnosing potential eye conditions like arcus, melanoma, pterygium, and cataracts. "This app was developed natively with SwiftUI without any third-party libraries or packages, and it took me six months of research and development to bring this innovative app to life," she added. It was a year after the invention of the AI app that she submitted it to the app store. During her development journey,
hms and computer vision systems, thus leading to 70 percent accuracy in diagnosing potential eye conditions like arcus, melanoma, pterygium, and cataracts. "This app was developed natively with SwiftUI without any third-party libraries or packages, and it took me six months of research and development to bring this innovative app to life," she added. It was a year after the invention of the AI app that she submitted it to the app store. During her development journey, Leena expanded her expertise in areas such as eye conditions, computer vision, algorithms, machine learning models, and advanced Apple iOS development features, including sensor data processing, augmented reality (AR), CreateML, and CoreML. As of now, the app exclusively operates on iPhones from the 10th model onward, running iOS 16 or higher.
How it began
Leena's interest in programming and developing websites developed at a very young age. At the age of six, she was able to create a website from scratch for her school science exhibition. "My parents, who are both coders, are the reason I started gravitating towards coding. I created my first webpage at the age of six, and soon started teaching my younger sister Hana coding and programming," she recalled.
After toying with any ideas, she finally zeroed in on developing an app that aids in diagnosing diseases for users of any age. "This introduced me to Ogler Eye Scan, a program that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to thoroughly scan your eyes and enable you to diagnose eye problems," she said. Explaining the benefits of the app, she revealed that it is capable of both - a comprehensive eye scan as well as disease detection. "The four disorders that our app can currently diagnose are melanoma, arcus, pterygium, and cataract. Additionally, it can perform a comprehensive scan that can detect all of these disorders at once. Using your GPS position, the app also lets you browse for eye hospitals in the area," Leena said. Moreover, that app can check pupil distance as well as compare previous scan results with the latest ones. She is glad that her app can help identify eye conditions at an early stage.
Expanding her horizons
The co-founder of Misrai, Leena is trying to be at the forefront of AI with her innovations. "With a passion for technology that ignited at the age of five, I've journeyed from early coding experiments to SOTA innovations in the field of Gen-AI and Pred-AI. At Misrai, I'm currently dedicated to developing a base model prototype for an intelligent, efficient, and compact AI model. This project encapsulates my vision of making AI more accessible and impactful in various industries."
However, it's the development of Ogler Eyescan that she calls her proudest achievement so far. "It's a testament to my commitment to creating tools that define how we interact with technology," says the teenager who loves reading and watching films.
[caption id="attachment_38058" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Leena Rafeeq with her sister Hana[/caption]
She is glad to have found a strong support system in her parents who are also her inspiration. "They have been encouraging throughout my journey, providing me with fresh concepts and business initiatives I might pursue."
AI is the future
As a young software developer, she believes programming and coding are the fundamental building blocks defining the future. "People will likely begin conversing with machines and progress to artificial intelligence. To live an inviting lifestyle and thrive in the upcoming years, it's crucial to know how to code and program because robots may replace many jobs."
(October 18, 2024) In 2015, Karthik Ramu's life changed in a way that few teenagers could have anticipated. His grandfather, living thousands of miles away in Coimbatore, India, suffered a near-fatal heart attack. Karthik, at the time a high school student in North Carolina, found himself helpless, with no real way of staying updated on his grandfather's health. Despite living in a world of smartphones and wearable tech, the Ramu family, like millions of others, had no reliable system in place to track the health of their elderly loved one. This sudden realisation revealed a bigger problem: how can families, separated by distance and busy with their own lives, care for elders in a connected, real-time way? This personal crisis turned into a mission for Karthik Ramu, who at the age of 16, co-founded AmityConnect, a mobile platform designed to give families real-time insights into the health of their elders, no matter the distance. For the Indian-American, this wasn’t just about solving his family’s problem; it was about addressing the universal need for better elder care—particularly in a world where the elderly population is expected to double by 2050. "Seeing my grandfather suffer and not being able to do anything
His journey towards launching AmityConnect began while he was still in high school, enrolled in a STEM-focused entrepreneurship program. This gave him the technical foundation to address a problem that was deeply personal as he firsthand saw how disconnected families can be from their elders’ health. He found that the available medical alert systems were outdated and notified families only after the emergency had occurred. This prompted him to find a solution that was better than the available resources.
Together with his classmate, Kushi, Karthik launched AmityConnect in April 2019. The app pulls data from a range of smart medical devices like Fitbits, Apple Watches, and Hexoskin sensors, and presents it to families in an easy-to-understand format. Through real-time updates on vitals such as heart rate, blood pressure, and activity levels, AmityConnect allows families to monitor their elders' health, regardless of whether they live across the country or across the world.
[caption id="attachment_39909" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Karthik Ramu with co-founder Kushi[/caption]
Building a Global Solution
As Karthik delved deeper into the elder care industry, he realised how urgent the need for solutions like AmityConnect was. The elder population in the US alone faces alarming health trends: 60 percent of seniors have two or more chronic health conditions. And with families increasingly spread across different locations, staying connected to an elder’s health can be incredibly difficult. AmityConnect's vision is to change that by giving families peace of mind and the tools to take proactive action when it comes to elder care.
In the summer of 2020, Karthik Ramu and his team partnered with Fitbit to provide smart medical devices to seniors and ran a successful beta test of AmityConnect with over 70 families and assisted care centers in Northern Virginia. The results were promising, and AmityConnect's user base quickly began to grow.
By 2021, AmityConnect had already reached over 3,000 people across the US, spreading awareness through social media campaigns and local events. The platform garnered attention, and in 2020, it was selected as a winner of the T-Mobile Changemaker Challenge, which recognizes young innovators making a difference in the world. Karthik and his team were named among the top 30 changemakers of the year, a distinction that put AmityConnect on the map as one of the most promising elder care innovations created by youth. Karthik was honoured as a Global Teen Leader by the We Are Family Foundation in 2021, also won the T-Mobile Changemaker Challenge and was recognised as one of the top 30 changemakers.
Rooted in Heritage, Driven by Innovation
The success of AmityConnect for Karthik isn't just about technology but also about his heritage and upbringing. As a first-generation Indian-American, Karthik feels a deep connection to the values of his Tamilian roots, particularly the importance of family and caring for elders. "The concept of respecting and caring for elders is deeply ingrained in our culture, and this definitely shaped how I approached AmityConnect," explained the 21-year-old.
Growing up in a household where both parents worked in the tech industry — his father is an IT consultant, and his mother assists in their family business — Karthik was exposed to technology from a young age. Yet, he was equally influenced by his parents' roots in Coimbatore, India. The duality of his Indian heritage and his American upbringing gave him a unique perspective, allowing him to innovate with a deep sense of responsibility toward family and community.
"I'm as close to my parents' roots in Coimbatore as I am to my Indian-American culture," the Global Indian reflected. His experience of growing up with both Indian and American cultures shaped how he approaches problem-solving. It helped him combine empathy with innovative thinking, blending traditional values with modern solutions.
Growing up in one of the fastest-growing immigrant communities in the US, Karthik is the perfect example of how Indian-American teens are making an impact by combining their rich heritage with modern innovation. For decades, Indian immigrants have made their mark in fields like technology, healthcare, and business, and Karthik, too, has merged his heritage with contemporary ideas, making him a bridge between two worlds.
Larger Perspective
What began as an idea to help stay up to-date with his grandfather's health became a platform for elder care that reached out to more families in the US. However, his goal has been to scale it globally. "There's still so much more we can do to ensure that families feel connected to the health of their elders, no matter where they are," he added. For him, AmityConnect isn’t just a business but a mission to change how families care for their elders in an increasingly disconnected world.
As Karthik continues to redefine elder care, his story is not just an inspiration for Indian-American teens but for changemakers everywhere. In an era where the elder population is growing faster than ever before, Karthik’s work with AmityConnect couldn’t be more timely or necessary. His journey underscores how young people, empowered by their cultural roots and a drive for change, can solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
(August 22, 2024) Meet Eshna Agrawal, who has an extraordinary academic powerhouse with a deep-rooted passion for STEM and an illustrious track record, is the brain behind the climate change documentary Salary which debuted at the COP28 held in UAE. She has not only earned several international medals in prestigious Olympiads but also possesses a versatile musical talent, holding a Senior Diploma in Hindustani classical vocal music and displaying expertise in Western classical piano. Her martial arts prowess is evident in her red belt in Taekwondo, while her exceptional aptitude in Abacus has crowned her as a Grandmaster in the field. Eshna is a dedicated social activist committed to environmental causes and is a TEDx Countdown speaker. A budding entrepreneur with a fervent enthusiasm for finance, she is all of 17. [caption id="attachment_38908" align="aligncenter" width="494"] Eshna Agrawal[/caption] Early Start Growing up in the embrace of an extended family that encompassed four generations living together under one roof provided Agrawal with a wealth of experiences and a mosaic of perspectives. “From my earliest years, my parents embedded in me the fundamental values of tradition, culture, respect, and hard work, laying the bedrock of my character. Encouraged from a young age to
al with a wealth of experiences and a mosaic of perspectives. “From my earliest years, my parents embedded in me the fundamental values of tradition, culture, respect, and hard work, laying the bedrock of my character. Encouraged from a young age to dream big, their unwavering support has been pivotal. Witnessing my great-grandfather's philanthropy left an enduring impact, shaping my commitment to generosity, social responsibility, humility, and equality. Growing up as an elder sister instilled in me a sense of responsibility,” she tells Global Indian. Her early years in school played a pivotal role in fostering a deep love for learning. Surrounded by an environment that encouraged academic curiosity, she found herself being a naturally inquisitive child. This curiosity led her to explore a diverse range of activities and interests, allowing her to develop into a well-rounded individual.
Wearing Many Hats
Currently studying AS level physics, chemistry, and math at The Sanskaar Valley School, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, she is equally interested in mathematical economics research and robotics. So much so that she has qualified for World Robot Olympiad nationals. Her musical journey began at the tender age of three, culminating in a senior diploma in Hindustani classical vocal music and western classical piano trinity exams. A Taekwondo red belt, she has competed nationally and is an Abacus Grandmaster having cleared all 13 levels, over the last 11 years, and has won various international, national, and regional competitions. She is involved in several projects involving education inequality, gender inequality, carbon credits, and social entrepreneurship.
With several internships in various sectors- banking, finance, management, sustainability, she is also a TEDx Speaker.
She is the Director, Producer, Voiceover artist/ Narrator, Writer, Interviewer, Director of Photography, Researcher, Marketer and distributor of Salary, a documentary about climate change’s effect on the salt industry and an indigenous tribe Agariya that had a World Premiere at UN COP 28 in December 2023. “Salary explores the profound impact of climate change on India's traditional salt industry and the Agariyas, the indigenous salt harvesters. It highlights the crucial role these communities play in maintaining a vital resource for diverse applications, from daily needs to advanced technology,” she says, adding, “The documentary vividly illustrates how escalating climate change, manifesting in altered weather patterns and rising temperatures, threatens this delicate industry. As salt production dwindles, global repercussions loom. The film combines striking visuals and personal narratives to demonstrate the intricate link between climate sustainability and the increasingly vulnerable practice of traditional salt harvesting.”
Balancing Act
She attributes achieving success in both academics and extracurriculars to a robust support system that comes from unwavering faith and guidance from her teachers and the senior management team at school. “They have not only provided invaluable guidance but have also created an environment that fosters growth and exploration. Additionally, my parents play a crucial role in helping me maintain balance and coordination between academics and extracurricular pursuits, ensuring a holistic and well-rounded approach to my education,” says Agrawal.
[caption id="attachment_38910" align="aligncenter" width="682"] A still from Salary[/caption]
Eco Warrior
In her capacity as a 17-year-old environmental activist, she has spearheaded various projects aimed at achieving net-zero goals, promoting environmental consciousness through corporate social responsibility, and advocating for the adoption of renewable energy. “A pivotal aspect of my activism involves creating awareness, and my documentary, centred on climate change's impact on the salt industry and an indigenous tribe, serves as a powerful tool for this purpose. Additionally, I recently delivered a TEDx talk, further amplifying the message,” says Agrawal. Contrary to perceiving her age as a hindrance, she views it as her greatest asset in this advocacy.
“Our generation bears the responsibility of dealing with the consequences of environmental issues, compelling us to take decisive action. I believe our youthfulness not only empowers us to make a substantial impact but also enhances our ability to convey a sense of urgency and sincerity, making our voices resonate more effectively in the realm of environmental activism. Rather than viewing climate change solely as a threat, we, as hopeful young advocates, perceive it as an opportunity. It's a chance for individuals, companies, and nations to unite, fostering innovation, economic growth, and a sense of interconnectedness that transcends discrimination, emphasizing our shared humanity. This optimistic approach shapes our commitment to environmental causes, viewing them not only as responsibilities but as avenues for positive transformation and a more sustainable future,” she adds.
Entrepreneurial Role
In her pursuit as a budding entrepreneur, she has engaged in diverse experiences to cultivate a well-rounded skill set. Her roles have extended to encompass accounting and fund management, and she has assumed responsibilities as a workshop supervisor intern. “Growing up in a business-oriented family, our dinner table conversations have naturally revolved around business dynamics, sparking, and nurturing my innate interest in entrepreneurship. My goal is to establish and lead my own company, leveraging the invaluable insights gained from these experiences,” she says. Recognising the critical challenge of climate change, she views it not only as a problem but also as a substantial opportunity for innovation, business, and employment. “In my entrepreneurial journey, I aspire to integrate sustainability by adopting a PPP approach: prioritising People, Planet, and Prosperity. By aligning business endeavours with these principles, I aim to contribute to positive change while building a successful and socially responsible enterprise,” she says.
Learning Blocks
Overcoming challenges has been a dynamic process, rooted in resilience and a problem-solving mindset. Whether navigating the complexities of academic pursuits or tackling obstacles in extracurricular endeavours, she approaches challenges as opportunities for growth. Leveraging a robust support system, including mentors, teachers, and family, has provided invaluable guidance during challenging times. “Additionally, cultivating adaptability and maintaining a positive outlook have been instrumental. Each challenge becomes a chance to learn, adapt, and emerge stronger, reinforcing my belief that setbacks are stepping stones to success,” she says. Several valuable lessons have shaped her journey thus far. “Firstly, perseverance is key; facing challenges with resilience has consistently led to growth. Secondly, the importance of a support system cannot be overstated; mentors, teachers, and family play pivotal roles. Thirdly, a proactive and adaptable mindset is crucial in navigating the dynamic landscape of both academics and personal pursuits. Furthermore, the significance of continuous learning and curiosity has been underscored, fuelling my diverse interests. Lastly, the understanding that setbacks are integral to the journey, providing opportunities for reflection and improvement, has been a guiding principle,” says Agrawal.
Looking Ahead
In her free time, she likes to be informed about global news across various sectors, fostering a broader perspective. As a passionate foodie, she indulges in trying diverse foods and cuisines, savouring the cultural richness each dish offers. “Like any typical teenager, I relish spending quality time with my family, going out with friends, and creating memorable moments while blasting music on drives,” she smiles. Her next plans include pursuing a degree in engineering, channelling her passion for STEM subjects into academic and professional endeavours.
“I aim to delve into innovative projects, contribute to technological advancements, and ultimately carve a path that allows me to make a meaningful impact to my community. I am driven by a passion for entrepreneurship. I aspire to channel my technical knowledge into creating a business venture that not only embraces innovation but also prioritizes social impact. With a focus on environmental sustainability and addressing societal challenges, I aim to establish a business that contributes positively to both the technological landscape and the community. My vision encompasses leveraging my engineering skills to not only drive technological advancements but also to establish a business with a strong commitment to making a meaningful and lasting social impact,” she says. She is working towards launching a school for Agariya children, in collaboration with NGOs.
As a child, Shreyas Ayaluri would spend hours scribbling just about anything on pieces of paper. It made no sense to anyone but him. From doodles, shower thoughts, ideas, catch phrases or just to-do-lists – he would be at it for most part of the day. Once, his teacher suggested he carry a miniature note-pad to capture all his haphazard thoughts and be more efficient with his scribbling. He followed the advice religiously. Now, at 27, he continues to scribble, creates magic out of it and is unstoppable. His flair for writing has led this US-based Global Indian to become an acclaimed screenwriter. His work has been featured at some of the best screenwriting festivals in the world while he makes strides in Hollywood with his latest screenplay Elvis Escobar and Juniper Lea which is all set to grace the silver screen in 2021. That is not all: The latest feather in his cap is writing a song for Broadway which has him on cloud nine. [caption id="attachment_10390" align="aligncenter" width="512"] Shreyas Ayaluri with Quentin Tarantino[/caption] An uphill climb "While all this is magical, I would be lying if I told you that the path was all sunshine and rainbows. I cannot fathom that I wrote a song for Broadway," says a beaming Shreyas, speaking exclusively
[caption id="attachment_10390" align="aligncenter" width="512"] Shreyas Ayaluri with Quentin Tarantino[/caption]
An uphill climb
"While all this is magical, I would be lying if I told you that the path was all sunshine and rainbows. I cannot fathom that I wrote a song for Broadway," says a beaming Shreyas, speaking exclusively to Global Indian. Based out of Los Angeles, the youngster from Hyderabadlikes to call himself a creative addict. His journey from being a scribbler to a screenwriter is as fascinating as it can get. Only, that screenwriting was never on his mind in his early days.
"After pursuing engineering, I gave advertising a shot. I worked as a copywriter for two years, trying to quench my creative thirst. It was my stint at the advertising firm that bridged the gap between science and arts," informs Shreyas, whose life took a 180 degree turn when he saw his first piece of work splashed across a huge billboard while walking home one day. "It moved me. All those feelings, emotions that I didn’t know existed in me, gushed through my body and I just knew it," recalls Shreyas, whose work has been featured and placed at the best screenwriting festivals including the likes of The Austin Film Festival, ScreenCraft, The Script Lab, StoryPros Awards and Film Empire.
[caption id="attachment_10391" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Shreyas Ayaluri with Jeff Goldblum[/caption]
While his stint in the ad agency where he wrote ads for major F&B brands changed his perception of telling tales and selling stories, which he refers to as the first step into the hero's journey, the determined youngster leapt at an opportunity to study screenwriting and film in the US.
It’s all in the family
Growing up in a traditional South Indian family, expectations were set and choices were made for Shreyas, whose father AK Srinivas was in the Indian Air Force. The options before him were straight forward, either join the Armed Forces or pursue engineering. "Luckily, my parents got my enthusiasm and my flair. They pushed me to explore further," informs the award-winning screenwriter, who first studied screenwriting at New York Film Academy and later at University of California.
Shreyas has written four feature length screenplays, two pilots and has multiple shorts to his credit. His very first screenplay Amuse Me fetched him an award for best screenplay and is still going strong at film festivals. The screenwriter says he loves to write custom comedies with a heart, soul and a mind of its own. His latest feature is called Elvis Escobar and Juniper Lea which is a romantic comedy. "The song I am writing for Broadway is still in production," informs Shreyas, who grew up listening to ABBA and watching movies like Top Gun over and over again. Shreyas, who has been in the US since 2018, also worked briefly with General Motors as a quality auditor.
[caption id="attachment_10392" align="aligncenter" width="621"] Shreyas with a friend[/caption]
Rooted in India
But like all successful people, Shreyas' journey came with a lot of ups and downs. "There were times when things got rough, financially, especially during the pandemic, as being an artiste is not a 9-to-5 job and one might work on a project for months without a paycheck. But one has to do what it takes to stay in the game and that’s what I did. Moonlighting and juggling different roles and working for less, it only brought me closer to my dream and made me realize that if you crave art that bad, you just have to be at it like a creative addict," says Shreyas, who did his schooling from Kennedy High and thereafter got admission in Page Academy in Hyderabad.
While at boarding school, Shreyas recalls how he would write letters to his mother Sridevi Ayaluri, telling her how much he disliked being there. "I didn’t hold back; I went on and on about how things could be different if I were back home. But what my mother remembers is how creatively I would tell that story through the letter," says Shreyas, who was the second rounder at the Austin Film festival of both 2019 and 2020 besides receiving several accolades for his work internationally.
So, what advice does Shreyas have for anyone starting off on a journey? "If anyone out there is still contemplating to take that first plunge, I say do it. It’s going to be difficult, scary and most likely you will fall. Pick yourself up, do it again and fall again. Falling may not be fun, but it’s just part of the process. I fall all the time but only I’ve learnt to bounce back quicker,” he says. Shreyas believes that every song has a story to tell and every story is a song, if understood well. "Be it stating facts or dreaming up a fiction, I try to put the right words to go with," he says adding that the one thing that helps ride the tide is his writing.
(August 20, 2022) As a young kid, she loved skating and was even gearing up to be a part of the US national skating team. However, at the age of 13, life came to a standstill for Marissa Sumathipala, after she fell during a practice session and hit her head hard on the ice, and suffered a major concussion. The girl, who dreamt of representing the US at the Olympics, was removed from the state team, ending her skating career. For years, Marissa dealt with hazy memories, random nausea, and fatigue. While many around her felt that this was the end of a bright career for this teenager, the incident gave the young neuroscientist a new purpose in life - understanding the workings of the human brain. [caption id="attachment_21017" align="aligncenter" width="557"] Neuroscientist Marissa Sumanthipala[/caption] “I began to realize that there was so much that we didn’t know about the brain,” Merissa said during an interview with The Harvard Gazette, adding, "And that gap in what we understood about the brain had such devastating impacts on patients like myself, but also all the people that I saw in the waiting rooms and support groups that I went to during this experience.”
ws.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2022/04/marissa-sumathipala-turned-to-brain-science-after-giving-up-skating/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Harvard Gazette, adding, "And that gap in what we understood about the brain had such devastating impacts on patients like myself, but also all the people that I saw in the waiting rooms and support groups that I went to during this experience.”
The neuroscientist joined Johns Hopkins School of Medicine at 14 to perform basic research, and is currently pursuing both a master’s and a Ph.D. in clinical neurosciences at Harvard Medical School. Intending to establish her lab someday, the teenager created Theraplexus, a computational platform that uses network science analytics and artificial intelligence to map molecular interactions and provide better drugs for chronic diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and heart disease. In 2018, the now 20-year-old received the US Presidential Scholars for her contribution to the world of medicine.
Mind matters
A bright child, Merissa's parents - Indian immigrants who settled in Virginia - always encouraged her to take part in various academic and extracurricular activities. Although she wished to have a successful skating career, she was always fascinated by biological sciences. Interestingly, Merissa did a paper on whether pesticides caused multigenerational effects in human beings when she was just 12 years old. “I have long nurtured a vision of being a medical scientist, leveraging core engineering principles to solve contemporary biological and medical problems," the Global Indian informed during a press interaction.
Two-time winner of the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair Grand Prize, Merissa did not lose hope after her skating accident. While she was sad that she will no longer be in the ring, the fact that there are only a few treatments for brain injuries kept her up at night often. Frustrated by the lack of brain treatment options, the young neuroscientist decided to work on neurological disease pathways. She joined the Janelia Research Institute while she was still in high school, and since then has worked in about five different labs.
[caption id="attachment_21018" align="aligncenter" width="623"] Marissa at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine[/caption]
At 17, Merissa was named one of the 40 finalists for the Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) Award for her project, Reinventing Cardiovascular Disease Therapy: A Novel Dual Therapeutic with FOXO Transcription Factor and AMP Kinase. In her project, the young scientist used a fruit fly model with proteins FOXO and AMPK to investigate the underlying, molecular causes leading to cardiovascular disease, and received the prize money of $25,000. "To be a part of this group is an unparalleled honour, one that has not quite sunk in just yet. I am exceptionally grateful to the Society for Science and the Public for their steadfast mission to promote STEM for almost a century, and to Regeneron for their vision of investing in the next generation of scientists and change makers," the neuroscientist said after winning the competition, which is also known as Junior Nobel Prize.
Road ahead
Currently working at the McCarroll Lab in Harvard Medical School, Marissa is helping to develop a new method for sequencing synapses in the human brain. These synapses are crucial for memory and learning and result in maladies like Huntington’s disease. Her research could someday shed light on the importance of synapses in brain development in humans.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSWDH9hFIzs
Marissa's platform Theraplexus has already identified 200+ disease-specific drug targets for debilitating diseases like Alzheimer's, breast cancer, schizophrenia, and diabetes. In first-of-its-kind research, the organisation found more effective therapies within patients’ lifetimes and potentially cut drug development costs drastically. The youngster is now looking at partnering with Harvard Medical School’s Sharma Lab, to develop and transform Theraplexus into a biotechnology startup. "I spent a long time grappling with my identity. Growing up I was just a skater and then, when I got concussed, I had to rebuild my identity. Then I was a scientist. Now, I identify as being both a skater and a scientist," Marissa told The Harvard Gazette.
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