Los Altos Institution Fellows

Gabriel is a rural Texas student involved in research and interested in pursuing a career in the defense industry.

Hi everyone, I’m Vibhav a senior at Crescent Valley High School in Corvallis, Oregon. I was born in the States but moved back to India when I was 3 months old, moved around the world a few more times, and eventually came back to the States when I was 9. I've been super involved with local and state politics in Oregon which got me interested in researching public schools, school boards and local politics are affecting a new generation of citizens and how they vote. I am also involved with speech and debate and could probably yap about any topic. Outside of school, I love to hang out with my friends, watch ball (game 7 rigged), lift, play tennis, and occasionally pretend like I'm a professional chef.

Saachi Sood is the founder of Project Janam, which converts shipping containers into mobile birthing clinics and provides prenatal education across India.She developed ECOpad, the world’s first sanitary pad made from aloe vera fiber and D-Mannose, and formulated an oral cancer-preventing mouthwash now under trial with IIT and Saveetha Dental College. Her AI tool, OncoGuard, predicts oral cancer stages and is deployed in 10+ clinics. She has researched probiotics and mood disorders under an Ayurvedic lens and tested plant-based drugs in a licensed Baroda lab. A top 20 debater in India, she’s won 20+ Best Delegate awards and 1st place at the World Scholar’s Cup. She is also a two-time regional science fair winner, Blue Ocean finalist (top 0.2%), and IB Youth Action Fund grantee.

Pharrah Lowther, an incoming freshman at Phillips Exeter Academy, is passionate about the convergence of economics, public policy, neural networks, and financial mathematics. She is particularly interested in empowering global youth by increasing their participation in founding, investing, equity ownership in digitally native businesses designed to serve their generation. Her current goal is to develop research that helps ensure young people are not only represented in innovation but also retain ownership and agency in the solutions created to meet their unique needs. Beyond academics, she volunteers with local organizations focused on civil rights, food insecurity, and noise pollution.

I'm currently an incoming senior at Foothill High School, and am passionate about electrical engineering and anything related to electronics! As the the Vice President for my school's MathCounts Chapter as well as for National Honor Society, I have a lot of experience helping propel science communication and accessibility by taking on leadership roles in my community. Some particular branches of EE that I'm excited to explore further through future research include radio frequency and grid optimization. In my free time, I enjoy solving Rubik's cubes and playing water polo!

Jack Liston is an incoming junior at Laguna Beach High School, where he serves as President of both the Economics and Business Clubs, leading his school to success in multiple team-based and individual competitions. His academic interests lie in mathematics and economics, with a particular focus on the macroeconomics of cryptocurrency. Aspiring to pursue a career in quantitative finance, Jack is also actively involved in extracurriculars—he plays on his school’s soccer team and teaches a Model United Nations class at the local middle school.

Drona Gaddam is a rising junior at Phillips Exeter Academy with an interest in macroeconomics. He is equipped with both economic and market analysis skills, delivering his insights on his nationally-aired radio show, The Real Returns Show. Drona won the Northwestern Economics Tournament and most recently came in as runner-up at the National Economics Challenge. He is excited to apply his understanding of economic theory to research projects, hoping to do work in analyzing larger macroeconomic phenomena and the associated policy recommendations.

Hamdan Khan is a rising junior at Phillips Exeter Academy with academic interests in moral philosophy, international law, and public policy. He serves as a research intern at the Hudson Institute, where he works under Ambassador Haqqani and Dr. Pande on projects in South and Central Asia. He was named a 2024 Global Finalist in the John Locke Institute Essay Competition. He also received the Harvard International Review’s Outstanding Writing Prize for his analysis of Cold War-era U.S. policy in Afghanistan. At Harvard Model United Nations 2025, he and his partner earned a Diplomatic Commendation for leading negotiations on international AI governance. In addition to his policy work, He has contributed to F3 Global, a nonprofit focused on microfinance and consulting for underserved entrepreneurs. He brings a transnational perspective to questions of justice and governance.

Hi everyone, I’m Vibhav a senior at Crescent Valley High School in Corvallis, Oregon. I was born in the States but moved back to India when I was 3 months old, moved around the world a few more times, and eventually came back to the States when I was 9. I've been super involved with local and state politics in Oregon which got me interested in researching public schools, school boards and local politics are effecting a new generation of citizens and how they vote. I am also involved with speech and debate and could probably yap about any topic. Outside of school, I love to hang out with my friends, watch ball (game 7 rigged), lift, play tennis, and occasionally pretend like I'm a professional chef.

Rahul Singhal is a driven student passionate about the intersection of finance, nanotechnology, and economics, with a focus on policy efforts toward combating substance abuse. Towards this goal, he has created a biometric drunk-driving prevention system that combines near-infrared tissue spectroscopy scanning with AI-powered facial micro-expression analysis. Through his experiences, Rahul has contributed to public policy discussions with Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne and explored the role of capital in driving innovation through his internship as an investment analyst. Outside of school, Rahul enjoys playing basketball with friends, DJing, and playing tennis.

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Julia Xu is a student at Great Neck South High School who is passionate about using artificial intelligence to solve problems in finance and economics. With eight years of experience in VEX Robotics, she now applies her STEM skills to conduct research in finance and computer science. She is also President of GNS DECA, a two-time finalist in the NYS Economics Challenge and Personal Finance Challenge, and Treasurer of GNS Student Government. In her free time, Julia enjoys playing tennis and the violin, reading classics, and creating art.

A junior at Phillips Exeter Academy, Marc Viscogliosi is a strong public speaker and interested in politics. At PEA he pursues Model UN, has a role of leadership within his dorm community, and works with clubs to brainstorm and execute events. He is a key participant in many MUN conferences; in addition, he is hosting a MUN conference on the Vietnam War. He is a high honor student, and received high honor roll two years in a row at his previous school. He rows crew at PEA as well as is a member of the squash team. Marc aspires to continue his academic prowess, improve his public speaking skills, and deepen his understanding of political science.

My involvement with my school’s Debate team has helped me explore important global topics in depth and think critically about solutions to those problems. Research and new learning opportunities excite me as they push me to understand diverse perspectives and immerse myself into issues that are important to me and my community. Through my leadership roles and experience in team settings such as mock trials, I have developed strong communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork skills. My work as a journalist and as a political volunteer have helped me understand the challenges my community faces clearly. It’s made me even more determined to connect learning with action. By pursuing advanced research and immersive learning opportunities, I hope to expand my ability to create meaningful change in my community.

I'm a South Carolina student passionate about public service, health equity, and civic innovation. As a U.S. Senate Page, I assisted with floor operations and had the honor of carrying the 2024 Electoral College ballot. I currently serve as the National Youth Recognition Strategy Chair for the American Cancer Society, where I lead over 300,000 college and high school volunteers from 500+ campuses. I’ve lobbied lawmakers to advance cancer survivorship policy and helped raise nearly $100,000 annually through local Relay for Life events. As a Y-USA Changemaker, Civics Unplugged Fellow, and youth commissioner for the City of Greenville, I work to bridge the gap between emerging policy challenges and meaningful youth representation.

Ashley is a student researcher, environmental advocate, and co-founder of Refuse and Reuse, a UN-accredited youth-led NGO helping schools transition toward plastic-free campuses. Ashley is interested in the intersection of sustainability, equity, and systems change, from independent research on climate adaptation policy and food justice to hands-on community projects with measurable impact.

Outside of research and advocacy, Ashley is a collaborative violinist, curious observer, boba enthusiast, and dog-lover!

Ruhaan Singh is a 17 year old from Tennessee who is interested in Artificial Intelligence and how it can be used to improve the environment, which he has explored through various research projects. Ruhaan enjoys participating in many science and math competitions, and in his free time, he likes to play basketball and soccer.

Ariyan Mishra is a rising senior at the St. Mark’s School of Texas with a deep passion for public policy and economics. He serves as founder and president of the St. Mark’s Economics Association, having led the competitive economics team to international finalist and semifinalist finishes at the Northwestern Economics Tournament and the Harvard Pre-Collegiate Economics Challenge in its inaugural year. Ariyan is also a fervent writer whose essays on welfare economics, industrial policy, and the AI-driven economic future have earned awards and recognition from the Harvard Undergraduate Economics Association and the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Combining a broad interdisciplinary background—spanning physics, chemistry, biology, history, and linguistics—with his passion for economics, Ariyan currently works under Professor Heckman at the Center for the Economics of Human Development, where he researches the long-term impacts of early childhood interventions. Outside the classroom, Ariyan is a dedicated volunteer at Feed My Starving Children and respite care programs for children with developmental disabilities—service for which he was honored by President Biden with a Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award.

Kayvon Banankhah is a junior in the Modesto High School IB program. He has served in his school’s Student Leadership for the past 2 years, is active in his local Youth Commission, and is a member of his district’s LCAP Advisory Committee. He’s a passionate advocate for financial literacy and expanding accessibility to financial education for all students, and has supported legislative measures such as AB2927.

I'm a rising sophomore at Phillips Exeter Academy who is passionate about politics, economics, and law. Specifically the relationship between markets, institutions, and governments. At Exeter I serve as an attorney on the Mock trial team, ranked 15th in the nation, and an active member of the Debate society. Through these clubs I am able to improve my skills in legal reasoning, philosophical analysis, and policy arguments. As a writer for the Exonian newspaper I craft articles which try to illuminate issues in the world, especially politics. I also enjoy seeing perspectives from multiple political parties as a member of Democratic and Republican Club. I also am a part of the Ice hockey and crew teams.

Student at Ridgewood High School in New Jersey, driven by commitment to sleep science and adolescent well-being. As founder of the non-profit REM Reward, I lead a team of students creating sleep-focused content. My work was recognized as a Start School Later Coalition partner and SSL Youth Hall of Fame inductee. I serve as a research assistant in the HABIT Lab at Rowan University, studying substance misuse interventions and assist in the creation of research posters at professional conferences, including the 58th ABCT conference. I’m also a youth advisory board member of the Hamilton Lab at Rutgers University where I have co-authored two Psychology Today articles related to sleep. My community service has been recognized with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award Gold. Beyond academics, I coach basketball to young students.

Noa Snyder is a rising senior from New York with a focus on political science, health policy, and legal studies. She has worked in government at both the local and national levels and leads youth-driven civic initiatives in her community. Her work in advocacy and organizing has strengthened a passion for advancing health policy that centers around aging populations, rural access, and intergenerational justice.

Malvika Singh is a rising senior at the Webb School of Knoxville in Tennessee. She serves as president of her school’s Political Awareness Club and plays an active role in student government. In her junior year, Malvika had the opportunity to represent her school as part of the Youth Leadership Knoxville cohort. Beyond school, she dedicates time volunteering as a tutor and translator for children at the Centro Hispano de East Tennessee, where her passion for languages and cross-cultural connection continues to grow. Motivated by a desire to better understand the complexities of political engagement among young people, Malvika hopes to pursue research that bridges cultural divides and sheds light on the patterns shaping youth voter behavior.

Ishaan Kendale is a historical researcher and published writer with a strong focus on political science, defense technology, and geopolitics. He has been recognized nationally in the National History Day competition and been awarded California State champion. In his free time, Ishaan likes to play basketball, read, and volunteer at his local library.

Samarth Basanth is a senior at South Windsor High School and a student researcher passionate about neuroscience, health equity, and public policy. He is the founder and CEO of Samanate, a nonprofit advancing maternal health, mental wellness, and nutrition access, reaching over 3,000 people statewide. He serves on the American Heart Association’s National Youth Leadership Council and conducts neurodegenerative disease research through Yale, UCLA, and NASA Ames.

Samarth founded the Science National Honor Society and Science Bowl team, serves as Secretary-General of Model UN, created the Science Speaks platform, and is a nationally ranked Taekwondo athlete.

Nuha Salam is a senior at Shrewsbury High School with an interest in public health and human rights advocacy. She currently serves as a Policy Intern and Legislative Outreach Coordinator for the Harvard T.H. Chan STRIPED Program, where she works on youth-centered health policy and legislative outreach. Outside of advocacy, she is also a 6 time National Finalist in Speech & Debate, where she speaks up on issues like gun policy and health equity. She also serves as president of her school's DECA chapter.

Noa Snyder is a rising senior from New York with a focus on political science, health policy, and legal studies. She has worked in government at both the local and national levels and leads youth-driven civic initiatives in her community. Her work in advocacy and organizing has strengthened a passion for advancing health policy that centers around aging populations, rural access, and intergenerational justice.

Carsten Flowers is a student at Phillips Exeter Academy, where he is a member of both the cross country and track programs. During the summer, he volunteers with Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports (STARS), a Colorado nonprofit that helps individuals with disabilities experience the outdoors. Carsten has a strong interest in energy generation, particularly in evaluating how efficient and viable new alternative energy solutions are compared to traditional technologies.

Akira Ohyabu is a current student at Castilleja School in Palo Alto, California. She is a passionate changemaker and social entrepreneur. Akira is the founder and director of Wabi-Sabi, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, where she works toward fostering cultural diplomacy between the U.S. and Japan. She has taught English to over 200 underprivileged Japanese children, fundraised thousands for Stanford's Neuroscience Department, and presented the organization at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. She also serves as the incoming co-founder of her school's Amnesty International Club. Akira continues to identify needs in her community and build solutions that lead to positive change. When she's not launching new projects, Akira loves reading, playing golf, debating, and spending quality time with her family.

Devesh Aggarwal is a senior at Interlake High School in Bellevue, Washington. He is passionate about making scientific research more accessible to students through his role as co-founder and co-president of his school's Research & Science Fair Club. As a board member and Director of Content Development for The Mu Foundation, Devesh works to create science education opportunities.

Devesh conducts research in computational astrophysics and is a national competitor in various STEM olympiads. He is dedicated to improving humanity's scientific knowledge while expanding access to education and research. In his free time, Devesh enjoys mountaineering, amateur astronomy, and playing the tuba.

Hi! I’m Ava Litz, a rising senior from Dorado, Puerto Rico, and a 2025 Los Altos Institute Fellow. I’m passionate about using business, tech, and education to drive real change—especially in underserved communities. I co-founded Gadget Givers, a project that refurbishes Chromebooks and raises money for public school students, and I also serve as CFO of Ctrl Alt Policy, a student-run nonprofit. This year, I launched Ai4Teens Puerto Rico to bring AI education to more students across the island. I’m especially interested in the intersection of finance, technology, and policy, and I’m excited to learn, collaborate, and make an impact through the fellowship.

Anirudh Polagani is a high school student at Ed. W. Clark High School’s Advanced Math, Science, Arts, & Technology Academy in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he leads with a passion for civic engagement, economic equity, and public policy. Anirudh has conducted undergraduate-level research at the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Lily Howes is an incoming senior at Bexley High School in Columbus, Ohio. As the Student Representative to her district's Board of Education, Lily is aware of the implications of public policy for all individuals and works to develop solutions to educational challenges facing her schools. Lily serves as the Co-Editor-in-Chief of her school's newspaper, is president of the Student Council, and is an active member of a variety of school and community-based orchestral groups.

Mumtaz “Taji” Cooper is a dedicated advocate and leader in law and humanitarian aid, with a strong record of community service and organizational leadership. She serves as a UNICEF Africa Youth Ambassador and has held key leadership roles in multiple student organizations. Recognized for her commitment to social justice. She is passionate about advancing equity and aspires to a legal career focused on policy and community empowerment.

Nicholas Munkhbaatar is a rising Junior at Mira Loma High School. Passionate about Enviromental Justice and Artificial Intelligence, he hopes to integrate these two fields and explore how AI can be utilized to promote environmental sustainability. He explores these interests by serving as part of the Breathe Sacramento Youth Advisory Board and as a research intern for the USC Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science. He enjoys sharing his love of learning as a leader in his school's Quiz Bowl, Bioengineering, and math clubs. Additionally, he is an active participant in research with NASA GBE, MIT CRE[AT]E Challenge.

Maxwell Woolf, a student at The Urban School of San Francisco, is a dedicated advocate for social policy that enhances resilience and supports pathways to prosperity. He explores the power of narrative in social justice through his internship with Humans of San Quentin and his work as a volunteer editor for The Beat Within newspaper, both of which amplify the voices of the incarcerated. At school, he serves as a Student Representative on the Leadership and Innovation Digital Innovators Committee and sits on the Investment Board, which manages the school's endowment with an eye toward promoting accessibility. He is especially interested in understanding how the combination of policy, economic incentives, and education can be used to empower communities and foster a more just society.

Eric Bagg, a junior at Phillips Exeter Academy, is a passionate aspiring economist. At school, he deepens his understanding of markets and human behavior through extracurricular involvement in the Business Club and the Investment Society. He is also a key participant in the nationally renown Exeter Economics Association, the 2023 second-ranked economics team in the nation. He is especially interested in the intersections of markets and medicine through the emerging field of health economics.

Saanvi Kulkarni is a junior at Livingston High School with a passion for politics, youth advocacy, and equity-driven policymaking. She is the founder of Shiv’s Third Eye, a nonprofit focused on youth mental health, which has raised over $120,000 for research on treatment-resistant depression. Saanvi serves as Communications Director for the New Jersey High School Democrats and holds additional leadership roles in political organizations at the local, state, and national levels. She hopes to pursue a career in law and public service, working to craft policies that better serve marginalized communities. In her free time, Saanvi enjoys reading classic literature, playing volleyball, and practicing classical Indian dance and vocal music.

Riya Kamat is a sophomore at Singapore American School and is originally from India. She is passionate about exploring the intersection of public policy and ethics. She is at the forefront in a variety of activities in school and outside, from STEM to powerlifting to aviation. She is the vice-president of the APEx Board and an officer of numerous school clubs.

Megha Madgula is a student at Notre Dame High School, San José passionate about economics and community development. She has explored these interests through her work with the Institute for Youth in Policy, the Financial Planners Association of Silicon Valley, the Junior Philanthropists Foundation, and other initiatives. At school, Megha takes part in Law Club, Model UN, and Mock Trial. In her free time, she enjoys training in operatic singing, hiking, and writing.

John Liu, a senior at Deerfield Academy, is a passionate, self-taught economics and finance student. He is the team captain of BAM Investing, Global Champions of the 2024-2025 Wharton Global High School Investment Competition. At Deerfield, he serves as the 100th Editor-in-Chief of the Deerfield Scroll, the official student newspaper; Editor-in-Chief of Unopened Doors, Deerfield's social sciences publication; and leader of Economics Club. In his free time, he likes playing golf, watching Netflix, and reading the Wall Street Journal.

Iris Lule is a sophomore student in Denmark with a deep interest in economics and international relations. Having interned at the UNDP, actively participating in MUN as press officer, served on 3 student councils, and engaged in dialogue with local and national politicians, she brings hands-on experience to her global perspective. With a strong background in student leadership and a passion for social impact, Iris is driven to delve into the complex relationship between global economic systems and political dynamics. In her freetime, she loves reading, painting and doing various sports.

Nikhil Lemos is an internationally recognized innovator from India, best known for creating Meditel, a health-tech device supported by UNICEF and the Government of India. His contributions to technology earned him a place as one of 100 Rise Global Winners, a global fellowship established by Schmidt Futures and the Rhodes Trust. Driven by his passion for community impact, Nikhil also founded Elder Allies, a youth-led nonprofit that empowers senior citizens with digital skills, earning the Diana Award from the British Royal Family. Most recently, he was honored as a National Water Champion for his groundbreaking research on ThermoCatch, an innovative water conservation system.

Caleb Kurlantzick is a civic entreprenuer and youth founder. He co-founded EGG Labs, a nonprofit incubator that acquires and scales student-led initiatives so youth work survives graduation, and co-leads PIVOT, a national Gen Z think tank amplifying young voices in policy. He’s worked on legislation with the ACLU, built coalitions across sectors, and is deeply fascinated by the intersection of capital, international relations, and political power. He is always exploring how economic systems shape governance at every level.

Eli Orbach is a student and economics enthusiast at Phillips Exeter Academy, where he serves as the President of the Exeter Economics Association. In this role, Eli designs the club’s curriculum, coaches its competition teams, runs an intensive summer workshop for new members, and hosts guest-speaker events. Beyond campus, Eli interns at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business’s Stigler Center for the Study of the Economy and the State. He has co-authored two papers on the economics of technological disruption.

Saachi Sood is the founder of Project Janam, which converts shipping containers into mobile birthing clinics and provides prenatal education across India.
She developed ECOpad, the world’s first sanitary pad made from aloe vera fiber and D-Mannose, and formulated an oral cancer-preventing mouthwash now under trial with IIT and Saveetha Dental College. Her AI tool, OncoGuard, predicts oral cancer stages and is deployed in 10+ clinics. She has researched probiotics and mood disorders under an Ayurvedic lens and tested plant-based drugs in a licensed Baroda lab. A top 20 debater in India, she’s won 20+ Best Delegate awards and 1st place at the World Scholar’s Cup. She is also a two-time regional science fair winner, Blue Ocean finalist (top 0.2%), and IB Youth Action Fund grantee.

Arjun Jain is a rising junior at Millburn High School with a focus on sustainability and entrepreneurship. He founded HydroBlossom, a small agri-tech venture that uses hydroponics to create efficient, local food systems. His interest in sustainable business models led him to research, under the guidance of a Brown professor, on how ESG financing can better support small and medium enterprises. Additionally, Arjun also co-founded the African Assistance Alliance, a global coalition of over 20 NGOs promoting environmental collaboration. Outside of school, he runs statewide financial literacy programs and plays competitive soccer, always looking for ways to connect practical ideas with long-term impact.

Ellie Xue is a senior at Interlake High School in Bellevue Washington and is passionate about the intersection between AI and public policy. She currently serves as the ASB Co-President at her school and is the Director-General of Pacific Model United Nations, the largest Model UN conference in Washington State. Additionally, she is passionate about equal access to music education, conducting computer music and machine learning research with professors at Carnegie Mellon University. Her participation as a delegate of the 2025 United States Senate Youth Program cohort has inspired her to pursue a career that brings together her love for technology and policy to drive positive change in the world.

Athan Joshi is a junior at Los Altos High School interested in public policy and international relations. He is a research assistant at the California Policy Center, and a former field research intern for congressman Sam Liccardo. On campus, he leads the Investing & Economy Club and directs BEAM’s YGP program, teaching finance and business fundamentals to younger students. Athan also writes opinion pieces on international trade and public finance for moneycontrol.com.

Aya Aghel is a junior at West High School in Knoxville with a passion for public health, gender equity, and youth advocacy. She founded Free Period Knox, leading efforts to provide free menstrual products in schools, and serves as a 2025 Bank of America Student Leader. Aya also researches health disparities and teaches English through Afghan Girls Success Gate, supporting girls denied education under Taliban rule.

Anirudh Venkatesan is a student at Morris Hills High School in New Jersey. He is passionate about behavioral finance and the psychology behind market trends and investor decisions. He hopes to study economics or finance in the future. At school, Anirudh partakes in FBLA, DECA, and Model Congress. Outside of school, he enjoys playing the piano and writing poetry.

Drew Siegel, a student at Roslyn High School in New York, is passionate about using data and technology to address social problems. His current research focuses on developing solutions to reduce wrong-way driving. He has previously presented research papers on advanced geometry and algebra. At school, Drew is a member of the golf team, the sports analytics club, and the math team. He founded Play it Forward, an organization that collects and distributes gently used sports equipment to disadvantaged youth. In his free time, Drew volunteers at an animal rescue and adoption center and enjoys playing golf, basketball and poker.

Emma Ding is a student at Great Neck South High School with a passion for the intersection between economics and the healthcare industry as well as financial literacy education. To further her interest in economics, she is involved in DECA, serving as NYS Executive Vice President and Chapter President, and numerous finance and economics competitions, while also engaging in non-profit efforts to battle health inequalities in her community.