Our Fellows

Devesh Aggarwal is a senior at Interlake High School in Bellevue, Washington, and co-founder and co-president of his school’s Research & Science Fair Club, where he works to expand access to student research. He serves as a board member and Director of Content Development for The Mu Foundation and conducts research in computational astrophysics, competing nationally in STEM olympiads. In his free time, he enjoys mountaineering, amateur astronomy, and playing the tuba.

Hamdan Khan is a 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, working under Ambassador Haqqani and Dr. Pande on South and Central Asia, and has been recognized as a 2024 Global Finalist in the John Locke Institute Essay Competition and a recipient of the Harvard International Review’s Outstanding Writing Prize. At Harvard Model United Nations 2025, he earned a Diplomatic Commendation for negotiations on international AI governance, and he has also contributed to F3 Global, a nonprofit supporting microfinance and underserved entrepreneurs.

John Liu is a senior at Deerfield Academy and a self-taught student of economics and finance. He serves as team captain of BAM Investing, Global Champions of the 2024–2025 Wharton Global High School Investment Competition, and holds leadership roles as the 100th Editor-in-Chief of the Deerfield Scroll, Editor-in-Chief of Unopened Doors, and head of the Economics Club. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, watching Netflix, and reading The Wall Street Journal.

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.

Ashley is a student researcher, environmental advocate, and co-founder of Refuse and Reuse, a UN-accredited youth-led NGO supporting schools in transitioning toward plastic-free campuses. She is interested in the intersection of sustainability, equity, and systems change, with experience ranging from independent research on climate adaptation policy and food justice to hands-on community projects with measurable impact. Outside of research and advocacy, Ashley enjoys playing violin, exploring new ideas, and spending time with dogs (often with boba in hand).

Arjun Jain is a 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.

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.

Pharrah Lowther, a 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.

Ishika Modi, a senior at Los Altos High School, is an advocate, a writer, and a runner. She currently serves as the Co-President of Mock Trial, the President of BEAM (beamprogram.com), Co-President of the Student-Athlete Leadership Team, research assistant at the Stolen Relations Project, and a fellow at Los Altos Institution. She has experience interning with her county Green Business Department and the Borgen Project. She studied writing at the California State Summer School of the Arts and Yale Writers Workshop, and studied government at Girls State. Additionally, she runs for LAHS’s varsity cross-country and track teams. Ishika aspires to pursue a career in policy and law.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Eve Ang is a Singapore-based youth leader in digital health and social innovation and the founder of Immunova AI, a nonprofit open-source platform advancing ethical, accessible precision oncology. A graduate of St. Joseph’s Institution, she has led international teams across healthcare AI, with work recognized by organizations including the United Nations Science Summit, Moonshot Platform, and MICCAI. Eve has been named a Moonshot AI for Good Award recipient and one of Singapore’s 100 Women in Tech, and is committed to closing global cancer care gaps through responsible technology.

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

Eli Orbach is a student of economics at Phillips Exeter Academy, where he serves as President of the Exeter Economics Association. In this role, he designs the club’s curriculum, coaches competition teams, runs a summer workshop for new members, and hosts guest-speaker events, and he also 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.

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 the Conneticut State Board of Education.

Sebastian Duarye is a sophomore at Phillips Exeter Academy with strong interests in politics, economics, and law, particularly the relationship between markets, institutions, and governments. At Exeter, he serves as an attorney on the nationally ranked Mock Trial team, is an active member of the Debate Society, and writes for The Exonian, where he covers political issues. He also engages with diverse perspectives through both the Democratic and Republican Clubs and participates in the ice hockey and crew teams.

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.

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.

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.

Nicholas Munkhbaatar is a 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.

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.

Malvika Singh is a 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.

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.

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.

Drona Gaddam, Senior Fellow and Co-Chair of the Center on Economic Policy, is a senior 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.

Mahitha Konjeti is actively involved in her school’s Debate team, where she explores global issues in depth and develops critical, solution-oriented thinking. Through leadership roles in debate, mock trial, journalism, and political volunteering, she has built strong communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork skills while gaining a clear understanding of challenges facing her community. She is committed to connecting learning with action and hopes to pursue advanced research and immersive learning opportunities to create meaningful change.

Divaa Uthkarsha is a STEM student, social entrepreneur, and global health advocate focused on advancing equitable healthcare for children with type 1 diabetes. She is the founder of Project Surya, one of India’s largest youth-led nonprofits in this space, and currently serves as a Senior Fellow at the Los Altos Institute, leading its Global Health Policy sector, with work recognized by the Diana Award, Rise Global, and the Global Student Prize. Her research, policy work, and advocacy have been featured internationally, and she has engaged with institutions including the United Nations, UN Women, and India’s leading research and biotech centers.

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. She is passionate about advancing equity and aspires to a legal career focused on policy and community empowerment.

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.

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.

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. Nikhil will be attending Stanford University in the fall of 2026.

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.

Medha Nadhathur is a senior at Foothill High School with a strong interest in electrical engineering and electronics. She serves as Vice President of her school’s MathCounts chapter and National Honor Society, where she has taken on clear leadership roles to advance science communication and accessibility in her community. Medha is especially interested in radio frequency and grid optimization research and enjoys solving Rubik’s cubes and playing water polo in her free time.

Ryan Shintani is a student at Ridgewood High School in New Jersey with a strong commitment to sleep science and adolescent well-being. He is the founder of the nonprofit REM Reward, a Start School Later Coalition partner, and an SSL Youth Hall of Fame inductee, and he serves as a research assistant in the HABIT Lab at Rowan University and a youth advisory board member of the Hamilton Lab at Rutgers University, where he has co-authored Psychology Today articles on sleep. His work has been recognized with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award Gold, and outside of academics he coaches basketball for young students.

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.

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.

Vibhav is a senior at Crescent Valley High School in Corvallis, Oregon, who grew up moving between the United States and India before returning to the U.S. at age nine. He is deeply involved in local and state politics in Oregon, which has driven his interest in researching how public schools, school boards, and local governance shape a new generation of voters. In addition to speech and debate, he enjoys spending time with friends, watching basketball, lifting, playing tennis, and occasionally experimenting in the kitchen.

Ava Litz is a rising senior from Dorado, Puerto Rico, with a strong interest in using business, technology, and education to drive change in underserved communities. She co-founded Gadget Givers, which refurbishes Chromebooks and raises funds for public school students, serves as CFO of Ctrl Alt Policy, and founded Ai4Teens Puerto Rico to expand access to AI education across the island. Ava is especially interested in the intersection of finance, technology, and policy and looks forward to collaborating and making impact through the fellowship.

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.

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.

Lily Howes is a 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.

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.

Jack Liston is a 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.

Ariyan Mishra is a 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.

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.

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.

Noa Snyder is a 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.

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.