CO-FOUNDERS

Rafia Mohammed

Co-leader of Biology and Main Event

Coordinator

Rafia is a sophomore at Centennial High School with a passion for medicine and biology. Rafia was the Event Manager and Secretary of Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, where she gained experience in event planning. Additionally, Rafia is a member of her school’s Red Cross organization, school newspaper (Wingspan), and National Art Honor Society (NAHS). Outside of school, Rafia enjoys painting, photography, and reading classics and thrillers. In the future, Rafia hopes to pursue a career in pediatric surgery.

Helen Zhu

Co-leader of Environmental Science and

Main Public Relations Manager

Helen is a sophomore at Centennial High School with a passion for environmental science and art. Helen is a co-leader of the Land Management committee of the Howard County Climate Action Plan. She is a part of her school’s Science Olympiad team and Future Health Professionals chapter (HOSA) where she has placed in competitions such as UMBC and Columbia. In her free time, Helen loves drawing, reading, and practicing clarinet. In the future, Helen wants to pursue a career in neuroscience and animation.

Lyra Su

Co-Leader of Mathematics and

Main Resource Supervisor

Lyra is a sophomore at Centennial High School with a passion for mathematics and research. Lyra has qualified for the American Invitational Math Exam (AIME) and the Regional Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS). She is a part of her school’s math team, National Math Honor Society (NMHS), and National English Honor Society (NEHS). When not pursuing academics, she enjoys playing tennis and writing short stories. In the future, Lyra hopes to pursue a career in engineering or informatics.

BOARD

Samir Vempalle

Co-leader of Physics

Samir is a sophomore at Centennial High School with a passion for astronomy and engineering. Samir is a part of his school’s Science Olympiad A Team where he has competed at nationals and placed in competitions such as UMBC, Princeton, and Columbia. He is also an active member of National Math Honor Society (NMHS) and his school’s orchestra program. In his free time, Samir likes to play video games and practice violin. In the future, Samir wants to pursue a career in aerospace or chemical engineering.

Arya Kamthe

Co-leader of Mathematics

Arya is a sophomore at Centennial High School with a passion for space exploration and research. Arya is a part of her school’s Science Olympiad team and Youth Climate Institute (YCI) chapter. She is also an active member in the National Math Honor Society (NMHS). Arya is a part of her school’s orchestra and cross country/basketball teams. Outside of school, Arya enjoys working out, listening to music, and reading science fiction novels. In the future, Arya hopes to pursue a career in aerospace engineering.

Yi-Sa Li

Co-Leader of Biology

Yi-Sa is a junior at Centennial High School with a passion for biology and neuroscience. Yi-Sa is a part of his school’s Science Olympiad team where he has placed in various competitions such as UMBC and Columbia. He also has a multitude of neuroscience research experiences under his belt. Yi-Sa is an avid piano player and performs with many different orchestras. In the rare occurrence when he is not reading a biology textbook, he is often spending time with his friends or practicing piano. In the future, Yi-Sa hopes to pursue a career in medicine.

Kelly Ji

Co-leader of Physics

Kelly is a junior at Centennial High School with a passion for biology and medicine. Kelly is a part of her school’s Science Olympiad A Team and board where she has competed at nationals and placed in competitions such as UMBC, Columbia, University of Pennsylvania, and Princeton. She conducts extensive research on cancer outside of school. In her free time, Kelly enjoys reading, listening to music, and playing volleyball. In the future, Kelly hopes to pursue a career in oncology.

Sarika Jonnala

Co-leader of Environmental Science

Sarika is a junior at Centennial High School with a passion for biology and medicine. Sarika is the president of her school’s Future Health Professionals (HOSA) chapter where she makes useful resources to help members interested in medicine. Sarika is also a part of her school’s Science Olympiad A Team where she has placed in competitions such as UMBC, Columbia, and Princeton. In her free time, Sarika loves watching movies and going out with her friends. In the future, Sarika hopes to pursue a career in medicine.