Our Team

Diya Johar

Co-Founder and Executive Director

My name is Diya Johar and I am a senior at the Center for Medical Sciences at Godwin High School.

I am passionate about scientific research and serving the community. I have strong experiences in STEM and have conducted scientific research for several years.

I have written several research papers and competed state-level STEM competitions. I have also won national and state-level awards in TSA (Technology Student Association) in multiple categories like Career Preparation, Prepared Speech, Biotechnology, and Medical Technology.

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Liyat Zerihun

STEM RVA Ambassador – Ethiopia Bosco Children Center

Liyat Zerihun is an STEM RVA ambassador in Bosco Children Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Liyat is a sophomore at Future Talent Academy. She is interested in law and would like to pursue a career in this field. She likes reading, playing volleyball and spending time with friends and family. She also enjoys tutoring kids as it is an opportunity for her to help others while also gaining some amount of knowledge.

Liyat has been associated with STEM RVA almost a year now and plays a very crucial role. She is a link between STEM RVA and Bosco Children Center. She goes to center every Saturday to conduct math and science classes there to help kids reach their full potential.

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Sriharsha Sambangi

Director Of Outreach and Technology

My name is Sriharsha Sambangi and I am a senior at Mills E. Godwin High School.

I have been involved in stem for as long as i remember. Whether is attending stem related class or volunteering in stem related activities or by submitting to science fairs. I have been doing research projects for 5 years now and have won a few awards.

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Anika Kashyap

Director Of Marketing

My name is Anika Kashyap and I am a senior in the Center for Medical Sciences at Godwin High School. I have been conducting scientific research since I was in middle school on topics ranging from skin health to bacterial survival, and have presented my findings at various science fairs. I placed 3rd in the Senior Division of the MEDARVA Healthcare Science Fair for Central Virginia, and my work was published to MEDARVA’s website and social media. I also placed 2nd this past year at the METRO Richmond STEM Fair in the Psychology category.

These experiences have given me a deeper understanding of STEM and how sharing STEM knowledge can help secure a future for underprivileged kids. That understanding is part of why I am with STEM RVA today, doing my part in ensuring knowledge is spread!

I have an interest in the arts as well; some of my other hobbies include theater, singing, and writing (namely, poetry). I also work at Mathnasium, where I teach young kids math. I am extremely excited about my role as Marketing Director in STEMRVA and have loved seeing STEM RVA’s work impact the community.

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Josendo Hilario

STEM Teacher

My name is Josendo Hilario and I am a rising senior at Thomas Dale High School.

I am an alumni of the Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology (BLAST) program at the University of Virginia (UVA). A scholar of the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS), a NASA-based science, technology, engineering and mathematics education program in Virginia.

I enjoy chess, Piano, Volleyball, Basketball, Pickleball, and Speedcubing (3 x 3).

I am very excited to be part of the STEMRVA team to teach, train, and mentor others in the community.

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Nachaal Chidambaram

Summer STEM Camp Mentor

My name is Nachaal Chidambaram and I am a senior in the Center for Medical Sciences at Godwin High School. I love science and medicine, and I plan on becoming a doctor.

I love sewing, traveling, and cooking for my family. In my free time I volunteer at a retirement home, and play the piano!

I enjoy volunteering for STEM RVA as it gives me opportunity to spread my knowledge.

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Jocelyn Brown

Summer STEM Camp Mentor

My name is Jocelyn Brown and I am a Senior in the Center for Medical Sciences at Godwin High School. I am very interested in medical field.

I love playing basketball, traveling, and being with family!

In my free time I work for local sports teams and photography. I enjoy working with kids.

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Aditya Arora

Computer Programming Mentor

My name is Aditya Arora and I am a senior in the Center for Information Technology at Deep Run High School.

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Hiya Agrawal

Science Class Advisor and Teacher

My name is Hiya Agrawal, and I am a rising junior at Maggie Lena Walker Governors School (MLWGS).

I have participated in STEM summer camps throughout my middle school career and am an active member of the robotics and TSA club at MLWGS!

I look forward to being a part of this organization and helping out others.

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Ari Johri

Research Project Mentor, STEM Teacher

Hey there! My name is Ari Johri, and I am a rising freshman at Maggie Walker Governor’s School.

I am so excited to be a part of STEM RVA, and I can’t wait to mentor students with research.

This past year, a paper I wrote was accepted into VJAS or the Virginia Junior Academy of Sciences, and I placed in the Chemical Science category. Regarding STEM, I specifically enjoy Biology and Anatomy, and I was the former Secretary of the Moody Science Cub.

Outside of STEM, I was the former captain of the Richmond Strikers Cricket Team, and I love anything that has to do with music as well.

I am so honored to be able to help those with a lack of research tools and resources, and I can’t wait to make an impact on others’ lives!

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Padmini Padhi

Science Class Teacher

Hey my name is Padmini Padhi and I am a rising freshman to Deep Run High School in the Center for Information Technology.

I enjoy helping and supporting younger students so that they can get many academic opportunities that I did.

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Anika Kamujula

Science and Math Teacher

My name is Anika Kamujula and I am a freshman at Godwin, Center for Medical Sciences.

I am pursuing in Biology and Psychiatry and enjoy researching to learn more. I have carried out experiments on various topics before.

I previously taught children and am enthusiastic to work with them again.

As someone beginning a path in science, I felt joining this organization would be encouraging for both me and my goal.

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Shriya Bandla

Science and Math Teacher

My name is Shriya Bandla and I am a freshman at the Center for Medical Sciences at Godwin High School. 

I have had many prior experiences in STEM. I won first in my category at the Metro Richmond Science Fair (MRSF). I have been accepted into the Virginia Junior Academy of Sciences (VJAS). I am an active member of my school’s Medical Club and part of the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) competition team.

In my free time, I enjoy reading books, playing basketball, and tutoring others.

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Zainah Malik

Science and Math Teacher

My name is Zainah Malik and I am a freshman at the Center for Medical Sciences at Godwin High School.

I am an active member at the Medical and HOSA clubs at Godwin and have volunteered with the Red Cross Club. I also enjoy reading, playing chess, and drawing.

I am very passionate about STEM and cannot wait for this opportunity to learn more and help others at STEMRVA!

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Nivriti Vanga

Science Class Advisor

My name is Nivriti Vanga and I am a senior in the Center for Medical Sciences at Godwin High school.

I have extensive experience in the STEM field and have performed/written scientific research papers for the last four years. I have submitted these papers to many fairs in which I have won awards at Virginia Junior Academy of Science (VJAS), Metro Richmond Stem Fair (MRSF), and STEMinate.

I am very passionate about STEM and love to give back to the community.

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Laura Wang

STEM Class Teacher

My name is Laura Wang and I am a senior at Godwin High School for the Center of Medical Science Center.

I have had much experience within the STEM field for many years now, having written and performed experiments for research papers as well as competing in science fairs such as the Virginia Junior Academy of Science (VJAS).

I also am an active member of many STEM extracurricular like the Talon 540 robotics team and the TSA club. I look forward to being a part of this organization and helping out others.

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Saanvi Sambangi

Junior Volunteers

My name is Saanvi Sambangi and I am a 8th grader at George H. Moody Middle School.

I have been enrolled in STEM classes and engaged in STEM related activities for the duration of my academic career. Recently, I won awards at VJAS and MEDARVA for my science experimentation regarding bacteria. I also have participated in several TSA challenges. Beyond STEM, I enjoy debate, MUN, writing, and singing.

I have gained a deeper comprehension of STEM and look forward to sharing the knowledge through STEM RVA

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Aarav Saxena

Junior Volunteers

I’m Aarav Saxena and I’m 7th grader G. H. M. middle school.

I’m helping STEM RVA team for their book drive and educational toys initiatives to help kids in Boys and Girls Club of Metro Richmond. I also help them by teaching younger students how to thing ahead and plan strategies through chess game.

I love playing soccer and traveling.

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Neal Bose

Junior Volunteers

Hi, my name is Neal Bose and I am a 7th grader at George H. Moody Middle School.

 I am very passionate about STEM related topics. 

 I volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Richmond through STEM RVA for the summer camp. I am also hosting a books and toys drive for the Boys and Girls Club. 

 I enjoy playing sports, including soccer and cricket for the Richmond Strikers. I also love being around friends and family. 

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Naod Michael

Junior Volunteers

Hello I’m Naod. I like helping kids in my community. I volunteer many local organizations like Children Museum and STEM RVA.

I enjoy playing basketball and soccer in my free time