Neha Vennapusa
Co-Tournament Director Year: Junior Major: Genetics Why Science Olympiad? I've been doing Science Olympiad since the 4th grade, so in addition to giving me an opportunity to explore STEM beyond the school curriculum, it's provided me with a great support network of teammates and mentors. I'd like to be able to give students the same opportunities to exercise their curiosity outside the classroom and make some like minded friends. |
Yash Sajjan
Build Events Director Year: Sophomore Major: Biotechnology and Microbiology Why Science Olympiad? I’ve been competing for the past 6 years in Scioly and created a passion for learning science through the numerous competitions. Scioly has been a large part of my motivation to go into scientific research and medicine in the future. Now I got the opportunity to create the same space I was learning in for future students going into a scientific field. |
Jamie Kaiser
Co-Exam Coordinator Year: Senior Major: Genetics & French Why Science Olympiad? I first started competing in Science Olympiad in 7th grade because my friends were doing it, and it became the extra-curricular activity I looked forward to most. I competed in Div. C in high school but also helped coach my junior high team at the same time. I wanted to be able to help the middle schoolers have the same great experience with Sci Oly that I had. Now, I have the opportunity to be a part of Science Olympiad in Georgia through the outreach club at UGA, and I am grateful to have the chance to foster a love of science in the students in GA and the Athens-Clarke County area and provide them with a great experience competing in Science Olympiad. |
Man Shah
Co-Exam Coordinator Year: Senior Majors: Biology & Psychology Why Science Olympiad? I joined Science Olympiad sophomore year of high school and found a couple of events that I really loved, then proceeded to hate my existence for signing up for Mission Possible. Fermi and water quality were my favorite children and helped me cement many of my high school friendships that I still treasure today. Coming to UGA, I was really excited to sign up to help high school students experience the stress-filled joy that is a well-run tournament. Some of the most important parts of that experience are well-written, challenging exams, so I’m excited to be Co-Exam-Coordinator for the upcoming year’s tournaments. …Still holding out for Fermi to come back though. |
Audrey Conner
Co-Exam Coordinator Year: Junior Major: Chemistry Why Science Olympiad? Being in Science Olympiad Outreach at UGA has allowed me to give back to an organization I loved in middle and high school. It was an experience that helped me find my passion for STEM. I hope to help students continue to foster a love for science and exploration! |
Nikki Zheng
Volunteer Coordinator Year: Sophomore Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Why Science Olympiad? I hadn’t been involved with Sci Oly until a friend introduced it to me at the involvement fair during my first semester of college. Since joining, I fell in love with the idea of hosting an event for students to showcase their interest in different aspects of STEM. While proctoring the competition, I can feel their excitement and stress at the same time, and when they finish, it’s like a huge relief. It’s a rewarding experience to see how much enthusiasm and hard work these students put into their events, and I hope to continue fostering their interest. |
Kelly Luo
Outreach Coordinator Year: Sophomore Major: Genetics Why Science Olympiad? I was in Science Olympiad since high school and had a good time competing in tournaments. It was also cool to try out different areas of science that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to. I've also met a lot of cool and silly people through Science Olympiad. |
Riya Pandya
PR Coordinator Year: Sophomore Major: Elementary Education Why Science Olympiad? I have been involved in Science Olympiad for many years now. When I was younger, it offered an outlet for me to find other like-minded students who were always willing to work together to solve a problem while also being exposed to science at a higher level. I chose to continue it in college in hopes that it inspires another student like it did to me. |
Jessica Gu
Team Liaison Year: Junior Major: Biology and Psychology Why Science Olympiad? My first experience with Science Olympiad was actually in college when I volunteered at one of the tournaments held by UGA! Giving middle schoolers and high schoolers opportunities in STEM is so important, and Science Olympiad is a great resource for that. I hope to help create an exciting experience for students to discover their own passions in STEM. |