About Us
Neuro Frontiers is a research journal led by a dedicated team of high school students. Our mission is to empower young thinkers to explore the captivating world of neuroscience, offering a platform for students to share their knowledge, research, and creativity.
We place a special emphasis on understanding the unique intersections between neuroscience and adolescence. By exploring how the brain shapes our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors during these formative years, we aim to not only advance scientific understanding but also to emphasize the importance of mental well-being among young people. At Neuro Frontiers, we believe that amplifying youth voices in science can drive meaningful change and inspire the next generation of neuroscientists.
From neuroplasticity to cognitive development, we’re accepting submissions on any neuroscience-related topic that you’re passionate about.
Meet The Team
Varsha Senthilkumar
Founder & Editor
Varsha is a high school student from New Jersey with a passion for neuroscience and mental health advocacy. Active in her local EMS squad and her township's Youth Leadership Council, she focuses on using neuroscience to reduce the stigma of mental health among teenagers. In her free time, Varsha enjoys reading classics like Jane Eyre, baking brownies, and going for runs. She aspires to become a physician and aims to make a meaningful impact in the field of mental health.
Sowmya Venkatesh
Head of Social Media
Niku Joshi
Head of Marketing
Niku is a high school student from New Jersey who enjoys soccer, walking, and reading in her free time. Beyond academics, Niku is actively involved in the local volunteer community. She is also an enthusiastic member of a book club that encourages bonding between fathers and daughters/sons through shared reading experiences. In the future, Niku aspires to help underprivileged school communities and work in the field of business.
Ananya Shanabag
Head of Graphic Design
Sowmya is a high school student from New Jersey who enjoys hiking through nature trails, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and playing volleyball. She has also written a research paper that explores the use of AI to analyze brainwaves and detect emotions, strengthening her interest in the intersection of technology and mental health. Sowmya's goal is to become a computer scientist, where she hopes to develop innovative solutions to address undetected mental health issues.
Lois Oppong
Writer/Editor
Lois is a high school student from New Jersey who enjoys a variety of activities, including volleyball, playing the piano, baking, and reading mysteries. She is actively involved in the Princeton Girlchoir. Lois aspires to become a neurosurgeon and is committed to making advancements in the surgical field to improve patient outcomes and innovate surgical techniques.
Aditi Hota
Treasurer
Aditi is a high school student from New Jersey who enjoys music, spending time with animals, and baking. Aditi actively volunteers at the local animal shelter and loves to spend time with the cats there. She is also a member of her school’s Marching Band and Robotics team. In the future, Aditi wants to work in orthopedics and hopes to contribute to the field of prosthetics.
Nikhil Bogam
Writer/Editor
Nikhil is a high school student from New Jersey who enjoys exploring music, watching TV shows and movies, and tending to his garden. He is actively engaged in volunteer work at multiple medical facilities, where he gains valuable experience in patient care. Nikhil dreams of becoming an oncologist and is dedicated to ensuring that patient care includes a strong focus on mental health.
Rohma Kazmi
Writer/Editor
Rohma Kazmi is an Early College High School student in Texas. In her free time, Rohma enjoys model designing cars, spending time gardening, and reading books specific to neuroscience. Aside from her hobbies, Rohma is present in her schools Speech and Debate team holding the ranking as number one. From a young age Rohma has always been drawn to the brain due to its various complexities making it unique. In the future, she aspires to be a neurosurgeon in order to help treat patients with complex neurological conditions. A fun fact about Rohma is that she was born and raised in Maine!
Lela Walter
Advisor
Lela Walter is a third-year medical student at UMass Chan Medical School and a part of the Population-based Urban and Rural Community track (PURCH) in Springfield, Massachusetts. Her professional interests include geriatics, health systems science, and academic medicine. Prior to medical school, Lela was a 2019 Teach for America Corps Member and taught middle-school math for three years in Lorain City Schools. Lela holds a bachelor of arts from Amherst College in neuroscience. Outside of the hospital, Lela enjoys running, traveling, yoga, and exploring the outdoors around her.
As Neuro Frontiers evolves, we envision an exciting journey ahead!
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1. Student Submissions
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Opening opportunities for students aged 13-18 to contribute their insights to our journal.
2. Neuroscience Workshops
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Launching hands-on workshops featuring interactive experiments, guest lectures from experts, and opportunities for participants to explore brain science in practical, engaging ways.
3. Wider Distribution
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Expanding our reach by distributing copies of various issues to schools across New Jersey.