CHEMZOO TEAM

Anushka Patchigolla

Anushka Patchigolla is a sophomore at the Wardlaw-Hartridge School and a published science researcher who studied the APOE e4 allele in Alzheimer’s and worked on cancer research through Weill Cornell. She is an advanced clarinetist, is passionate about Shakespeare, and devoted to making chemistry accessible, fun, and meaningful for students in underserved schools.

Thanvi Suvva

Thanvi Suvva is a freshman at Jericho High School in Jericho, New York. Her favorite color is green, and in her free time, she likes to listen to music and draw.

Liona Takahashi

Liona Takahashi is a freshman at Jericho High School in Jericho, New York. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and drawing.

Anna Zhang

Anna Zhang is a ninth grader who loves learning and spreading knowledge about STEM. She finds STEM fascinating and enjoys asking her own questions about it. She also likes sharing what she discovers with those around her, including her family. In addition to STEM, Anna has a variety of other interests, including art, writing, and reading.

Ayan Pai

I am a 14 year old boy who loves play soccer and learn about geography. I love to travel and this summer, I had the privilege to spent 2 weeks in Spain for a entrepreneurship and Spanish immersion camp, and in November, I will be going to Egypt to learn more about their culture and history.

Cameron Reece

Anthony Banegas

Oluwatobiloba Ogunsola

I come from a family of educators, physicians, and environmental scientists, which inspired my early passion for science. I’ve taken rigorous courses including Dual Credit Biology, Chemistry, Physics II, and Medical Terminology, and was featured for my participation in science demonstrations at Lee Elementary. These experiences have strengthened my interest in biology, healthcare, and innovation. My long-term goal is to major in biomedical engineering and eventually become a pathologist.

Roman Torres

I am a high school senior with a great desire for learning and teaching others with years of experience in Taekwondo instructing and free tutoring for anyone who requires. As someone who grew up without much access to learn and develop my curiosity without great effort, I have first hand experience on just how frustrating it can be to try and grow a child's mind with very limited resources and especially in underprivileged areas. Now, I have a strong sense and a need to spread curiosity and opportunity to as many children as possible, to ensure that their love for knowledge and learning may not be extinguished, but rather be grown and prosper and inspire more to become interested in STEM and topics related that may have never been realized otherwise.

Nandita Maraboyina

Nandita Maraboyina is an upcoming sophomore at Ronald Reagan High School with aspirations of becoming a skilled medical professional. She is passionate about giving back to her community and is actively involved in school clubs, including HOSA, and serves as the secretary of UNICEF. Beyond academics, Nandita enjoys playing the violin, dancing, exploring fashion, and volunteering. Through this organization, she hopes to help young children discover the excitement of chemistry and ignite a lasting interest in science.

Rishi Nihalani

Rishi Nihalani will be a 9th grader at Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. He enjoys learning about and taking apart ideas in science. He also enjoys analyzing, composing, learning, and playing music.

Aiden Alcala

Aiden Alcala is a high school student passionate about STEM outreach and educational equity. For two years, he has led the slime station at Hairgrove Elementary, a Title I school, to spark curiosity in under-resourced students. Coming from a family of educators and attending a Title I high school himself, Aiden is committed to expanding ChemZoo’s hands-on chemistry programs to similar communities.

Despite managing narcolepsy—a neurological disorder causing excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy—he has developed resilience and empathy, fueling his advocacy for accessible education. Aiden aspires to pursue a career in engineering and medicine, combining neural engineering, gene therapy, and biomedical innovation to help find a cure for narcolepsy and improve healthcare outcomes.

Anika Patchigolla

Anika Patchigolla is a 7th grader in Edison, New Jersey. She loves to draw, crochet, sing, and participate in her school's theatrical productions. Anika is happy to be a part of ChemZoo and help out her sister!

Reagan James

Reagan James is a student with a deep interest in environmental and biomedical science who is eager to volunteer with ChemZoo because it brings together two of her greatest passions—chemistry and community engagement. She’s inspired by ChemZoo’s mission to make chemistry accessible, hands-on, and fun for students of all ages. Through her leadership in the River Kidz Conservation Club, Reagan has seen the power of science education to spark both curiosity and action. Volunteering with ChemZoo offers her a chance to contribute to meaningful outreach while learning from like-minded peers and mentors in the field of chemistry.

Akshata Mohanty

I am a dedicated student leader passionate about fostering collaboration and creating positive change within my community. I enjoy spending time reading, painting, and spending time with my family and friends. In addition, I focus on strengthening my skills, service, and growth. I constantly strive to lead with purpose and integrity.

Matthew Siciliano

Matthew is a sophomore at Glastonbury High School, a STEM researcher for cardiovascular health, and a recipient of the Laureate Certification in Advanced Science Research Writing. A dedicated cellist, Matthew studies with Marion Feldman at the Manhattan School of Music and has been a featured performer at the Carlsbad Music Festival in Prague. Matthew is the founder of Musicmysteries.org, a music education website that teaches children about our great composers and compositions through interactive activities.

Jean Sanchez

I love anything having to do with getting active and learning through experience, and if helping people goes with that all the better. I want to see what routes science and doing service can provide in my life and I’m excited to see how I can keep on improving each and every day.