Minna Most

For reproductive justice and empowerment

Core Values: Passion, Commitment, Leadership, Curiosity, Drive

Bio

Ishita is a current junior at Hathaway Brown School. She is extremely passionate about science and medicine in particular. For the last 2 years (1000 hours), she has done research on neurodevelopmental diseases at Case Western Reserve University. Her research has allowed her to present at the local, national, and international level. Her most notable presentation was at Harvard University in the fall of 2022. She shared her research and experiences to over 300 highschool students from all over the world. She intends to pursue a STEM related career in the future. Her love for science drove her to create stEMPOWERher in hopes to inspire young girls to pursue interests in STEM. Through the organization, Ishita hopes to use her love of mentoring and teaching to create young leaders while creating a platform for teens to develop valuable professional skills. Ishita’s strengths include leadership, mentorship, public speaking, and networking. Ishita is also fluent in English and Telugu. She can also converse in Hindi but is not fluent. Outside of her extracurriculars and school, Ishita enjoys cooking and baking and loves to try new foods.

Work with Minna

IMPACT PROJECTS | HIGHLIGHTS

Sex Education Advocate

Minna is raising awareness and increasing accountability within her school district (BVSD) and across the State. Cooperation with mayor Ashley Stolzmann, representative Susan Lontine, and others like PPRM Regional Director of Government Affairs Jack Teter, has led to legislative efforts to ensure appropriate accountability within the education system. As part of her involvement, she surveyed BVSD Middle and High School students to gather data based evidence of the limitations of the current BVSD Sex Education program.
A high school student fighting for improved legislation and better sex ed support has attracted media attention, and her continued efforts have begun important changes. She hopes her legacy will continue after she graduates and moves on to college next year.

Research

Minna is working with experts to determine the effects of climate change on phytoplankton in the equatorial Pacific.

Since phytoplankton are at the bottom of the food chain, any change in their net primary productivity (NPP) and biomass will impact the populations of all marine creatures, which will impact humans. Understanding the driving factors behind the changes in phytoplankton NPP and biomass, and how it will impact fish in these areas, will be crucial for these many countries when considering how they will secure adequate food security, and how their economies will be impacted by climate change in the future.

What others experienced

" I loved the entire experience. I was stuck with my project for a LONG time and I'm glad my mentor helped me. Not only did she help me with my project but she helped me connect with other researchers and experts."

—Amanda

8th Grade

YES, I WANT IN!