Twisha Sharma
Science communicator making complex ideas accessible—from classrooms to space.
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Core Values: Courage, Perseverance, Dedication, Curiosity, ProactivenessÂ
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Bio
Twisha is a current sophomore at Valley Christian High School. She is extremely passionate about research and community involvement. She is the founder of Scientific Soiree, a website and podcast series that breaks down hard-to-understand science concepts—such as biology and physics—into terms more understandable to her peers. She developed her passion for science communication through a role with the Global Impact Council, beginning as a student mentor and podcast host. She now serves as Vice President of the organization, continuing to empower others and develop successful educational forums. In school, Twisha co-founded and is the co-president of the Pre-Med Club, where she helps preside over meetings, fundraising, and has set up heart dissections to introduce her classmates to the medical field. She is CPR/First Aid/AED certified as well.
Twisha has completed over 100 hours of academic research. Under the supervision of Dr. Vera Khodzhaeva, Cambridge University research associate, she authored a paper on the effects of PAX8 protein mutations in relation to Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. The paper was presented at both the Butler Undergraduate Research Conference and the Cambridge Centre for International Research Symposium, and is being published. In addition, Twisha is part of a space research team that designs experiments flown to the International Space Station every year. She performs both research and mechanical tasks—CADing, constructing, and testing projects in the lab—and recently gave a presentation on her team's project on foam growth in microgravity at the ASGSR conference.
These experiences have given her a deep appreciation for science and the feeling of responsibility to make it more accessible. Twisha aspires to pursue medicine in the future. Her strengths include leadership, research (specifically on molecular biology), conveying her passion for science to others and teaching. She is fluent in English and Hindi and is also learning French. In her spare time outside school and extracurricular activities, she enjoys doing artwork and reading.
Work with Twisha
IMPACT PROJECTS | HIGHLIGHTS
🧬 Scientific Soiree: Making Science Understandable for Students
In November 2024, I partnered up with a friend of mine to work on a racing drone that can reach a top speed of 350 kph (217 mph). We started this project because we both found drones to be cool and wanted to try building something innovative. A couple months later, I talked with one of my relatives in Ukraine who is a soldier about what I could do to support the Ukrainian military. He told me about how important drones are becoming on the battlefield. Talking to him made me realize that my racing drone could be very useful on the battlefield, especially for air defense. My friend and I started working on the interceptor drone, which was based on the same technology as the racing drone.
A couple months later, interceptor drones became popular in Ukraine for air defense against attacking Russian drones. This motivated me to keep working on the interceptor drone because it turned out to be a working idea. We are still working on this drone and will continue working on it to save civilian lives in Ukraine.
🔬 PAX8 & Hashimoto’s: Research Toward Medical Discovery
I’ve spent over 100 hours conducting academic research. I wrote a research paper on the impacts of variants of the PAX8 protein and their impact on protein function in relation to Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, a prominent autoimmune thyroid disease under the mentorship of Cambridge research associate Dr. Vera Khodzhaeva. The paper was accepted to be presented at the Butler Undergraduate Research conference and was presented at the Cambridge Centre for International Research Symposium. Currently, it is under the publication process to a journal.
🚀 From Lab to Orbit: Designing Experiments for Space
Aside from this, I help design experiments as part of a research team whose experiments are sent to space every year. In the team, I do much of the research and mechanical work, CADing the experiment and assembling and experimenting in the labs. Lately, we presented our research on foam growth in microgravity at the ASGSR conference.
❤️ Pre-Med in Practice: Leading Medical Learning at School
In school, I impact my classmates with the pre-med club, in which I am the founder and co-president. Through the club, I’ve helped raise funds and staged heart dissections to help teach my peers about medicine, and currently hold a CPR/First Aid/AED certification.
Mentorship experience
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- I currently tutor some peers in biology, math and chemistry, and mentored through the Global Impact Council as well.
- I volunteered at many locations with kids. Specifically, I volunteered at CalColor Art Academy for two summers, where I spoke to, mentored, and supported the kids and teachers in their art projects.
      Q&A with Twisha
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What surprised you as you and your project evolved?
What is your vision for future impact? In other words, where do you think this is going?
What kind of people do you think you work well with?
How would you describe your strengths as a mentor?
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!