The TRIP of My Life! by Tejasvi Pathipati

Hello! My name is Tejasvi Pathipati and I am a rising senior at Downingtown STEM Academy. I was born in Detroit, Michigan, six months after we moved to Bensalem, then King of Prussia, and finally landed in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania where I currently live with my parents and younger sister.

I applied to TRIP to further my interests in medical research and experience an intensive lab experience that allows me to explore my passion for science. I also wanted to interact with peers that have similar science goals. My passion and curiosity for science stem from experimenting with different objects and ideas. From a young age, I’ve been fascinated with healthcare and providing support to others. My dream is to work in the healthcare industry, helping citizens in parts of the world that need physicians the most. With interests in DNA sequencing and personalized medicine with previous research experiences, I am excited to see how TRIP challenges me! So far, I learned how to make fly food with drugs such as St. John’s Wort, solved and performed dilution problems, and even had a vial of fruit flies at home. My first project at TRIP involves testing how St. John’s Wort (drug) and disrupted circadian rhythms can affect fruit flies' mood.

At school I am the Business Leader for Cam-a-thon s a 12-hour dance marathon that raises money for Cure-4-Cam, a non-profit organization focused on supporting research grants and new clinical studies for children who battle leukemia. This year we raised 54,000 dollars! I am also heavily involved in my school’s HOSA chapter and placed 1st at the State Leadership Conference. I just returned from the HOSA International Leadership Conference where I had to opportunity to meet people from all over the world interested in medicine and learn more about careers in medicine. I also serve at my school’s NHS chapter with over 250 hours of service. 

Beyond school, I enjoy volunteering, mentoring, and exploring the healthcare field. I am the Outreach and Social Media Head for a student-led nonprofit, 3 Tiny Bones, (501)(c)(3). This organization aims to destigmatize hearing loss through helping, educating, advocating, and reaching youth. on building partnerships with local businesses such as audiology centers. I contact these businesses to partner with our organization to spread our message and educate youth. I volunteer at the McGlinn Cancer Institute at  Reading Hospital weekly, assisting nurses, answering calls, assisting patients with necessities, and stocking supply carts. To explore my interest in the healthcare field, I shadow my Pediatrician at Healthy Steps Pediatrics every week. This experience allows me to learn about different conditions and treatment plans, a typical workday for a pediatrician, and the “behind the scenes'' of being a doctor. Additionally, I am a student mentor for a 6th grade robotics team. With over 5 years of experience working in a robotics team, I aid the middle school teams with game strategy, the engineering design process, and teamwork skills. Throughout the school year I am involved with Diwali Food Drive as the youth volunteer leader where I take charge of fundraising money/food and reaching out to the local business for donations. This past year, the Diwali Food Drive donated to local food banks such as Chester County Food Bank and Lord's Panty, but also to College Food Banks such as the Blue Hen Food Bank at the University of Delaware. For the past 12 years I have been learning Bharatanatyam, a form of Indian Classical Dance, which serves as a great stress reliever especially during exams, and recently started choreographing my own dances!