2018 Scholars
Abigail Parker
Mentor: Ramaswamy Sharma, Ph.D.
Keystone School
Abigail serves as the Financial Manager of a High School Student- Run Non-Profit Organization, Refugee Care Initiative. Proving her love for science, Abigail has participated in several science related organizations: Science Fair, ISEF (finalist), Astronomy Club (Vice President), Academic World Quest Team, Quiz Bowl Team, and Robotics Team. She has also been a member of the Foreign Language Club, Yearbook Photography and Design, Varsity Softball, and Junior Varsity Volleyball. Abigail also lends her time as a first-grade reading tutor.
Alondra Delgado
Mentor: Tara Karns-Wright, Ph.D.
St Philip’s Early College
Focusing on her academics at St. Philips Early College, Alondra strives to maintain her grade point average and is ranked number two in her class. In addition to focusing on her grades, Alondra spends time volunteering at Home Depot Kids Workshops, is a math tutor at school and has participated in the Mock Trial Club, speaking in front of professional court judges.
Andrew Olguin
Mentor: Bertha (Penny) Flores, Ph.D.
Travis Early College High School
Andrew is the Student Council Class President. He has participated in the Academic decathlon/octahlon and is a member of the Science Alliance. Additionally, Andrew advocates for anti-bullying as the Anti-Bullying Campaign President. He is a member of the Debate Team and National Honor Society. Andrew is also a Boy Scout who is continuing to strengthen his education and take courses at San Antonio College.
Anjali Binoy
Mentor: Danet Lapiz-Bluhm, Ph.D.
BASIS-Shavano
In addition to academic achievements, Anjali excels in and thoroughly enjoys the arts. She is a member of the Advanced Orchestra, her church Choir, the Arathi School of Dance, and the Cinematic Dance organizations. Moreover, Anjali is a member of the National Honor Society at her school, BASIS-Shavano.
Arzin Thobani
Mentor: Gangadhara Sareddy, Ph.D.
Lady Bird Johnson High School
Arzin loves to help and teach others. She fulfills this love by being a Religious Education Teacher, and a Math Honor Society Student, a teacher at the Early Childhood Development Center, a Youth Volunteer Team Leader, is a Peer Mediator, volunteers in I-CERV and is a Red Cross Club Volunteer. Arzin’s activities in school include: Chemistry Club, Math Academic UIL, PALS, and National Junior Honor Society. Moreover, Arzin expresses her love for arts by partaking in Kathak and art, qualifying in the regional arts competition.
Elisa Polo
Mentor: Zhijie (Jason) Lui, Ph.D.
Theodore Roosevelt High School
Elisa is proudly a member of the Leo Club Program, the EDGE Program, and Youth Serve. She has taken part in the ACTS Retreat. Through all of her extracurricular, Elisa has managed to maintain a high-grade point average. Additionally, she is a member of the HOSA club at her high school.
Kristi Jimenez
Mentor: Ratna K. Vadlamudi, Ph.D.
Fox Tech High School
Kristi is an honored volunteer of the San Antonio Humane Society and the San Antonio Food Bank. In addition to volunteering, Kristi focuses on her education and is now enrolled in a dual credit pre-calculus at UT Austin College. Furthermore, she continues to maintain her class rank at a competitively high-grade point average.
Leigha Forrest
Mentor: Karl A. Rodriguez, Ph.D.
BASIS-Shavano
Leigha is a part of multiple clubs such as Speech and Debate, Cubes in Space (partnership with NASA), and Creating Writing. She volunteers with ARISA Summer Service Immersion program in Hidalgo County with UIW Ettling Center for Civic Leadership, Teens Give Back, and San Antonio Pets Alive! With a strong love in poetry, she is a published poet in the Young Pegasus Anthology, a winning poet for VIA’s Poetry on the Move, and has completed a senior level philosophy course as a non-degree seeking student at UIW. Moreover, Leigha served as a Spanish Interpreter on an immersion trip to Chimbote, Peru, was a member of the 2016 TMSCA Team, placing second in science, and participates in the Pre-freshman Engineering Program (PREP) through UTSA.
Mitchell Porter
Mentor: Darpan Patel, Ph.D.
Ronald Reagan High School
Mitchell is academically and athletically involved at Central Catholic High School. He is a player of on the JV Basketball Team, and Lacrosse Team. He participates as a member of the Academic Team and is Co-leader of the Latin Team. He is a top ranked Sophomore in Biology and was ranked top Freshman in Physics. In addition, he is a previous member of the Robotics Team. Furthermore, Mitchell serves an Eucharistic Minister, an Alter Server at Holy Spirit, and is a part of St. Pius’ ACTS Team, Guardians Angel Society and NHI.
Noah Hodge
Mentor: Georgianna Gould, Ph.D.
Harlan High School
Noah was ranked number one in his Freshman class at Brennan High School. He is a member of Student Council, Peer Tutoring, and the Tabletop Gaming Club. Noah has also volunteered with several organizations including the Nerds for a Cause Charity Organization, the San Antonio Food Bank, and Brennan School Recycling Program.
Parth Ghawghawe
Mentor: David S. Libich, Ph.D.
Louis D. Brandeis High School
Parth serves as the captain of the Ocean Science Bowl Team for his high school. In addition to his leadership role as team captain, Parth holds a leadership position in the Boy Scouts of Troop 401, serving as the Quartermaster. Other school activities include Varsity for Science Bowl and JV Tennis. Parth has played the piano since kindergarten and serves as a volunteer at the DoSeum.
Peter Mason
Mentor: Hye Young Lee, Ph.D.
John Jay Science and Engineering Academy
Peter serves as a Student Council Member at John Jay. He is also a part of the Varsity Tennis Team and is a Chess Club Member. Through the years, Peter has participated in the annual science fair which further confirmed his passion for understanding the many unknowns of science.
Simon Bruhn
Mentor: Pothana Saikumar, Ph.D.
TMI The Episcopal School of Texas
Simon is extremely active at his school. He is a Model UN member and has been selected to attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar. Through athletics, Simon has participated in Ultimate Frisbee and Varsity Soccer, Lacrosse, and Track. Furthermore, Simon is a member of the National Honor Society and Interact Club. He is an Impact Award Winner, a part of TMI’s Priceless People and is a Peer Mentor.
Talia Delambre
Mentor: Luiz O. Penalva, Ph.D.
Ronald Reagan High School
Talia is the Junior State of America Chapter President. She serves as a member of numerous organizations which include: Varsity Debate, Mu Alpha Theta, Underclassman Honor Society, and DECA. Talia also volunteers at Camp CAMP during the summers. Talia has played the violin since the age of 3, allowing her to progress as a member of the Varsity Orchestra.
Victoria Davila
Mentor: Lisa Cleveland, Ph.D.
Judson early College Academy
Victoria is a member of the National Honor Society and Color Guard at her school. She is proud to serve as a Peer Tutor and serve on the Flag Detail and School Organization/Decorating Committees. Victoria demonstrates a love for art as a member of the Art Club, in addition to being a member of the Engineering Club.