IB Honors Program · Greenville, SC
Dhanya RajagopalanWho I Am
Driven by curiosity,
built on purpose.
I'm Dhanya Rajagopalan — a sophomore in the IB Honors program in Greenville, South Carolina. I'm drawn to the brain's complexity: how neurons wire memory, how disease rewires identity, and how AI can extend what medicine can offer.
"I want to understand the brain well enough to help heal it."
A three-time SC Brain Bee medalist and 2026 Congressional App Challenge state winner, I've shadowed neurosurgeons at MUSC under Dr. Vandergrift, studied in the Stanford Neuroscience Journal Club, and built a Python + OpenAI chatbot to connect teenagers with mental-health resources.
Outside the lab, I fence saber at the national level, play violin with the Carolinas Youth Symphony, and lead teams — from the robotics competition floor to county youth governance. I believe the most interesting problems live at the intersection of science, technology, and human well-being.
Recognition
Awards & Achievements
Congressional App Challenge — South Carolina
Designed and developed a Python-based mobile app with an OpenAI-powered chatbot to help adolescents access mental health resources and connect with professional support services.
2026
South Carolina Brain Bee
3rd Place (2024), 2nd Place (2025), 3rd Place (2026). Demonstrated mastery of neuroanatomy, histology, and neurodegenerative pathology across three consecutive years.
2024 · 2025 · 2026
NASA Plant the Moon Competition
Engineered efficient lunar planting stations by optimizing environmental growth factors for food production in extraterrestrial conditions.
2025
iStartvalley Research Paper — Med Buddy
Authored a research paper implementing AI techniques to develop a unique medical chatbot for patient triage and symptom guidance.
2025
Fencing Saber — National & Junior Olympic
3-time National Qualifier and 1-time Junior Olympic Qualifier in Saber fencing, competing at the highest junior level in the United States.
2023 – 2026
Greenville County Youth Board
Elected to represent youth voice in community governance, driving awareness and policy for substance abuse prevention in Greenville County.
Present
What I Build
Projects & Innovations
Mental Health Access App
Python-based mobile application with an OpenAI-powered chatbot built to help adolescents find mental health resources, navigate crisis support, and connect with licensed professionals.
Med Buddy — AI Medical Chatbot
Research paper and prototype implementing AI techniques for a medical chatbot capable of patient triage and personalized health guidance. Placed 2nd at iStartvalley.
Lunar Hydroponics Station
Engineered efficient lunar planting stations optimizing light, humidity, and nutrient delivery for food production in extraterrestrial environments. 1st Place, NASA Plant the Moon.
Roper Mountain Hydroponics Prototype
Designed a sustainable vertical hydroponics system for the Roper Mountain Science Center's Sustainability Building under Dr. Lance Beecher (Clemson Extension, Food Systems & Safety).
Adopt-a-Bus-Stop — Dhanvantri Team
Co-founded the Dhanvantri Team to spearhead community infrastructure improvements and Adopt-a-Bus-Stop maintenance programs in collaboration with Clemson ICAR, improving public spaces across Greenville.
Academic & Clinical
Research & Shadowing
MUSC Dept. of Neurosurgery
Medical University of South Carolina · Summer 2025
Observed complex neurosurgical procedures including glioblastoma resection, shunt placement, and tumor removal under Dr. William Alexander Vandergrift. Gained clinical insight into neurological condition management and perioperative patient care.
Prisma Greenville Memorial Hospital
Neuroendocrinology · Greenville, SC
Shadowed neuroendocrinologists in the diagnosis of hormonal and pituitary disorders. Analyzed patient evaluations, imaging interpretation, and treatment planning with Dr. Jan Vargas.
Stanford Neuroscience Journal Club
Stanford University · Present
Engage in intensive literature reviews and critical analysis of high-level neuroscience discourse, contributing to peer discussions on cutting-edge research.
UW Youth Neuroscience Program
University of Washington · Dr. Eric H. Chudler
Studied biomedical research methodologies under Dr. Eric H. Chudler, gaining foundational skills in experimental design and neuroscience inquiry.
Summer Enrichment Program
Upstate AHEC · South Carolina
Experienced diverse healthcare scenarios, volunteering, and shadowing opportunities while completing a checklist of experiential learning in clinical settings.
International Youth Neuroscience Association
Global · Present
Contributes to content preparation for IYNA publications, helping communicate neuroscience research to a global youth audience.
For research inquiries, collaborations, or academic opportunities:
research@dhanvantri.orgRoles & Service
Leadership & Community
President
FRC Robotics — Team Green Villains
Lead strategy, outreach, and team operations for the FIRST Robotics Competition team.
Founder & President
Red Cross Club
Established the school's Red Cross chapter, organizing blood drives, disaster-preparedness workshops, and community health events.
Vice President
HOSA — Future Health Professionals
Coordinate competitive events and member development for the health sciences student organization.
Vice President
GHCA — Greenville Health Career Academy
Support program leadership and health career pathway programming for students pursuing clinical and biomedical fields.
Elected Board Member
Greenville County Youth Board
Represent youth interests in county governance, driving substance-abuse prevention awareness and policy engagement.
Mentor
FLL Robotics — Elementary & Middle School
Coach and mentor younger students in FIRST LEGO League robotics, developing engineering and teamwork skills.
Service & Community Involvement
Daily Pulse
What I'm Reading
Neuroscience News -- ScienceDaily
Scientists discover why Ozempic and Wegovy weight loss eventually plateaus
New NIH research reveals that semaglutide sparks different responses inside appetite-controlling brain cells, offering fresh insight into wh
May 25
Neuroscience News -- ScienceDaily
Scientists discover hidden driver of aging — Simple supplement reversed brain decline
A newly identified brain protein may play a major role in how the body ages. Researchers discovered that declining levels of Menin in the hy
May 24
Neuroscience News -- ScienceDaily
Scientists “recharge” damaged nerves to ease chronic pain
For millions battling chronic nerve pain, even the softest touch can feel agonizing — but scientists may have uncovered a radically new way
May 24
NIMH
NIMH Launches New Initiative to Expand Teen Mental Health Resources Nationwide
The National Institute of Mental Health announces funding for 50 community health centers to expand crisis counseling and telehealth services for adolescents.
May 18
SAMHSA
Study Finds Social Media Boundaries Significantly Reduce Adolescent Anxiety
A randomized controlled trial of 2,400 teens found that structured daily screen-time limits reduced self-reported anxiety scores by 28% over six months.
May 16
SAMHSA
Opioid Recovery Programs Show Strong Outcomes with AI-Assisted Peer Support
Integrating AI-driven check-in tools with peer recovery coaching improved 90-day abstinence rates in opioid use disorder programs by 22%.
May 14
USA Fencing
USA Fencing Junior Olympic Championships: Schedule and Qualifier Results
The 2026 Junior Olympic Championships will be held in Atlanta, GA. Saber qualifiers from 12 regional events have secured their spots for the national competition.
May 17
FIE
FIE Announces Rule Updates for Saber Electric Equipment Starting 2027 Season
The international fencing federation has approved updated specifications for saber lame and mask sensors to improve scoring accuracy in elite competitions.
May 12
USA Fencing
Youth Fencing Programs See 35% Enrollment Surge Following Olympic Visibility
Club registrations for youth saber and foil programs have grown significantly, with coaches citing increased media coverage of the sport as a key driver.
May 10
Civil Eats
Trump Administration Loosens Restrictions on Grocery Refrigerants That Fuel Climate Change
May 22, 2026 – President Donald Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced Thursday the loosening of Biden-era rules meant to phase ou
May 22
Civil Eats
Trump Admin Commits $7.5 Million to Bring More Protein to Food Banks
May 21, 2026 – The Trump administration announced this week efforts to bring more protein to families in need through food banks—in a policy
May 21
Civil Eats
EPA Throws Out Biden-Era Limits on Forever Chemicals in Drinking Water
May 20, 2026 – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) moved forward this week with a previously announced plan to throw out Biden-era lim
May 20
Outside the Lab
Beyond the Lab
Saber Fencing
Competing at the national level since 2023. Three-time National Qualifier and one-time Junior Olympic qualifier in saber — a discipline that demands split-second tactical decisions and relentless mental focus.
3× National Qualifier · 1× Junior OlympicViolin
Four years with the Carolinas Youth Symphony Orchestra, performing classical and contemporary repertoire. Music offers the same kind of pattern recognition and precision I love in neuroscience research.
CYS Orchestra · 4 YearsVarsity Tennis
Competing on the varsity tennis team, earning the Regional Championship title. The sport sharpens mental resilience and strategic thinking under competitive pressure.
Regional ChampionAcademic Quiz — NAQT
Captain of the JV National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT) team. Quick recall across science, history, literature, and current events trains the same interdisciplinary curiosity I bring to research.
JV CaptainLet's Connect
Get in Touch
Whether you're a researcher, admissions officer, or fellow builder — I'd love to hear from you.