Hello! I’m a senior majoring in Physics and Plan II, with a business minor and a certificate in computational science. Beyond my academic pursuits, I write for the Oden Institute and have participated in numerous organizations such as Women’s Resource Agency and Society of Physics Students. I also work in a computational materials science lab and hope to eventually attend grad school in something related to it! Additionally, my passion for education led me to work in education policy for Texas and to take a yearlong course on the US public education system. This class actually taught me how important mentoring is, which inspired me to start this program with Sanju! In my free time, I enjoy learning Spanish, listening to Olivia Rodrigo, and having wine nights with friends. Feel free to reach out to me at olivia.castillo@utexas.edu!
Sanju Addanki (he/him) – Student Program Coordinator Hi! I’m a junior majoring in Chemistry and Physics with a minor in Communications and a certificate in scientific computation. Outside of class, I mostly watch reality television and knit sweaters. I should probably give up on science and commit to being a full-time grandma. On a more serious note, I work in a computational chemistry lab, where we use quantum equations to describe the proteins involved in photosynthesis. I hope to continue this work in grad school! Outside of this, I write for the Texas Travesty. Don’t ask me to be funny in person, though.
Rishita Agarwal (she/her) – Student Program Coordinator Hello! I’m a sophomore majoring in Physics and Math. I am deeply interested in the mathematical structure of the world and am currently in a mathematical plasma physics lab. Outside of academics, I love learning philosophy, rewatching sitcoms, and cooking with friends.
Harshini Kundurthi (she/her) – Student Program Coordinator Hi there! I’m a junior majoring in Physics with a certificate in Pre-Health Professions. My greatest interests lie in Biophysics, and I plan on attending medical school after graduation. Alongside my academic pursuits, I actively advocate for mental well-being with National Crisis Text Line. I also do some street-style dance with Redefined Dance Company. In my free time, I enjoy dancing even more, reading, and watching any slice-of-life movie or show!
Thanks to Dr. Vernita Gordon and Dr. Eric Smith for helping us develop this program!