Today we’d like to introduce you to Saanvi Dogra
Hi Saanvi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My passion in science led me to participate in the local San Diego science fair annually since middle school. Being part of the leadership board now, I had the opportunity to mentor students from underserved schools who wanted to participate but lacked resources to pursue their ideas. As I guided my mentee through the fair, she used to confidently tell me she wanted to be a scientist. Working with her, I realized small help could go a long way; she was able to win first place for her project. Recognizing my ability to make a difference in her journey, inspired me to create Science Nexus with the goal of helping other children with similar dreams.
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to present my research at the International Science and Engineering Fair, with students from 80 other countries all on one single platform. Regardless of country, culture or background, everyone at the fair bonded through our common passion for scientific research. Talking to some of the participants, I realized that lack of access to education is a real issue around the world, motivating me to expand Science Nexus efforts globally. As a result, the nonprofit focuses on using low cost and locally available materials to promote experiential learning and community engagement.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Through the process of expanding Science Nexus, several issues such as language barriers and and expanding our reach have been dealt with. Science Nexus has expanded its mission by building a team that consults local experienced advisors that understand the unique needs of each chapter and connect us to schools that may benefit from our program. Based on the specific challenges of the school, we gather local volunteers to run customized workshops under a chapter leader. For example, in the African school we worked with, the most crucial need was the lack of books and facilities. In India, we aimed to spark curiosity towards science learning. In the Philippines, we helped mentor participants for the science fair to address the lack of staff. Additionally, to understand the culture of local areas as we start to get involved we partner with schools and officials in the area or partner with organizations who already have workshops there. Through this process, we are able to maintain a low-cost experiential learning model while still making an impact for people around the globe.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Science Nexus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to breaking down barriers and creating a future where every individual, regardless of resource constraints, can explore and engage with science. We strive to bring hands-on science experiences directly to underserved communities, sparking curiosity, fostering creativity, and nurturing critical thinking skills. By providing immersive learning opportunities, using low cost and locally available materials, we aim to improve student learning outcomes and assist curriculum with practical knowledge. We firmly believe that experiential science, or learning by doing, has the power to inspire future generations of scientists and innovators, and create lasting positive outcomes.
According to the UN, 17% of the world’s children, adolescents, and youth, are out of school. However, the proportion is much larger in developing countries: 31% in Africa and 21% in Asia vs. 3% in Europe and North America. Science Nexus is working towards providing these underprivileged students with an equal access to science learning resources and opportunities that can transform their lives, inspire future generations of scientists and innovators, and create lasting positive changes for their communities.
Science Nexus tackles the problem of lack of science education in underserved areas of the world through providing engaging, hands-on, experiential learning, to spark an interest in science, inspire curiosity, and develop problem-solving skills in the students. Furthermore, this organization uses a unique approach of establishing local chapter leads that are familiar with the region to conduct the most effective workshops based on their unique needs.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For anyone who wants to start volunteering, I think everyone should pursue something they are passionate about and will work to solve. Not only does volunteering give you a purpose, but also gives you the chance to grow as a person with your understanding of other people. You should never hesitate to start and try something new.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sciencenexus.org/
- Instagram: @science_nexus
