Velma P. Hawkins

Sreenidhi Surineni

Founder & CEO

Sreenidhi Surineni is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience and Philosophy at the University of California, Riverside, with an expected graduation date in June 2026. He is dedicated to making scientific research accessible to everyone and leveling the playing field in STEM.

As the Founder and CEO of Enlight Education, a nonprofit organization established in 2018, Sreenidhi has significantly impacted under-resourced elementary schools by raising over $20,000 for new science equipment and providing STEM education to students in the Inland Empire and India. Enlight Education operates chapters at Brown University, USC, and UCSD, reaching a diverse range of students and inspiring them to pursue careers in STEM. He aims to help young minds reach their full potential and hopes to continue doing this in the future.

Education Background

In his academic pursuits, Sreenidhi is involved in multiple research projects. He has worked extensively in the Boini Lab, examining the inflammatory machinery of podocytes in obesity-induced renal damage, and in the Zheng Lab, studying RNA codes and cell-specific attributes altered in neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s. Additionally, he has contributed to working memory training research at the Brain Game Center, biomedical research in the Morgan Lab, and explored colloid-polymer mixtures in the McGorty Lab.

Sreenidhi's extracurricular activities include leading the UC Neuro Club as Treasurer and Research Lead, founding the Flicks UCR photography club, and serving as a Teaching Assistant for the Dynamic Genome biology lab. He has been recognized with the Chancellor's Research Fellowship and has consistently made the Chancellor's and Dean's Honor Lists.

In his free time, Sreenidhi enjoys learning about novel research in neuroscience and engaging in photography, soccer, and tennis. He is proficient in various research techniques, including confocal microscopy, cell culture, and statistical analysis, and has published research in reputable journals.

Skills and Tools:

Languages: R programming, MATLAB, Python
Techniques: Confocal microscopy, cell culture, Western blots, gel electrophoresis, genotyping, statistical analysis
Software: Git, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign

Sreenidhi is passionate about making scientific research accessible and promoting equal opportunities in STEM education, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, can participate in and benefit from scientific advancements. He aims to help young minds reach their full potential and hopes to continue doing this in the future.

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