The Washington STEM Rising Star Award recognizes outstanding young women who embrace STEM education, using their skills to drive innovation and create meaningful change in their communities.
Laasya Chintamani has wanted to be a doctor since she was a little kid.
“I always loved science and wanted to help people,” said the 16-year-old. Chintamani said she was inspired by her mother, who is a doctor.
The junior at Henry M. Jackson High School in Mill Creek leads a busy life outside of school.
She has a data entry research internship at a University of Washington Medical School lab that is studying how vaccines affect fetal development.
She is also the co-president of the psychology club at her high school, helping with mental health awareness for fellow students including how to deal with the stress of finals.
Chintamani said high school is very competitive, and the club aims to offer peer support.
She serves as head of development for WAVE, a student-run nonprofit affiliated with the Seattle Children’s Guild Association, where she leads outreach and fundraising for pediatric care programs at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Chintamani said WAVE helps families who can’t afford their children’s care. She said the group recently raised $15,000.
On another front, she and her high school team took first place in a bio-med debate program in March sponsored by the Washington chapter of HOSA-Future Health Professionals. They will be going to Tennessee next month for the international competition.
Chintamani also placed first in a separate environmental health knowledge test sponsored by the student organization.
Chintamani, who heads into her senior year of high school next year, said she is unclear what type of physician she wants to be.
“I know I have a long journey ahead,” she said.
But Chintamani is determined to plow ahead, seeking out new experiences as she continues.
“I’m trying to get as much experience as I can,” she said.
Randy Diamond: 425-339-3097; randy.diamond@heraldnet.com.
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