Arnav Aggarwal
Senior at LAMP in Montgomery, Alabama with a goal of expanding STEM outreach, hoping to become a physician one day.
What I’m working on
ResearchWestern University of Health SciencesNeuroscience research · traumatic brain injury3 first-author reviews published · 2 more under reviewOngoing⌄
- Research on traumatic brain injury with Dr. Mendoza-Mari, focused on stress granules, microglia, and oxidative stress.
- First author on three published neuroscience critical reviews; one more review and one original research paper are under review.
- Currently writing a review on how microglia drive oxidative stress after TBI (NOX2, Nrf2/ARE, NLRP3, TLR4/NF-κB).
Alabama State University · ISEFComputational biology · Parkinson’s diseaseISEF qualifier · Best of Fair · Yale Science & Engineering AwardISEF⌄
- Used an AI/ML systems biology approach to identify CEACAM1 as a new immunomodulatory drug target in Parkinson’s.
- Flagged eriocitrin and glyburide as top drug candidates and validated ROS reduction in a cell model.
- 1st place in Computational Biology at GEARSEF and ASEF; turning it into a journal paper with Dr. Sudhanshu Sharma.
BridgeSTEM FoundationCEO & Co-founder~3,250 kids · 28 schools · 85 volunteers trained10th – now⌄
- STEM Nights: built the curriculum for hands-on science nights; 30 events across 28 elementary and middle schools.
- Baldwin Junior Researchers: co-founded a research mentorship program for middle schoolers at my old school.
- Memory Connections: developed and co-direct a scrapbooking program with patients at Adoration Hospice.
LAMP HOSACo-founder · Former PresidentGrew the chapter from 45 to 120 members10th – now⌄
- Co-founded the chapter, served as VP in 10th grade and President from 11th grade through summer 2026.
- 2x State Leadership Conference qualifier and International Leadership Conference qualifier in Biomedical Debate.
LAMP DECAFounder · Former PresidentStarted the school’s first DECA chapter10th – now⌄
- Founded the chapter and led it as President from 10th grade through summer 2026.
- Previously served as Alabama DECA’s Vice President of Leadership.
Also: Congressional Award Gold Medal · President’s Volunteer Service Award · HOSA Barbara James Service Award (Gold, 2x) · Student Council VP (10th–12th)
Guitar Legend
In middle school I worked toward Baldwin’s “Guitar Legend” status (Royal Conservatory Level 8 plus a 20-minute solo), something only a small percentage of students end up finishing.
Garage band
I play guitar and bass in a garage band. We closed out the school show two years in a row.
Bhangra
I started Bhangra in Atlanta in 4th grade as one of the academy’s very first students, and served as team manager in high school.
Japan, then Korea
Japan the summer after sophomore year is still my favorite trip. I’m going back after high school, and Korea’s next on the list.
Pickleball and Friends
Most weekends you’ll find me playing pickleball or catching a movie with my friends.
Outside of school
I’ve run cross country for 5 years, with an 18:15 5K PR.
The rest of the time I’m hanging out with family or friends, spending time with my girlfriend, playing guitar, or just reminiscing. Hit the button for a few more things about me.