Meet Kavya Athipatla | High School Student Researcher and Science Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kavya Athipatla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kavya, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
My major interest is biochemistry, particularly for its use in cancer research and drug discovery. My career aspiration is to be a cancer biologist and develop treatments. I’m also interested in societal issues such as the education system, and I’d like to study the scientific basis of learning and development. However, I’m still in high school, so I know my goals may change as I gain more experience and explore different topics.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been doing medical research since 8th grade, and I’ve had the opportunity to present at science fairs and national conferences. This taught me so much, not only about all the medical research being done around the world, but also about the importance of advocating for patients. I noticed that physicians are often not able to fit research into their busy schedules, but the research still needs to be done in order to reveal insights about the hospital system or specific disease mechanisms. Many of my classmates are interested in the medical field, so I thought having high schoolers help the physicians would be a good solution. This was the initial spark for Carroll CARES, which I started in January 2024. So far we’ve helped around 50 students create abstracts and posters, and I’m working to expand our capacity through partnerships and other methods.

I’m also interested in a wide variety of science topics, like biology and physics. I think this stems from my desire to learn how the world works and how we can use science to benefit society. I participate in a lot of academic competitions and I like to teach my classmates when they are struggling to understand a concept.

The greatest challenge to my success (and probably other students’ success) is technology. I love that technology has revolutionized the way we learn, but there is so much danger that comes from it. It’s not hard to see that teenagers, and sometimes even young children, are addicted to their phones, constantly using social media. This not only destroys our attention spans but also our curiosity and resilience. With artificial intelligence so accessible, many of my classmates have completely lost their desire to learn, and instead choose the easier path of cheating or looking up information without thinking. I’ve definitely been affected by this, and I’m working on relying less on technology and more on critical thinking. I’m very worried about the long-term effects of this issue, and I hope schools implement programs to improve the situation.

Given the issue of technology and its societal impacts, I think what sets me apart is my genuine desire to improve myself and make a positive difference in the world. It sounds cliché, but I’m surrounded by peers who are only concerned with getting into college. It’s not wrong to want that, but it’s also not beneficial to have a society that values prestige and luxury over actual impact. As I grow up, I will surely gain new perspectives on this issue, but I hope to stay true to this philosophy.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my friend was visiting the DFW area, I’d create an itinerary that would help both of us learn more about Texan culture while also creating valuable memories. (Surprisingly, even after living in Southlake for 8 years, I haven’t visited much of DFW.) I’d start off close to home, introducing my friend to my school, Southlake Town Square, and the network of trails near my neighborhood. We would eat at Feedstore Barbecue, a local restaurant with great Texan food. The next day, we’d explore Dallas, starting with the Dallas Arboretum, which has beautiful gardens, and the Dallas Aquarium. We’d make sure to visit Reunion Tower, which offers breathtaking views of the skyline as well as a restaurant on the top floor. One place I’ve been to several times as a child is Perot Museum, and I’d show my friend the interactive exhibits like the sports hall. Once we’ve explored Dallas, we’ll travel the ~45 minutes to Fort Worth. One important place to visit is the Fort Worth Stockyards, with its historic landmarks and famous daily cattle drive. We’d also stop by the zoo, Japanese Garden, and Texas Motor Speedway, making sure to take in the rich history of the area. I’d make sure to show my friend John Peter Smith Hospital, which is the hospital I collaborate with for research. Overall, the trip would be very nostalgic while also opening our eyes to the wonders of DFW and its culture of family and fun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I attribute almost all of my success so far to my parents. They’ve fostered discipline and integrity in me since I was young, and everything they do is to help their kids. More importantly, they provide the security that I believe is necessary for growth. I can always count on them to support me, teach me, or even just share a laugh together.

My family, friends, and teachers also deserve a lot of credit for shaping my personality and making me the person I am today. They have taught me the importance of real human connection and the power of trust and kindness in forming a better society.

Website: https://carroll-cares.org