Anamika Veeramani

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, I know a lot about having heart.

Four years ago, I founded the only national online science journal for and by high school students - En Kephalos Science Journal. We won international awards for business structure and science communication. But it didn't end there. That venture taught me the value of science communication - I've been running down that path ever since.

At Yale, I'm learning everything I can about science - biochemistry, physiology, astrophysics - it's all beautiful and fantastical. Many think that I love learning science because I'll be using all of it when I get to medical school. They're only a quarter right.

I love learning science because it is so inherently interesting. I love learning science because it's the closest we'll ever get to magic. Science is the lens through which I see and feel the beauty in the natural world.

Returning to my roots in science communication, I've traded in the editor's pen for the journalist's microphone. Whenever I get in front of the camera (or a live audience) to talk about these things that I love, I'm just showing them how excited and hopeful I am about science.

I also direct films (documentary and fiction) - some of which have made it to festivals like the Yale Film Festival. I'm currently directing two documentaries and one short narrative film. I collaborate with as many artists as I can to learn as much as I can about creating - my absolute favorite way of working.

I love public speaking. I read the classics (Western and Eastern). I golf. I'm trying to become a surgeon. I meet as many people as I can. I listen to as many stories as I can. And I work so that every day is better than the one before it.