At Nova Scholar Education, we believe that research is not merely a path to answers—it is a process of discovery driven by curiosity, critical thinking, and the courage to explore the unknown. True academic growth comes from learning how to ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and pursue knowledge with both rigor and creativity.
This philosophy is at the heart of our Research Mentor Program, an initiative that brings former Nova Scholar students—now excelling at some of the nation’s most prestigious universities—back into the fold as mentors. These alumni-turned-mentors offer invaluable guidance to current students, drawing from their own journeys of academic inquiry, personal growth, and early research success.
One such mentor is Shravan Kannan, a Nova Scholar alumnus and current Neuroscience student at the University of California, Berkeley. His experience in the Nova Research Program, where he conducted an ambitious project on gene therapy for hereditary colorectal cancer, laid the groundwork for a deeper understanding of scientific research, bioethics, and the power of well-crafted writing.
Shravan’s story exemplifies what is possible when motivated students are given the tools, mentorship, and autonomy to pursue complex questions. It highlights not only the academic outcomes of student-led research but also the long-term development of skills such as analytical thinking, concise communication, and self-directed learning. As a Research Mentor today, Shravan continues to give back by supporting the next wave of scholars, offering practical insights and inspiration drawn from his own transformative journey.
Taking on a High-Stakes Research Challenge
Shravan’s journey with Nova Scholar Education began not with a prewritten template for success, but with a bold, self-driven question: Can cutting-edge gene editing tools be used to create a targeted therapy for hereditary cancer? This question led him into the complex world of CRISPR-Cas9n technology, where he aimed to develop a gene therapy strategy for Lynch syndrome, a genetic disorder that significantly increases the risk of colorectal and other cancers.
Tackling this topic required not only an understanding of molecular biology but also a willingness to immerse himself in one of the most dynamic and technically challenging fields in modern medicine. Shravan had to bridge the gap between textbook biology and emerging scientific frontiers—an effort that would push his intellectual boundaries and test his ability to synthesize information from diverse sources.
Unlike many high school science projects that rely on pre-structured labs or narrowly defined experiments, Shravan’s project demanded original thinking, literature review, bioinformatics exploration, and careful application of theoretical knowledge. He chose to compile his research findings into a formal academic paper, an approach that required clear articulation of a hypothesis, detailed explanation of methodology, and data-driven conclusions.
This decision not only gave structure to his research but also introduced him to the expectations of scientific writing: accuracy, clarity, and rigor. It allowed him to engage directly with peer-reviewed studies, analyze genetic pathways implicated in Lynch syndrome, and propose a gene-editing strategy with real therapeutic implications.
Through this process, Shravan experienced firsthand what it means to participate in scholarly inquiry—where the questions are complex, the answers are uncertain, and the impact of thoughtful research can extend far beyond the classroom.
The Power of Guided Independence
One of the defining features of Shravan’s experience with Nova Scholar Education was the deliberate balance between independent exploration and structured mentorship. While many academic programs either impose rigid instructions or leave students to navigate research entirely on their own, Nova Scholar’s model empowered Shravan to lead his project while receiving consistent, expert feedback at every critical stage.
Working under the mentorship of a research coach from one of Nova Scholar’s elite partner institutions—Stanford, Harvard, MIT, Yale, or Princeton—Shravan was not handed answers, but rather equipped with the tools to find them. His mentor guided him in refining his research question, selecting appropriate methodologies, reviewing relevant literature, and incorporating ethical considerations throughout the process. This scaffolding allowed Shravan to make informed decisions while retaining full ownership of his intellectual journey.
At the start, the path felt uncertain. The technical complexity of gene therapy, the breadth of existing literature, and the challenge of academic writing presented steep learning curves. Shravan openly reflected on moments of doubt—particularly when trying to break down dense scientific papers or determine how to translate theoretical frameworks into a viable research model.
But with each mentor session and milestone, his confidence grew. Instead of seeing obstacles as signs to scale back, Shravan learned to view them as opportunities to deepen his understanding. Through iterative feedback, he improved the clarity of his writing, the precision of his argumentation, and the sophistication of his analytical approach.
Ultimately, Shravan produced a well-structured, research-based paper that reflected not only academic rigor but also intellectual maturity. More importantly, he gained a lasting sense of confidence in his ability to initiate, execute, and communicate advanced research—a skill set that will serve him long after high school, both in college and in his future career in medicine.
This model of guided independence—where mentorship supports but never overshadows student agency—is what transforms research from a task into a formative experience. For Shravan, it was the cornerstone of his development as a researcher, writer, and thinker.
Navigating Data Complexity and Technical Hurdles
No meaningful research project is without its challenges, and for Shravan, the most formidable obstacle lay in the realm of bioinformatics—a field that blends biology, data science, and computational analysis. Specifically, he was tasked with designing guide RNA sequences to target mutations associated with Lynch syndrome, a task that required interacting with vast genomic databases and understanding the principles of CRISPR-Cas9n technology at a granular level.
With minimal prior experience in computer science or data analysis, Shravan initially found the technical component of his project overwhelming. Platforms like the UCSC Genome Browser, while powerful, presented a steep learning curve. He needed to sift through complex datasets, identify gene targets, assess off-target risks, and align his strategy with existing literature on cancer-related mutations—all without formal training in programming or statistics.
The process demanded a high level of conceptual clarity, as Shravan had to translate abstract genetic data into meaningful insights that could inform the design of a therapeutic approach. He quickly learned that raw data alone held little value unless interpreted through a biological lens—and that interdisciplinary thinking was essential for progress.
Through repeated trial, mentor feedback, and resourceful self-teaching, Shravan gradually built the confidence to navigate these digital tools with increasing fluency. He learned to cross-reference gene sequences, evaluate the efficacy of different guide RNA candidates, and structure his findings in a way that supported the broader goals of his research paper.
More than just a technical victory, this stage of the project marked a turning point in Shravan’s academic development. It reinforced a fundamental truth: breakthroughs in science often occur at the intersection of disciplines, and real growth comes from engaging with material that initially seems outside one’s comfort zone.
In confronting and overcoming these technical hurdles, Shravan didn’t just gain new skills—he developed resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to tackle complex problems, qualities that are essential for success in both higher education and future research.
Building Skills That Go Beyond the Lab
While Shravan’s research project sharpened his understanding of gene therapy and data analysis, it also fostered a set of essential transferable skills that extended well beyond the boundaries of the laboratory. Among these, the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively emerged as one of the most valuable.
One of the most challenging—and ultimately rewarding—parts of Shravan’s experience was learning to write with clarity, conciseness, and intellectual integrity. Scientific writing required him to distill intricate biological concepts into precise, accessible language while still preserving the nuance and rigor expected of a formal research paper. This meant balancing technical accuracy with readability, crafting logical arguments, and using data not just as information but as persuasive evidence.
“Scientific writing taught me to be concise without compromising complexity,” Shravan reflected. “It pushed me to think more critically—not only about the science itself, but also about how to structure and communicate it.”
Beyond clarity, Shravan also learned the importance of ethical research communication. He practiced proper citation methods, ensuring that credit was given where due, and he engaged deeply with alternative viewpoints and counterarguments—a practice that strengthened his own conclusions and modeled scholarly integrity. He also became more attuned to the responsibilities that come with interpreting and sharing scientific data, particularly when dealing with sensitive topics like genetic disorders.
These skills proved foundational as he transitioned to college. As a neuroscience major at UC Berkeley, Shravan continues to draw on the communication techniques and habits of mind developed during his Nova Scholar experience. Whether preparing lab reports, participating in research seminars, or collaborating with peers, he finds that the ability to present ideas with clarity, confidence, and ethical awareness remains central to his academic success.
In retrospect, Shravan sees the writing component not as a side task, but as a core part of what made his research meaningful. It transformed his work from a private exploration into a contribution that could be shared, understood, and built upon by others—something every aspiring scholar should strive to achieve.
A Lasting Impact on Academic and Career Aspirations
Reflecting on his journey, Shravan attributes a pivotal shift in his academic and professional trajectory to his experience with Nova Scholar Education—particularly the personalized, one-on-one mentorship that defined his research process. More than a temporary academic challenge, the project became a formative milestone that reshaped how he saw himself as a student, a thinker, and a future contributor to the scientific community.
Through his exploration of cancer biology, gene-editing tools, and the ethical considerations surrounding medical innovation, Shravan developed a nuanced understanding of biomedical science that extended far beyond what typical high school coursework could offer. This foundation sparked not only deeper intellectual curiosity but also the confidence to pursue advanced opportunities in research and medicine.
What once felt like distant or aspirational goals—such as conducting original research, publishing scientific work, or studying neuroscience at a top-tier university—soon became tangible and achievable. With each milestone reached during the Nova Research Program, Shravan’s sense of what was possible expanded.
Importantly, the experience didn’t just prepare him for the academic demands of college. It helped cultivate a mindset grounded in curiosity, analytical rigor, and independent problem-solving—traits that continue to guide him in his undergraduate studies and beyond. Today, as a neuroscience major at UC Berkeley, he brings that same spirit of inquiry and determination to every course, lab, and collaborative project.
Looking forward, Shravan remains committed to a future in medicine, but with a much broader and more informed perspective. His time at Nova Scholar didn't just inspire his career choice—it gave him a concrete framework for how to approach that path: with intellectual discipline, creativity, and a strong ethical compass. For him, research is no longer a high school milestone—it’s a lifelong pursuit.
Advice to Future Student Researchers
Looking back on his research experience, Shravan offered a piece of advice that he believes would have significantly improved both his efficiency and depth of exploration: begin with a clear and focused research question.
“I spent a lot of time exploring different directions before narrowing in on my final topic,” he shared. “If I could go back, I would commit earlier to a single line of inquiry. That would have allowed more time for deeper exploration.”
This reflection speaks to a common challenge many student researchers face—starting with a broad or loosely defined idea and gradually narrowing it over time. While this exploratory phase can be useful, Shravan’s experience highlights the value of early clarity. A well-formulated question not only sharpens the research process but also provides structure and direction, allowing students to dig deeper, connect ideas more meaningfully, and produce more sophisticated outcomes.
Shravan’s advice doesn’t suggest rushing into a topic for the sake of progress. Rather, it emphasizes the importance of aligning curiosity with clarity. When students take the time to reflect on what genuinely interests them and translate that interest into a focused research question, they gain momentum, reduce ambiguity, and are more likely to produce work that is both rigorous and impactful.
He also encourages future researchers to embrace feedback early and often—especially during the idea development phase. Speaking with mentors, reviewing existing literature, and testing initial assumptions can help students refine their questions before committing extensive time to data collection or analysis.
Ultimately, Shravan’s message to aspiring researchers is simple but powerful: begin with focus, stay curious, and be willing to revise your path thoughtfully. It’s not about having all the answers at the start—it’s about asking the right questions with purpose and persistence.
Cultivating the Next Generation of Scholars
Shravan’s journey is more than a success story—it’s a testament to the transformative power of mentorship, structured inquiry, and student agency. His experience highlights how the right combination of guidance and independence can empower young scholars not just to complete impressive academic projects, but to cultivate the mindset, confidence, and skills that will serve them for life.
Through programs like Nova Research—a 2.5 to 5-month experience designed for middle and high school students—Nova Scholar Education provides more than academic instruction. It offers an environment where students are encouraged to take intellectual risks, explore topics that genuinely excite them, and develop original work under the mentorship of scholars from Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and MIT. These mentors don’t impose ready-made answers; they help students ask sharper questions, think critically, and express their ideas with precision and purpose.
Shravan’s evolution from student to Research Mentor is a powerful example of this cycle of learning and leadership. Now, as he supports younger students through their own research journeys, he draws not only on his academic expertise but also on the empathy and insight gained from his own formative experience. His ability to connect with students who are just starting out allows him to offer meaningful, relevant guidance—reassuring them that challenges are part of the process and that clarity comes through persistence.
“Academic growth isn’t defined by perfection,” Shravan believes. “It’s shaped by the willingness to explore, to revise, and to ask better questions over time.”
In today’s world—where information is abundant, but thoughtful, concise communication is increasingly rare—Shravan’s experience serves as a compelling reminder of what students can achieve when they are trusted to rise to the challenge and supported by experts who believe in their potential.
Nova Scholar’s mission is not simply to help students build résumés—it’s to help them find their voice, clarify their purpose, and cultivate the skills that allow them to lead in any field. Shravan’s story embodies this mission, demonstrating how one meaningful research experience can become the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of knowledge, innovation, and impact.
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