Meet the team
Executive Members
Dhairya Mathur
Dhairya Mathur is a high school Junior attending West-Windsor Plainsboro High School South in New Jersey. He has strong passion for the fields of science and research, particularly in the area of autism. Through his experiences and work, he has developed an understanding of teaching science-based learning to children with autism, focusing on wellness and health
Yassin Bassem
Yassin Bassem is a 17-year-old rising senior from Egypt, recognized as a changemaker and global leader passionate about making the world a better place and spreading awareness through research. Yassin is a participant in the Indigo Intensive Research Program on a full scholarship, where he hones his skills in biomedical engineering, his intended major.
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Advay Mathur
Advay Mathur is a highschool junior who attends East Brunswick High school. He has an interest in the fields computer science and finance. He has a passion for helping out in the community; he not only helps empower individuals on the autism spectrum, he also volunteers at an animal rescue farm and local soup kitchen.
Sanjana Panjiyar
Sanjana Panjiyar is a 14-year-old rising sophomore at JP Stevens High School in Edison, NJ. With a deep passion for healthcare, she is committed to expanding opportunities for everyone. Her dedication is evident in the time she devotes to volunteering at community centers and nursing homes, where she seeks to understand the complex realities faced by individuals with a range of disorders—both physical and neurological—often shaped by genetic mutations.
Gambia Chapter
Mamudou
I am Mamudou from The Gambia, West Africa. I was born on 15th September, 2004. I’m just a high school graduate from Nusrat Senior Secondary School[2024]. I was a member of Human Right Club and member of Maths and Science in my school. I like reading, but calculation subjects are my favourite such as Mathematics. I represented my school at maths and science competition and I awarded as a finalist and I was also a head boy when I was in primary school 2017-2018.
Nigeria Chapter
Emmanuel
Hey! I’m Emmanuel. I’m really passionate about making a difference in the world one step by a time, particularly through the infusion of Artificial Inteligence. When I’m not deeply immersed in fragments of my own programs, I solve rubiks cubes for fun. I’m elated having joined such a project and I can’t wait to get to make a lasting impact.
Monjolaoluwa
Hi! I am Monjolaoluwa, a passionate Nigerian with an interest in Computer Science and Economics. I am dedicated to making an impact in the society as much as I can. I enjoy helping people in anyway in order to make a difference.
Kendrick
Praiseley
Hi, I’m Praiseley. I’m passionate about health research and the well-being of others, which I’m currently pursuing through a health research program. In my spare time, I love singing, playing basketball, and teaching chess to kids in my neighbourhood. I believe in making the world a better place for everyone.
Chukwunwike
Chukwunwike is dedicated to making a lasting impact wherever he goes, always striving to help those around him. With a profound love for soccer and a passion for dancing, he balances his energetic pursuits with academic excellence. His commitment to both his studies and his hobbies highlights his well-rounded nature, as he continues to excel in academics while staying deeply engaged in sports..
Louis Essien
Hi,Im Louis Essien, an enthusiastic undergraduate with a deep passion for biology and a strong desire to make a meaningful impact in the world. I love helping others and actively engage in projects to keep myself busy. During my free time, I watch movies, read books, try to get my hand s on helpful projects ,and lastly play games . I’m really excited about the opportunity to join the Rise Above Autism program, seeing it as a chance to combine my biological knowledge with commitment to positive social change and is eager to contribute my energy and insights to the program, aiming to make a significant difference in the community.
Ayoade
Board of advisors
Govinda Nandini
Govinda Nandini (also known as Geetshri Borgaonkar) is the mother of a 30-year-old adult with autism. Throughout her unique journey raising a child with special needs, Govinda has focused on enhancing his communication skills, broadening his areas of knowledge, and helping him explore a variety of interests. Having worked closely with autism for the past three decades, she now seeks to use her wealth of knowledge and experience to guide this team in achieving their goals. She has been instrumental in connecting the team with various opportunities to work with people with autism at both township and county levels.
Her professional work as a healthcare chaplain, grief counselor, and minister for children and families in her temple over the last two decades has complemented her passion for making a difference in the lives of people with different abilities. She brings extensive volunteer experience across diverse fields, including work with prison inmates, grieving children, and seniors with memory care needs. Additionally, Govinda plays a key role in administrative and fundraising activities for her temple. In her free time, she enjoys studying and teaching scriptures to adults. Creative writing has recently become a new hobby for her.