Schools
Whiz Kid Varun Bhadha Holds the Scientific Formula for Success
Bhadha's skills run the gamut from triglycerides to triathalons.
- Whiz Kid's Name/Age: Varun Bhadha, 17
- Whiz Kid's School:
- Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: Crescenta Valley High's Academy of Science and Medicine is lucky to have Varun Bhadha as its senior class officer. He’s been very active in the Academy since becoming a member his freshman year. “Not many freshmen are in the Academy,” says Bhadha, “but a teacher recommended it to me.” This math and science man prefers the latter, however. “It was my internship at Cal Tech after tenth grade,” he says, “that really sparked my interest in science.” Bhadha still volunteers at the biology lab there, creating original research on the toxicity of nanocrystals which he entered into a national competition. He hopes to continue doing research in the field of oncology at UCLA where he will be going to school in fall.
- Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Bhadha’s top responsibility in the Academy this year is to administer the tutoring program. All CV science students have access to this free service. “I like teaching,” says Bhadha, “I enjoy giving back and I love seeing students have that ‘a-ha’ moment.” Bhadha gives back in other ways, as well. He and his family have been feeding the homeless on Skid Row every week for years. Bhadha is also an Eagle Scout. His project? Providing the children of with custom-made gardening plots.
- Bonus Whiz Kid Info: On top of all that, at the tender age of 17, Bhadha is an ordained minister in the Zoroastrian faith. He performs ceremonies, initiation rites and can even officiate weddings. To attain priesthood, Bhadha spent 25 contemplative days in a temple in India, returning for 10 more to acquire an even higher qualification. Last but not least, Bhadha is an endurance athlete. For years he was on the high school cross country and track teams and recently, he’s proud to say he completed a triathalon.
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