Big Questions. Bold Research. One Outstanding Student.
Harsh, a Year 12 student studying Biology, Chemistry and Geography, has been driven from a young age by a fascination with the origins of life, evolution and genetics. That passion recently took him far beyond the classroom, as he conducted independent research into human evolutionary genetics, focusing on early Homo sapiens and Neanderthal interactions.
His work explored how a relatively small Homo sapiens population may have achieved genetic dominance through reproductive success under selective pressures. Complex, University-level science tackled by 16-year-old Harsh.
Thanks to his exceptional academic initiative and persistence, Harsh was invited to present his findings to a panel of leading evolutionary scientists and PhD students at Queen Mary University of London during a live video call. He delivered a confident, articulate 45-minute presentation and handled an intensive Q&A with impressive clarity and depth of understanding.
Ms Surti, Head of Science, commented on Harsh's presentation skills as being "Clear, confident and highly articulate, demonstrating a sophisticated grasp of complex evolutionary concepts, and he responded expertly to a grilling from the panel."
Harsh has made us immensely proud. His curiosity, resilience and ability to engage at a level far beyond his years signal an exciting future in scientific research, and this experience marks just the beginning.