Golden State Today

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond has announced the selection of two students as California’s delegates to the 61st annual National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp). Arnav Mahendra of Folsom, a junior at Mira Loma High School in the San Juan Unified School District, and Natalie Brahan of Fremont, a junior at Irvington High School in Fremont Unified, were chosen for their achievements in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).

“I am incredibly proud of these outstanding students who have been selected as California’s delegates to the National Youth Science Camp,” said Thurmond. “They have been grounded in an education that is essential for the future of our state, with areas of study that include environmental literacy and developing future technologies and industry. I am confident they will represent California with excellence and continue to contribute meaningfully to the scientific community and beyond.”

The NYSCamp is an annual event hosted by the National Youth Science Academy. It brings together top students from nine Western Hemisphere countries to attend lectures and participate in outdoor activities centered on STEAM disciplines. The camp includes a two-day trip to Washington, D.C., followed by three weeks in West Virginia from June 29 to July 20, 2024.

Arnav Mahendra is a student researcher with experience in data science and economics. He has worked at Columbia University on projects related to mutual fund returns. He also leads his school’s robotics team and debate team.

Natalie Brahan has developed a passion for STEM through various programs including the U.S. Naval Academy’s Summer STEM program and U.C. Berkeley's Psychology and Neuroscience program. She has worked on anti-cancer drug discovery projects and aims to pursue a career as a physician.