Arushi Sinha – 2024 King County Region Rising Star

Get to know Arushi

How has your math identity impacted your journey in STEM?
Some of my earlier experiences in math are from when my dad used to teach me when I was younger and really struggled with the subject. Back then, I was more shy and hesitant to ask questions. I felt more insecure. Learning from someone who knew so much more than me but didn’t judge me for making mistakes really impacted my journey within STEAM because I learned to self-advocate if I don’t understand something.

Who is the teacher or mentor who sparked your interest in STEM?
The mentor who has sparked my interest in STEAM is named Hillary MacDonald, my robotics coach. She has such an extensive background in engineering and STEAM and has helped me through a lot of the challenges in advocating for others. She has empowered me and so many of the people in my robotics team and has always been my greatest cheerleader.

What are you thinking about doing after high school and what are some of the ways you are beginning to explore potential careers?
I am planning to go into medicine, but I’m not too sure about which field I want to pursue. I’ve thought a lot about becoming an OB-GYN, so I am using my high school’s internship program to figure out what best suits my aspirations. I’ve also networked with multiple professionals in and out of medicine and have joined various extracurriculars that go along my passions for service and helping others.

Her proudest moment in STEM

Arushi talks about her experiences on her robotics team’s Women and Non-Binary Individuals in STEAM Initiative.

Nominated for her advocacy

“Arushi is the exuberant, thorough, and conscientious Outreach Lead on our FIRST FRC robotics team, which I coach. She is also a multi-disciplinary technology intern in Bellevue Big Picture’s academic internship program, working to solve real-world problems using technology and innovation.

I noticed Arushi’s passion for equity and inclusion early on, as a freshman. At that time, she joined groups to learn more about these issues. Now, Arushi leads those groups with a strong, clear voice and compassionate manner. This passion translates to all things she is involved with. As our robotics team Outreach Lead, she spearheads the involvement of our team as it contributes to our school and wider community. In addition to leading our Outreach team, she’s an active contributor to our Women and Non-Binary Individuals in STEAM (WiNS) initiative. Recognizing that the STEAM field is chronically underrepresented by these groups, she is working to create more awareness and support.

Arushi’s internship roles underscore her dedication to sharing knowledge with others. As a healthcare intern at Rainier Valley Birth & Health Center, Arushi organized a community-wide healthcare fair that was held at her high school. Currently, she is working as a technology intern at the XR Lab at Bellevue College. Arushi is collaborating with nursing students to provide an immersive training experience through virtual reality technology, directly broadening and enhancing the nursing students’ aptitude for successful outcomes in patient care.

—Hillary MacDonald, Robotics Coach and Community Outreach Specialist, Bellevue School District
 

The Washington STEM Rising Star Awards encourage young women and trans and nonbinary youth to embrace STEM learning in ways that will support their education, career, and community.

Meet all of the 2024 Washington STEM Rising Stars!