Our Team
Maya Sharma
Co-Founder
Hi, I'm Maya Sharma, a junior at Neuqua, at the intersection of space exploration and artificial intelligence. I love coding through my mental app HAAL, which won the Congressional App Challenge in 2023 (& on Neuqua's computing team), writing through my magazine Thoughtful India, and public speaking at TEDxBolingbrookYouth, which I recently did this summer. I love building tech solutions for issues that matter to me, and I hope to help other students in building these skills! My goal is to spark curiosity and empower the next generation of coders, engineers, and explorers.
Fun fact: I love to sing!
Anwita Vemana
Co-Founder
Hi, I'm Anwita! I'm a junior at Neuqua, passionate about aerospace engineering, driven by a love for physics and math. I'm fascinated by how the laws of the universe can be used to design, build, and explore the infinite possibilities beyond Earth—whether it's finding life on Mars or uncovering the mysteries of aliens, I love taking real-world challenges and transforming them into opportunities for innovation. As team captain of my school's Rocket Club, I lead design, simulation, and launches for national competitions like the American Rocketry Challenge, gaining hands-on experience in aerodynamics, propulsion, and leadership. This passion led me to co-found AstroThink.
Fun Fact: When I'm not studying for the next chem test, you can find me building rockets and launching them into space :)
Deetya Chundru
AI Curriculum
Hi, I'm Deetya Chundru, a freshman at Waubonsie Valley High School, and I'm deeply passionate about technology and artificial intelligence. I'm particularly fascinated by how AI has the potential to solve real-world challenges, especially in healthcare, where it can improve everything from diagnoses to patient care. Over the years, I've found a true joy in teaching younger kids, watching them get excited when they grasp something new. My ultimate goal is to show kids that they can create and innovate, no matter where they start.
Fun fact: In my free time, I like to do art and play an instrument
Aaryan Menezes
YouTube Channel Head
Hello, my name is Aaryan Menezes, and I am a sophomore at Westview High School, interested in Aerospace Engineering. I'm deeply fascinated by aircraft—the way hundreds of intricate systems synchronize to propel something incredibly high and fast is nothing short of awe-inspiring. And even in today's advanced age, there's always room for innovation and refinement. I have taken quite a few aerospace and general engineering courses, giving me hands-on experience with a majority of the concepts that I will help teach on the AstroThink YouTube Channel.
Mirna Manoji
Space Curriculum Development
Hi, my name is Mirna Manoji, I am a freshman at Waubonsie Valley High School, and I am extremely passionate about math and aerospace. Over the past couple of years, I have competed in several math competitions, including some at the state level, and my enthusiasm for math has grown significantly over the years. I'm also interested in aerospace and plan on being an aerospace engineer in the future, so I hope to continue working towards this goal throughout my high school years. I also care about teaching children and have spent a lot of time around younger kids, and I hope to inspire someone someday the same way I was.
Fun fact: I like to do art and enjoy using a variety of different mediums.
Ishika Kandru
Social Media Head
Hi, I'm Ishika, a junior at Waubonsie Valley High School who's passionate about the ways AI and space exploration can help us understand life and biology in new ways. From coding with Girls Who Code to hands-on innovation in AMP and leading in Model UN, I've seen how technology and teamwork can spark real-world impact. I love sharing that excitement with younger students and helping them see that STEM is about discovery, imagination, and the future.
Fun fact: In my free time, I like to do my nails or something creative!
Ishika Vakharia
AI Curriculum Development
I am Ishika, a sophomore at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) with a passion for physics and math, and applying these subjects to solve real-world problems. I also enjoy exploring topics in astronomy. Outside of academics, I enjoy teaching and being a part of my FIRST Tech Challenge (robotics) team. I also have a passion for playing badminton and playing the viola.
Fun fact: My favorite thing to do in my free time is to play badminton!
Shivani Kaushal
Space Curriculum Development
Hi, I'm Shivani! I'm a sophomore with a strong interest in aerospace engineering. I enjoy working on rocketry and drones, and I've gained solid hands-on experience building, testing, and flying them. I love exploring new ways to solve engineering challenges and bring ideas to life. I'm passionate about classical dance and also skilled in 3D printing, allowing me to mix creativity with technology.
Fun fact: I have been doing classical dance for 10 years.
Akshadha Vemana
Chief Art Designer
Hello! I'm Akshadha, and I am currently a freshman at Neuqua Valley High School. With a passion for Environmental Science, I like to research pending environmental issues as well as what preventive measures can be taken to help. In my free time, I enjoy doing calligraphy and other art styles. As Head Art Designer, I elevate projects and presentations through utilizing my creative lettering skills.
Fun fact: My favorite thing to do in my free time is read a book for hours until I reach the end and then start a new one.
Aarush Jalan
Data Science
Hi! My name is Aarush Jalan, a current senior from Neuqua Valley High School. I like watching and playing basketball and soccer. I enjoy math and science subjects. I am planning to pursue data science in college.
Fun fact: My favorite thing to do in my free time is play basketball with my friends and watch football.
