Hi! My name is Anusha, and I’m a second-year medical student at Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. I graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a BA in Anthropology and Biochemistry, as well as a Master’s in Public Health.
Teaching has been an integral part of my life. I first discovered my love for education as a vocal coach, a role I held for six years after stepping in to teach when my mother, a vocal instructor herself, lost her voice to illness. Though the responsibility initially felt daunting, I quickly found joy in creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. Over the years, I watched dozens of students grow in both skill and confidence, which solidified my belief that encouragement and thoughtful guidance can truly transform a student’s trajectory.
In college, I expanded my teaching to academic tutoring, working with students of all ages from elementary school through the college level. One particularly meaningful experience was tutoring a young girl whose family had fled Afghanistan. While she initially approached school with reluctance, we worked together to uncover her strength in mathematics. With steady pacing, encouragement, and structure, she rose to the top of her class and took great pride in her achievements. Experiences like this continue to affirm my belief that with the right support, students can unlock potential they never imagined.
I have since continued tutoring and mentoring through volunteer programs in local high schools, focusing on Biology, Chemistry, Math, Reading/Writing, Test Preparation, and College Counseling. My goal as a tutor is to transform academics from a source of stress into a place of confidence and curiosity.
I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, though I now call New York City home. I have a strong interest in global health, music, and anthropology, and I hope to become a pediatrician because of my passion for working with children and their families. In my free time, I love to sing, read, act, and learn about new cultures.
College:
Education: Case Western Reserve University
Undergrad Major: B.A. Biochemistry, B.A. Anthropology
Other Degrees/Minors: Minor in Chemistry, Masters in Public Health (Case Western University)
High School:
Class Rank: Top 10% of Class
Awards & Honors: Semifinalist in USA Biology Olympiad (Top 10% of participants in the US), AP Scholar with distinction, AP National Scholar, Best Alto Singer in Regional Solo and Ensemble Concert, Member of Pacific Youth Choir and Chamber Choir, 3rd place Alto Singer in State of Oregon for Solo and Ensemble Contest, 1st place in ATA State Singing Competition, 1st place Dancer at ATA National Dance Competition, 1st Place in Forensics Event in Science Olympiad Competition, Member of Tambou Wildlife Competition Winning Girl Scout Troop
Interests & Activities: Indian Classical Carnatic Music, Western Classical Singing, Choirs, Student Conductor of Treble Choir class, Volunteering at Legacy Emmanuel Hopsitla and Kaiser Permanente, Vocal Instructor at eSwara School of Arts, STEM Chemistry class (TA), helped raise $15,000 as keyboardist for a charity band, Student Led A Cappella Group, Musical Honor Society (co-Founder and co-President), Bharathanatyam dancer (completed 3 hour solo performance), Science Olympiad, Girl Scout, Speech and Debate Club, Model UN, Music for Change, Mock Trial Club
SAT Scores: 1510 (790 Math, 720 Reading and Writing)
ACT Scores: 35 Composite (35 Math, 35 Science, 35 Reading, 34 English)
AP Exams: 5 Statistics, 5 Biology, 5 Macroeconomics, 5 US History, 5 Environmental Science
SAT Subject Tests: 800 Biology, 800 Math Level 2
Other:
Other Awards: University Scholarship ($25,000 per year for 4 years; $100,000 total) – merit-based award recognizing academic and personal achievement among first-year applicants at Case Western Reserve University, Dean’s High Honors List (Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2021, Spring 2022) – awarded for GPA ≥ 3.750 with minimum 12 credit hours and no Fs/NPs, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society – inducted sophomore year as member of the upper eighth of biomedical engineering class based on academic performance, SOURCE – STEM 2021 Summer Research Scholar ($3,500 award) – conducted research on dissimilatory sulfate reduction in peatland bacteria; completed final report and presented at April 2022 Intersections: SOURCE Symposium, Callender Memorial Award – senior award for outstanding achievement in anthropology, Civic Engagement Scholar (2019–2021) – recognition for 30+ hours per semester of civic engagement and participation in social justice initiatives; earned three certificates of distinction, Case Alumni Association Junior Senior Scholarship ($500 per semester, Fall 2022 and Spring 2023) – merit- and need-based award for rising junior in engineering/applied sciences.
Other Interests & Activities: At Case Western, I was heavily involved in research in projects ranging from pancreatic cancer research, COVID-19 and vaginal mucosal immunity of pregnant women, and metabolic patterns among soil microbiomes, eventually leading to two abstracts and two conference presentations. I studied abroad twice; once to learn anthropology in Singapore in the summer of 2022, and once as the medical anthropology lead of the Global Health Design Collaborative in Uganda. As part of GHDC, I also helped design and manufacture backpacks to carry vaccines to outreach clinics in Uganda. I participated in a Public Health shadowing program in Delhi to learn about how nonprofits in India navigate the political and healthcare systems. I was also involved in: volunteering for The Refugee Response, being a childcare volunteer at University Hospitals, interning at a healthcare-centered data visualization company, and volunteering with the low-vision community. I was a medical scribe in an otolaryngology cancer clinic at the Cleveland Clinic as well. One activity I invested wholeheartedly into was my competitive a cappella group. I was music director of this group for 3 years, during which we won multiple competitions, put out several albums with original music, and learned how to work as a group while having unforgettable experiences. My duty was leading every rehearsal and guiding our group through the music we were learning and performing.
Location: Other
