The importance of building a diverse and dedicated team. When I first started, I thought I could handle everything on my own and that my ideas and plans were enough to make an impact. However, I quickly learned that having a team with diverse perspectives, skills, and passions is crucial for success. Each person brings a unique set of strengths and experiences to the table, and together, we can accomplish much more than I could have done alone. For example, when planning our International Research Olympiad, we knew that we needed a team with a diverse set of skills, including marketing, finance, and event planning. We were able to recruit an incredible team of volunteers from various backgrounds and countries, each bringing their unique insights and ideas to the table. This collaborative effort helped us put together a successful event while also building a global network of engaged young scientists.
As part of my series about young people who are making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Rishab Jain.
Rishab Jain is a Neuroscience student at Harvard University and researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital. Jain was named one of TIME’s 25 Most Influential Teens and a Gloria Barron Prize Winner for his work to improve recombinant vaccine production.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
Sure, I grew up in Portland, Oregon. When I was pretty young, my parents took me to science museums where I started to fall in love with biology. I remember always doing some kind of experiment — hacking my schools’ computers, or extracting DNA from strawberries, things like that. I showed an aptitude for science and reading textbooks got me into further subjects and innovations. What really got me going was learning about cancer at the age of 13. I could not believe that we didn’t have a way to screen for these cancers at early stages where we could have better cure rates. So after that, it became a question of, well, what can I do to solve the problem? That’s how it really began.
Is there a particular book or organization that made a significant impact on you growing up? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
The Gene by Siddhartha Mukherjee has always been an extremely impactful book for me. It chronicles the history of genetics and DNA, and how we came to know and understand it. As I read, I remember being struck by how much biomedicine fit into human history. It was revelatory to see the monumental impact that genetics played in the way we think about our bodies, ourselves, and our futures. The Gene gave me an even deeper appreciation for how previous generations of biologists and geneticists have tackled complex problems and advanced our understanding of the world. I believe this book has helped me think about the kind of footprint I want to leave on the world and how I want to make a positive impact in the field of biology and medicine. More recently, I read A Thousand Brains by Jeff Hawkins and found it to be another inspiring book. It presents a new theory of intelligence that is highly relevant to my research interests. I recommend it to all aspiring neuroscientists out there!
How do you define “Making A Difference”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
To me, making a difference means using your skills and talents to enact change in the world in a positive and meaningful way. This can take many forms and does not have to be limited to traditional definitions of success. For me, making a difference means using my passion for science to address real-world challenges and improve the lives of others. One example of this is my work on recombinant vaccine production. By finding a way to produce vaccines more efficiently and affordably, I am helping to address a major global health challenge and potentially save many lives. In a broader sense, making a difference can also mean using your platform and voice to advocate for important causes and inspire others to take action. Every small action can have a ripple effect and make a positive impact on the world.
Ok super. Let’s now jump to the main part of our interview. You are currently leading an organization that aims to make a social impact. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change in our world today?
Absolutely — I am the founder of the Samyak Science Society, a nonprofit organization with a mission to democratize science and promote research in developing countries. Our goal is to provide young scientists with the necessary resources, mentorship, and opportunities to explore their interests, develop their critical thinking skills, and pursue scientific discovery. We’ve piloted our STEM mentorship programs with students in South Africa, where I witnessed firsthand the vast potential and talent that exists in rural and underserved communities. Our team and I believe that providing access to science education and mentorship can break down barriers and unlock a world of opportunities for students who may not have had the chance to explore their interests otherwise. We are also working on a global scale, organizing the world’s first International Research Olympiad, where we provided over $6,000 in financial aid to students from 45+ countries. Our mission is to empower the next generation of global scientists and promote cross-cultural collaboration and innovation.
Can you tell us the backstory about what inspired you to originally feel passionate about this cause?
My own research in developing therapies for pancreatic cancer inspired me to start the Samyak Science Society and tackle the bigger picture. Growing up in the United States, I had access to amazing resources and opportunities that helped me hone my skills and pursue my scientific interests. However, as I connected with other young scientists and researchers from around the world, I realized that there were many talented minds being left behind due to lack of resources and opportunities. I also saw firsthand the immense potential that exists in developing countries when I worked with our partner schools and chapters in South Africa. As someone who had the privilege of access to resources and education, I felt it was my duty to use my skills and platform to help others and promote equity in the science community. In particular, I believe research and innovation can help solve some of the world’s most pressing problems, and the lack of access to resources and mentorship should not limit aspiring young scientists from pursuing their interests. Through the Samyak Science Society, I hope to provide these opportunities and resources and promote a more inclusive and diverse scientific community.
Many of us have ideas, dreams, and passions, but never manifest them. We don’t always get up and just do it. But you did. Was there an “Aha Moment” that made you decide that you were actually going to step up and do it? What was that final trigger?
Many young people don’t know the steps to take to start a new organization. But you did. What are some of the things or steps you took to get your project started?
I think building a team of passionate and dedicated individuals is crucial. For me, that meant reaching out to friends, peers, and mentors who shared my passion for promoting STEM education and research. Together, we developed our mission and came up with plans and ideas to achieve our goals. We also did a lot of research on the resources and networks available to us to get started and gradually took small steps to make our vision a reality. It’s important to remember that starting an organization is not a solo effort, and collaboration and support are key to success. Another important step is defining your organization’s mission and goals and understanding the problem you aim to solve. Identifying key partners and stakeholders and developing a plan for outreach and impact are also crucial. Doing a lot of research and talking to experts and others who have experience in the field can provide valuable insights and help you plan more effectively. Finally, staying persistent, determined, and resilient is essential as you navigate the challenges and obstacles that come with starting any new venture.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
One of the most interesting things that happened to me was being invited to attend MIT’s RSI (Research Science Institute) over the summer of 2022. There, I met over 80 other top young scientists from around the globe who were passionate about tackling pressing issues through science and innovation. The experience opened my eyes and exposed me to different research fields and areas of interest that I would not have had the opportunity to explore otherwise. It also provided a global network of peers and mentors who I am still in touch with and will collaborate with in the future. Many of them are classmates of mine at Harvard, and we often work together on different research projects or initiatives. I think this goes to further show the importance of building a team and collaborating with others. Meeting like-minded individuals and building a community can have a profound impact on your projects and goals.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson or take away you learned from that?
Due to the pandemic, when a lot of our first initiatives were starting up, many of our meetings and communication were happening remotely. I remember for one of our first STEM camps, our Zoom call ended early, and I was supposed to be giving a talk on the next session’s themes. Unbeknownst to me, the call had ended, and I went on for almost 15 minutes talking to no one. Luckily, most of our initiatives are structured in person, as I don’t think the organization would have made it far otherwise! Jokes aside, this really taught me the importance of communication and ensuring that everyone is on the same page. Clear communication is key to success, whether you’re working in person or remotely, and a small mistake like this one helped me remember that.
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
I have been fortunate to have incredible mentors and cheerleaders throughout my journey. First and foremost, I have to credit my parents for instilling in me a love for science and education and supporting my interests from a young age. Without their encouragement and guidance, I would not have been able to get where I am today. In 6th grade, my science teacher Ms. Pam Svenson also played a major role in nurturing my scientific creativity and curiosity. She saw my potential and went out of her way to provide opportunities for me to explore my interests. She introduced me to the world of science fair competitions, which led me to compete at an international level, gaining valuable experience and exposure.
My many mentors in science research have also been instrumental in my journey. In particular, I have to thank Dr. Doug Densmore, Dr. Aaron Grossberg, and Dr. Ziv Williams — for their valuable guidance and encouragement. Whenever I hit a roadblock in my research or encountered a challenge, they have been there to provide support and guidance. Their mentorship has taught me the importance of collaboration, resilience, and determination in the face of obstacles and always to aim higher and think bigger.
Without saying specific names, can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
One of our pilot programs in South Africa is with a school in Zwelethemba. They were new to coding with no prior technical experience, and so our team designed a robotics curriculum, which used a simple visual drag-and-drop language. The students now compete in LEGO robotics competitions across the country and have won several awards and scholarships to continue their education in STEM fields. Recently, we helped them fundraise for their travels to the US for international-level robotics competitions. We’ve also seen this program motivate students to become more interested and engaged in science and math in school, leading to improved grades and test scores. The impact on these students and their community has been incredible to see and pushes us to continue spreading STEM education and mentorship to as many students as possible.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Society has a huge role in promoting equitable access to education and opportunities in STEM fields. With my work at the International Research Olympiad, I’ve realized that it takes an incredible amount of resources — both in terms of monetary support and human capital — to organize such global initiatives. Thus, I think there are three steps that the community/politicians can take to help us address the root of the problem:
1. Increase funding and support for STEM education in underserved communities: To truly democratize science, it is essential that everyone has access to quality STEM education. This can only be achieved if there is more government funding and community support for STEM programs and mentorship initiatives in underserved communities. This would help bridge the education gap and promote diversity and inclusivity in the scientific community. If anyone is interested in helping support the International Research Olympiad and sponsor our initiative — feel free to reach out!
2. Encourage cross-cultural collaborations and integration: Cross-cultural collaboration and exchange of ideas is crucial for scientific progress and innovation. Governments, universities, and organizations should promote and support opportunities for students, researchers, and professionals from diverse backgrounds to come together and work toward a common goal. This will help break down barriers and promote understanding and cooperation on a global scale.
3. Mentorship and support for aspiring young scientists: As a young scientist, I understand firsthand the importance of mentorship and support for pursuing scientific interests and goals. Community and government initiatives that provide mentorship, resources, and financial support can go a long way in promoting scientific pursuit and achievement. This can help uplift marginalized and underrepresented individuals and communities and contribute to the diversity and inclusivity of the scientific community. I am in the process of making a mentorship program myself for younger scientists.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
- The importance of building a diverse and dedicated team. When I first started, I thought I could handle everything on my own and that my ideas and plans were enough to make an impact. However, I quickly learned that having a team with diverse perspectives, skills, and passions is crucial for success. Each person brings a unique set of strengths and experiences to the table, and together, we can accomplish much more than I could have done alone. For example, when planning our International Research Olympiad, we knew that we needed a team with a diverse set of skills, including marketing, finance, and event planning. We were able to recruit an incredible team of volunteers from various backgrounds and countries, each bringing their unique insights and ideas to the table. This collaborative effort helped us put together a successful event while also building a global network of engaged young scientists.
- The importance of clear communication. Effective communication is key to success in any project or organization, yet it is often overlooked. When I first started, I assumed that everyone was on the same page and understood our goals and expectations. However, I quickly realized that without clear communication, misunderstandings and mistakes can happen. One instance where clear communication was crucial was when we were planning our STEM camps in South Africa. We had to coordinate with the school, students, and all our volunteers to ensure that everything was running smoothly, and everyone knew their roles and responsibilities. Without clear communication, things could have easily fallen apart, but making an effort to communicate effectively and regularly helped us have successful camps that impacted many students.
- The importance of perseverance and not giving up. Starting an organization or project comes with its own set of challenges, setbacks, and failures. It’s important to remember that these obstacles are part of the process, and it’s crucial to stay resilient and persistent. There have been many times when things did not work out as planned, and I felt like giving up. However, through it all, the support and encouragement of my team and mentors helped me to keep going and learn from our failures. One instance was when we were applying for grants and funding to expand our programs to other countries. We were rejected multiple times, and it was disheartening. But we kept pushing, revising our proposals, and finding other sources of funding. Eventually, we were able to secure a grant that helped us launch our STEM mentorship programs in South Africa and expand our reach globally.
- The importance of taking care of yourself and finding balance. When you’re passionate about a cause or project, it’s easy to get consumed by it and forget about self-care. I learned the hard way that burning out and neglecting one’s physical and mental well-being can hinder your ability to make a positive impact. It’s important to take breaks, make time for hobbies and self-care, and strike a balance between your work and personal life. I remember one time when I was so focused on working on an upcoming event that I was staying up late and sacrificing sleep and downtime. However, this led to exhaustion and impacted my performance and productivity. I also realized that taking breaks and stepping away from the work helped me come back with fresh ideas and perspectives. Finding a balance has helped me become more effective and fulfilled in the work I do.
5. The importance of finding mentors
As mentioned earlier, I have been fortunate to have had many mentors and supporters who have had a significant impact on my journey. However, when I first started, I didn’t fully understand the power of mentorship and networking in my own work. I realized the importance of this when I attended the RSI program and was exposed to a global network of young scientists and researchers. I was able to connect with peers and mentors from different backgrounds and learn from their experiences and perspectives. This taught me the value of building relationships and seeking guidance from those who have more knowledge and experience. I believe that mentorship is key to both personal and professional growth and development, and I wish I had understood this earlier on in my journey.
If you could tell other young people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?
I would tell them that even small actions can have a ripple effect and make a huge impact on the world. Don’t underestimate the power of your voice and actions to contribute to making positive change. We all have the ability and responsibility to use our skills, passions, and resources to make a difference in the world. By working together and uplifting each other, we can create a brighter, more equitable future for all. So don’t be afraid to take that step and make a positive impact on our environment and society.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
If I could have a private breakfast or lunch with anyone, it would be Jeff Hawkins — the author of “A Thousand Brains: A New Theory of Intelligence” — a book that had a pivotal impact on my thinking and approach to research. He is a neuroscientist and engineer who has made groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of the brain and intelligence. I admire his curiosity and passion for unlocking the mysteries of the brain and the potential impact this could have on our world. I would love to have a conversation with him about his work, how he stays motivated and inspired, and what challenges he has faced along the way.
How can our readers follow you online?
On LinkedIn or X at x.com/rishabjaink
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Young Change Makers: Why and How Rishab Jain Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.