In this episode of Across STEM with YSI, Abeer Iftikhar sits down with Anshi Purohit, a high school senior from Maryland who's rewriting what it means to be a student in STEM. Anshi’s journey started not in a lab or math class, but in poetry, journalism, and creative writing. Over time, her fascination with the human brain and the concept of neuroplasticity led her to dive deeper into exploring neuroscience and global health—not by sacrificing her love for the humanities, but rather by weaving the two worlds together.

As the Executive Director of Eunoia Global Health and the founder of a youth literary magazine, Anshi brings a deeply human-centered perspective to science communication. She opens up about facing over 150 rejections as a young writer, navigating imposter syndrome, and pushing back against a toxic hustle culture that has plagued the modern world.

But at the heart of it all is her belief in the power of authentic storytelling — especially in STEM spaces that often feel inaccessible. From cold emailing strangers to leading international projects, Anshi shows that making an impact isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being bold, curious, and true to yourself.

Anshi’s take? You don’t need to fit the traditional STEM mold to make an impact—just curiosity, courage, and a willingness to start. And interdisciplinary work? That goes a LONG way!

Watch the entire episode to learn more about Anshi, her journey, and how she’s contributing to making a difference in STEM education and global health 🔬🎙️