5 Young Women for 2024: Computer science intrigues Kavyashree Kadhirvelu

Kavyashree Kadhirvelu may rank first in her class with a perfect 4.0 GPA, 4.84 weighted GPA, recognition as a National Merit Commended Scholar, and a list of academic awards in science and technology, but the Rickards High School senior about to graduate from the rigorous IB program still has a case of “senioritis.”

“We have exams coming up and in the IB program we do our own research and write a paper on it,” she says. “With ‘senioritis’ creeping in, it’s been hard to keep up with it.” If so, she doesn’t show it; her achievements and drive have led to honors and awards, one of them being named as one of Tallahassee's 5 Young Women to Watch.

High school has been a busy time for Kavyashree, who immigrated from India to Tallahassee at a young age with her parents and brother. When she was in the eighth grade, an elective science program offered online during the COVID-19 pandemic led to an internship at the National High Field Magnetic Laboratory (MagLab).

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“As an ‘iPad’ kid, I spent much of my childhood entertained by a glowing screen,” she said. “This addiction to mobile devices soon became a gateway to a new passion as I started to wonder how they were made.” For the past four years, Kavyashree has worked alongside scientists and researchers, assisting them in their work and developing a keen interest in and aptitude for computer science.

She was able to do her own research, as well, developing a mobile application that helps environmentally-minded citizens make everyday choices that can fight against climate change. “This project, supported by the GripTape foundation, allowed me to apply my programming skills to create a tool that could make a meaningful difference in addressing pressing global issues,” she said.

Back at school, Kavyashree is busy as a volunteer tutor through the National Honor Society, active participant in the Key Club, and enjoys fundraising as part of the Dance Marathon club. Her curious mind has led her to the Capital Regional Science and Engineering Fair, winning second place in the intelligent machines category and advancing to the Sunshine State Science and Engineering Fair.

The project she submitted to the International GENIUS Olympiad Science Fair earned a bronze medal, and she recently won second place in the physics category at the Capital Regional Science and Engineering Fair.

She is a member of Science Olympiad, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, and was awarded a National Honorable Mention Award from the National Center for Women in Computing Association through their annual Aspirations in Computing program.

She is humble and matter-of-fact about her accolades. “I take classes in a wide range of disciplines, but the sciences have always held my interest,” she said. “I learn a lot outside of school as well. Extracurricular activities, such as my internship at the MagLab and my work as a volunteer tutor, provide me with invaluable life skills. There are lessons to be learned from anything that I do.”

Life isn’t all science fairs and school work, though. Kavyashree enjoys playing tennis with friends, catching up on new movies, and baking.

“I love baking because it is such a creative outlet that allows me to express myself. It's incredibly satisfying to create delicious treats from scratch and share them with others,” she says. Her specialty is banana bread. “For some reason we always go overboard when buying bananas,” she said.

In the fall, Kavyashree will enroll at Columbia University, where she will study computer science. She will miss her home in Tallahassee, though.

“My favorite aspect of life in Tallahassee is definitely the sense of community here. Everyone is incredibly supportive, and attending local events such as the MagLab’s annual fair or the weekly Downtown markets showcase this. As I prepare to leave Tallahassee for college, this sense of community is something I will deeply miss.”

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 5 Young Women: Kavyashree Kadhirvelu has passion for computer science