Welcome to Hardhik Immunology Quest
Dedicated to exploring the frontiers of immunology and bacteriophages while making a positive impact through mentoring and community service.
About Hardhik
I'm Hardhik Ram, a dedicated and hardworking STEM student from Valencia, California, with a passion for immunology and bacteriophage research.
My commitment to community service is evident through extensive volunteering at Henry Mayo Hospital and the Discovery Cube, where I foster a love for science in young minds. As a leader, I have organized student groups to engage with senior citizens and mentored fellow students in their research endeavors. Fluent in Tamil and proud of my heritage, I am driven by a desire to make a positive impact on others through my knowledge and skills in science and mentoring.
Education:
Valencia High School, Valencia, CA (2021-2025)
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Weighted GPA: 4.57
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ACT Score: 34
Leadership
I have a club, called Generations of Joy, for which I am the co-president for. It was formed at the start of the junior year, and in the club we go out to senior centers and spend time with seniors. The mission of the club is to make sure no one feels alone, bridge the gap between generations and to spred awareness about diseases that some seniors may be living with, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
My Research
I have researched bacteriophages and compared them to antibiotics as future medications. Bacteriophages are viruses that target bacteria, and there are just as many bacteriophages as bacteria. In the end, bacteriophages seem like the better option, since they can evolve like bacteria and not kill healthy cells. Bacteriophages are still in an early testing stage, but there is a history of people being treated with bacteriophages, and the treatments cure whatever disease within a few days. The only downside is that bacteriophages are still things that can act out of our control. If one of them does end up evolving to attack healthy cells, then that can quickly backfire on us.
Volunteering
1
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital
I volunteered at Henry Mayo for about a year and a half now. I work at Tower 5, which houses patients who have come out of surgery or are in-patient patients. I help the nurses with whatever they need, whether it be restocking gloves or checking up on isolation carts
2
Discovery Cube Science Museum LA
I volunteer at Discovery Cube LA, a science museum that is directed toward younger kids. While also maintining cleanliness of the museum, I also explain different science concepts and answer any questions guests may have.
3
Santa Clarita Tamil Academy Assistant Teacher
Assisted a teacher at my local Santa Clarita Tamil Academy, which is a branch of the California Tamil Academy. I graded tests, entered grades into the website, and hlep the teacher with whatever they need. I did also help teach th kids when the teacher was busy with another student.
Honors and Awards
Honors and Awards given to Hardhik Ram.
Tamil School Graduation Award
Graduated from California Tamil Academy, after 10 years of studying Tamil. Wanted to connect back to Tamil roots.
PVSA Volunteering Gold Award
Did Community Service for about 300 hours in 1 year. Volunteered at different places around Santa Clarita, including Relay for Life and Henry Mayo Hospital
Cal-HOSA CPR/First Aid
Placed 7th at Cal-HOSA, competed against 20 other teams
World Strides Silver
Competed at Anaheim WorldStrides with my rock band Spring 2022. won 2nd place in Rock out of 20+ teams. I played keyboard within the band
Medical Science Academy Honors Award
A program at our school, covered athletic games and practices, worked 60 hours both semesters, learned lots of Sports Med Skills
Research Internship
Did a research mentorship to mentor new researchers under Dr. Kate. I provided assistance and set up 1 on 1 calls to answer any questions. I had three mentors, who were new to research. Their papers were submitted, and I helped to review them due to my prior research experience.
My Blogs
My Portfolio
