Since 2018, Emergent has awarded scholarships to the children of Emergent employees who plan to pursue a post-secondary education through our Emergent Scholars program. Emergent Scholars is one of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to educate tomorrow’s leaders, and continually invest in our employees and their families.
Hear from Emergent Scholar Ritish Natesan, University of Michigan ’27, son of Sadhish Natesan, Lead Tech Analyst, on his experience pursuing a degree in cellular and molecular biology, with a minor in computer science.
Name: Ritish Natesan
School: University of Michigan
Area of study: Cellular and Molecular Biology, Computer Science
Graduating class: 2027
Tell us about yourself, and what you’re currently up to.
My name is Ritish and I will be attending the University of Michigan this fall. I like to spend time with friends, play video games, and spend time outside. I am currently trying to learn more computer programming languages.
What do you plan on studying in college?
I plan to study cellular and molecular biomedical science and possibly also computer science. I have always been interested in the biomedical and healthcare fields and hope to create new treatments and technologies through a computational approach and help those less fortunate than I.
What are some of your favorite courses so far, and how have they impacted what you want to do in the future?
My favorite courses have been AP Biology, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science, and Organic Chemistry. These courses definitely challenged me and caused me to develop better studying and time management skills. These courses gave me examples of what careers in STEM could entail and made me become more interested in those subject areas.
Outside of your coursework, how do you like to spend your time?
For fun, I like to take walks, watch movies, do activities with friends, play video games, learn new things, and of course, sleep in! I am also a part of my high school’s Varsity Quiz Bowl, Science Olympiad, and Tennis teams. I volunteer with the Red Cross and Sparrow Hospital.
How has receiving a scholarship from the Emergent Scholars program impacted you, and your studies?
Receiving this scholarship award has helped to take some of the financial burden off of my studies, allowing me to pursue new interests and educational communities. With this generous award, I hope to reach a wider range of people with my work and studies in the biomedical field.
What advice do you have for high school students considering your area of study?
My advice to other students would be to definitely have the courage to try new things and take new opportunities! Make sure to explore and take advantage of all the community resources and opportunities in the fields you are passionate for. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get help from others!
Congratulations on all your accomplishments, Ritish! We look forward to hearing about your continued success, and the impact you’ll make in the biomedical field in the future.