Uma Sthanu is a purpose-driven innovator at the intersection of science, technology, and business. Leveraging computational tools and entrepreneurial thinking to drive better healthcare outcomes, protect the environment, and bridge educational gaps.
Research & STEM:
Exploring neurodegenerative diseases through computational biology
- Winner of 27 Science Research awards & 44 STEM awards, including:
- ISEF 2025: Top Award (Mary Sue Coleman Award for Life Sciences Innovation & Impact)
- ISEF 2024: Grand Award
- Texas State Science & Engineering Fair: First Place (2022, 2025)
- Greater Austin Regional Science & Engineering Fair: 18 awards from 2017-2025
- MIT RSI Scholar ’25
- Bioinformatics research at Harvard
- Computational Biology research at Yale and Stanford
- Neurobiology research at UT Austin
- Biostatistics research at UAB
- Hackathon wins in sustainability, AI, and innovation (WaffleHacks ’23, alGIRLrithm ’25)
Business Acumen & Communication:
Pairing research with strategy to maximize real-world impact
- 14 Business awards, including:
- 3× DECA ICDC Awards: 2 Place Glass Award in Professional Selling, Top Test Scores, and Finalist in Business Administration, Financial Operations & Professional Selling
- Top 8 in U.S. – National Finalist, Digital Presentation Skills Challenge ’24
- Featured Speaker in CEE Lyceums and other STEM organizations
- Top 25 Worldwide – Runner-up, New York Times Global STEM Writing Contest
Leadership & Entrepreneurship:
Driving innovation through collaboration, problem-solving, and mission-driven ventures
- 5 Leadership awards to date
- Leadership roles in DECA, NTHS, Academy Ambassadorships, Student Council, and Spanish Honor Society
Founder of three startups:
- Sayffer – HealthTech incubator (projects: Sayffer & TBDetect)
- EcoSnap – GreenTech app powered by AI
- T2L Academy – EdTech platform supporting non-curricular competition prep
