Embarking on a New Journey: Stanford University Class of 2028

This announcement comes a few months late, but I am beyond thrilled to share that I have graduated as a TOPS student from Bloor Collegiate Institute in Toronto and have been admitted to the Stanford University Undergraduate Class of 2028! 🌟

As an inaugural Rise Scholar, and after an incredible journey through high school, I am eagerly looking forward to the next chapter at Stanford, where I will be pursuing Computer Science alongside Environmental Studies and Neuroscience.

Over the past decade, I have immersed myself in building robots, rovers, rockets, and AI models. I’ve developed innovative projects, participated in over 50 hackathons, and have been participating and winning in national and international science fairs since grade 5. You can revisit my first blog post from over 10 years ago when we started www.HotPopRobot.com to spark conversations about science and technology at family dinner tables: NASA Space Apps Challenge 2014: Toronto People’s Choice Award Winner.

My unwavering passion has always been using technology for the public good. My journey to Stanford has been enriched by countless mentors, team members, and organizations who have supported and guided me. Their encouragement, advice, and inspiration have made my learning experience both enjoyable and curiosity-driven. I’ve also found immense joy in sharing my knowledge through outreach activities.

These experiences have solidified my belief in the power of open data and open science to solve problems across various domains—from pandemics and exoplanet exploration to ocean conservation and artificial intelligence. Many of these challenges are intergenerational and require a collaborative approach that bridges policy and technology. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside government organizations, international bodies, UN agencies, and research institutions. Sadly, some of the very institutions that shaped my curiosity are no longer the same, such as the Ontario Science Centre.

These experiences have prepared me to engage deeply in research and academics at Stanford and to develop innovative solutions for the benefit of humanity. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. You can follow me at www.ArtashNath.com