Vision of the Program
Provide high quality and unparalleled experience to high schoolers interested in exploring or pursuing careers in STEM.
The Horizons Quest Program is dedicated to fostering the holistic development and future readiness of high school students with an interest in STEM. The program's core vision is to provide a structured foundation that goes beyond theory, offering maximum benefits immediately and long-term. This is achieved through key components such as applied research, and guidance & networking, investigate STEM careers, ensuring students receive comprehensive exposure and practical experience. Ultimately, the program yields essential outcomes for participants, including increasing confidence, strengthening their resume, and advancing their career readiness for a future in innovation.
This is a program designed for High School Students (Gr 9-12). Students will work in small groups (2-5) with individual mentors. Mentors values innovative thinking and will help the student navigate and shape up the project followed by specific guidance towards project execution. Students will present the final project online at a STEMPeers virtual event. The students also have the freedom to present their work in any relevant conference of their choice or publish in a journal.
Program runs virtually in Summer - Fall for 2-3 months with 1 hr weekly meetings with the mentor. Successful project requires an extra 2-3 hrs per week of offline work (depending on the project).
Program is offered at a modest fee. Donations to STEMPeers are strongly encouraged.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PAST PROGRAMS
Dr. Ruchi Jain
Program Lead
Dr. Jain is a dedicated scientist with a rich background in research and a deep commitment to mentoring young minds. For her, science sparks curiosity—but mentoring ignites purpose. She founded this program out of a desire to offer a high-quality, unparalleled experience, inspired by her own journey as a parent of a high schooler. Dr. Jain passionately believes that every child holds the potential to do something extraordinary—when given the right guidance, inspiration, and opportunity.
Dr. Aditi Sharma
Program Manager
Aditi holds a PhD degree in immunology and excels at bridging research and strategic planning. Her current focus is advancing scientific and educational programs, leveraging her communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills to accelerate innovation and translational outcomes. Aditi applies integrative thinking to project coordination, overseeing timelines and facilitating communication. She is adept at converting complex challenges into actionable project milestones and supporting the achievement of strategic objectives
Dr. Preeti Chauhan
Program Manager
Dr. Chauhan is a passionate scientist with a rich interdisciplinary background in Immunology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience. Known for her visionary leadership and collaborative drive, she thrives at the intersection of discovery and impact. With expertise in research design, project management, and cross-functional teamwork, she bridges complex biological systems to tackle real-world health and environmental challenges. Dr. Chauhan brings curiosity, integrity, and innovation to every project advancing science with purpose.
Dr. Malini Gupta
Program Manager
Malini Gupta, PhD is a staff scientist at Albert Einstein College of Medicine with a PhD in chemistry from the University of South Carolina. With over 12 years in academia, she has mentored students from high school to MD-PhD levels and is passionate about making science accessible through clear communication and visuals. Malini brings a collaborative spirit and a deep belief in nurturing future scientists, making her well-suited to leading educational programs. Outside the lab, she enjoys landscape photography, history podcasts!