Saanvika Govindaraj

Director

Saanvika Govindaraj is a sophomore at Edison Academy Magnet School, passionate about app development, cybersecurity, robotics, Arduino, and STEM advocacy. She applies technology to address real-world challenges, developing projects that improve support for allergies, dementia care, emergency response, and inclusive music education for nonverbal students. Her national achievements include first place in NASA and MIT’s Zero Robotics Lunabee Challenge, first place in the TCS goIT App Challenge, and was named a top 10 finalist in the HS TEAMS Presentation Division at TSA Nationals. She placed second in Forensic Science at NJ TSA States and was also recognized as a state representative for poetry at the 2026 New Jersey Teen Arts Festival. With extensive experience in robotics and coding, Saanvika has competed in FTC, FLL, and Aerial Drone competitions as a team captain, mechanical lead, lead programmer, and pilot, earning multiple awards, including the Airmanship Award. She is also participating in NASA’s Human Exploration Rover Challenge, further expanding her experience in engineering, robotics, and space exploration while pursuing cybersecurity through CyberPatriot competitions and the NJCCIC Cyber Safety Cadet Program. As a Congressional App Challenge Ambassador, New Jersey STEM Ambassador through Rutgers University, and Vice President of the Student Association for Robotics Advocacy Committee, Saanvika promotes STEM education and represents NJ students at state and national advocacy conferences, supporting STEM initiatives. Through her nonprofit MCA Robotics Club and 4-H, she teaches coding, engineering, and robotics to younger students in libraries and community programs. She also serves on the Education Committee of Congressman Frank Pallone’s Youth Advisory Committee, contributing to education policy proposals. Saanvika has volunteered more than 450 hours, including teaching spoken English to children in rural India and has received multiple Presidential Volunteer Service Awards. She has held several leadership roles in Scouts BSA and currently serves as an OA Representative. Her research interests include cybersecurity, urban heat mapping utilizing infrared drones, and space agriculture. A trained Carnatic vocalist and soccer player, Saanvika hopes to combine technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and service to create meaningful social impact.