Making an Impact: Polygence Students Leading the Change

Tara Sehdave, an aspiring lawyer, has always wondered about censorship and its impact on society. Curious about the role social media plays in supporting (or perhaps, restricting) democracy, she recently completed a research project with Polygence to uncover the origins and impacts of censorship, along with its relationship to social media algorithms.

Tara expected to learn a lot about democracy while completing her research, but what she didn’t expect was that she’d also learn a whole lot about herself. “My journey with this project has been profoundly enriching,” she says. “I expanded my expertise but also deepened my passion for the subject matter. [It] not only broadened my horizon…but also equipped me with valuable insights and skills.”

And it’s not just Tara who’s seeing big results. Whether it’s addressing climate change, fighting for social justice, or improving public health, we know that students just like you are passionate about using their knowledge to create positive change. 

At Polygence, we empower these students by providing them with the tools, mentorship, and support they need to pursue impactful projects.

These are projects that don’t just add another line to a resume - but make a real difference in the world. Here’s how Polygence students are making an impact and leading the change we all want to see in the world.

Understanding the Desire to Make an Impact

When it comes to making an impact, passion and purpose are paramount. These are two values that Polygence students have in large supply. 

However, it’s not enough to be passionate - you also need to have a roadmap to help you harness that passion and use it to create something miraculous. That’s where Polygence’s impactful research projects come into play. 

Passion and Purpose

Young people today are more passionate than ever about making a difference. They see the challenges facing our world and feel compelled to act. This desire often shapes their interests and goals, leading them to explore areas where they can contribute meaningfully. 

For many, this means taking on projects that address pressing issues like environmental sustainability, social inequality, and public health.

"The journey of my project took about 8 months to complete,” says Zahreeyat Hasan, who completed research on how to get young people in Portland to be more politically engaged. She created a website to provide young people of voting age with easier access to government and community resources - and to show them how to be more active in political participation. 

Hasan already had the passion and drive in place to help her meet her goals and inspire change - she just needed a vehicle to help her get it out there. 

Importance of Research Projects

Research projects are powerful tools for driving change. They provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to address complex issues and develop innovative solutions. 

Through research, students learn to ask critical questions, analyze data, and communicate their findings effectively. These skills are not only valuable in academic settings but also in real-world scenarios where informed decision-making is crucial.

"I think my projects in my gap year had a huge impact on my college admission decision, and Polygence was a huge part of that. The experience has given me confidence and a deeper understanding of my chosen field,” says Arihant Cloudhary, who worked on real-world projects involving predictive modeling for monsoons in Kolkata, and then took those experiences on to help him succeed in his role at UC Berkeley.

The Polygence Approach to Impactful Projects

How does Polygence tackle impactful projects?

It’s a twofold approach - by offering personalized mentorship and assistance with project development, Polygence mentors show students how to transform their passions into meaningful results.

Personalized Mentorship

At Polygence, personalized mentorship is at the heart of every project. Students are paired with expert mentors who guide them through the process of developing their projects. 

This one-on-one support helps students identify their passions, set achievable goals, and stay motivated throughout their projects.

Hasan said, “Throughout my project, I experienced a lot of support and guidance, while also feeling my own personal growth being fostered. I have valued those 8 months greatly, and they have helped me to create a change and prove my dedication to giving back to my community." 

Project Development

Developing a research or passion project with Polygence involves several key steps. 

First, students work with their mentors to brainstorm ideas and identify a topic that aligns with their interests. Next, they conduct research, gather data, and analyze their findings. Throughout this process, mentors provide feedback and support, ensuring that students stay on track and achieve their goals.

"My mentor was incredibly helpful and instrumental in completing the research on time by guiding me, answering my questions, and asking thought-provoking questions that I wouldn't have considered on my own,” notes Rithvik Thummalapenta, who completed research on V2V networks and how they can improve the system and safety of self-driving cars. 

Student Stories – Making a Difference Through Polygence

See firsthand how Polygence students and their mentors are making a real difference, all with the help of Polygence. 

Student Story – Environmental Impact

Climate change is a top concern for Gen Z, in particular, surpassing issues like unemployment and healthcare. In fact, Polygence has seen a 79% increase in student projects focused on climate change and environmental issues over the past year.

Events like the Standing Rock protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline have significantly influenced climate activism among young people.

One of Polygence’s mentors, Mackenzie Hoey, leads solar projects and teaches a course on carbon sequestration. Students like Lily and Suraga have conducted award-winning research on topics like biological immortality mechanisms and the warming effects of greenhouse gases.

“The discussions in this course knock my socks off,” Mackenzie recently shared. “The students are so incredibly intelligent and inspiring…One day, I hope we see this as part of every high school curriculum. Until then, I hope I make a small difference in their academic journey that will trickle down and help our Earth as well.”

Student Story – Social Justice

Social justice projects are another area where Polygence students are making a significant impact. By addressing issues like political engagement, students are helping to create a more informed and active citizenry.

According to the United States Census,18-29-year-olds account for nearly 22 percent of the voting-age population but are also the least interactive voting-age demographic. Zahreeyat Hasan’s project, as described above, provides easier access to government and community resources, encouraging young people to be more active in their political community.

She praised her Polygence mentor, saying, “My experience with Sam was nothing short of excellent. She was continuously intelligent and was able to guide my understanding as opposed to doing the work for me or leaving me clueless. She was a large benefitting factor to my positive experience with Polygence.” 

Clearly, Polygence’s mentorship for social impact can’t be overlooked.

Student Story – Public Health

Public health is another critical area where Polygence students are making an impact. By researching and addressing health issues, students are contributing to the well-being of communities around the world.

Polygence alum Sanya created a project that addressed the impacts of climate change on BIPOC women around the world through the lenses of reproductive health issues, mental and physical violence, and displacement. 

She noted, “I have educated my community regarding the intersection between climate change and social justice, highlighting the profound impact on marginalized women…I continue to be an avid advocate for the importance of sustainability and social change.”

The Unique Value of Polygence for Aspiring Changemakers

If you’re passionate about making change yourself —whether in the areas of the environment, public health, social justice, or something else entirely—Polygence can help. 

Here’s how:

Expert Guidance

Polygence mentors bring unique expertise and support to each student project. 

With backgrounds in various fields, mentors provide valuable insights and guidance that help students succeed. This expert guidance is crucial in helping students develop high-quality projects that make a real impact.

Customized Learning

Polygence tailors its approach to meet each student's specific needs and interests. There is no cookie-cutter approach here.

By providing personalized mentorship and support, Polygence makes sure that all students receive a customized and impactful learning experience. This tailored approach helps students stay engaged and motivated throughout their projects.

Community and Networking

It’s not just about the academics. ​​Being part of the Polygence community offers students countless benefits, including networking opportunities with peers and professionals in various fields. 

This provides students with the additional support and resources they need to succeed in their current projects - and beyond.

Skills Gained and Long-Term Benefits

Polygence projects aren’t just resume boosters - but the resume boost is certainly there. Here are three key areas where Polygence shines:

• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: By engaging in research and project development, students learn to think critically and approach problems from different perspectives.

• Communication and Leadership: Through presenting their findings and leading initiatives, students improve their communication and leadership skills.

• College and Career Opportunities: Impactful projects enhance college applications and open up career opportunities in fields related to students’ passions. By demonstrating their commitment to making a difference and showcasing their skills and knowledge, students can increase their chances of success in college admissions and future job opportunities.

Be the Change with Polygence 

You’ve got the passion. You just need the tools. That’s how Polygence can help.

By addressing important issues like climate change, social justice, and public health, Polygence’s student changemakers are making a real impact.

What are you waiting for? Join Polygence today and start your journey in making a difference and pursuing your passions.