Hi!
My name is Varenyaa Jain, and I am currently a high school senior at the Charterhouse School in the UK, where I’m studying a combination of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Further Mathematics as part of the A-levels curriculum! Having spent my formative years in Mumbai, I trace my interest in the intersection of environmental engineering to a genuine passion towards driving advancements in sustainable energy production. To further these interests, I’ve sustained an academic inquiry within the domain of engineering principles through rigorous summer programs such as Stanford ULO’s MV Differential Calculus, research publications, and professional internship opportunities. In addition to the determination I have displayed to strengthen my academic capacity, I am also a trained Kathak performer and a budding entrepreneur with a penchant for baking the very best cookies.
LEADERSHIP
I am proud to have founded The WonderLab Collective in January 2026 to make hands-on STEM education more accessible to children from underserved communities in rural India. Since its inception, I have collaborated with the Friends of Tribal Society to organise interactive physics workshops in villages, developing low-cost experiments using everyday materials. Through activities ranging from building solar-powered lamps using recycled plastic bottles to exploring fundamental scientific principles, I aim to foster scientific curiosity, encourage creative problem-solving, and make STEM education engaging and accessible beyond the traditional classroom.
Chokoreto
Beyond my aspirations in the domain of engineering, I am also incredibly passionate about Chokoreto, a business venture I co-founded with my sister as part of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy in August 2021, for which we won 1st place. Through Chokoreto, I have launched a range of vegan and preservative-free cookie doughs.
Internships
ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) | Cadarache, France
Additionally, in July 2025, I began a two-week-long internship with the ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) project in Cadarache, France. Over the course of my internship, I played a role in researching and analyzing the scientific and technical feasibility of fusion power as a large-scale,carbon-free alternative to fossil fuel-generated power. My internship was supervised by Nicolas Navion-Maillot (Process & Integration Engineer, Cryogenics); Dr Biswanath Sarkar (ITER Vacuum & Cryopump Specialist), and David Laugier (Cryopump Testing & Safety Oversight). I ended the internship by writing a paper on my findings and understanding from my time at ITER.
Borosil Solar | Gujarat, India
In August 2026, I completed an internship at Borosil Solar’s manufacturing facility in Govali, Gujarat, gaining firsthand exposure to the industrial processes involved in producing high-performance solar glass. Under the mentorship of Mr. Shreevar Kheruka, I explored the manufacturing process, from raw material selection and glass melting to annealing, tempering, and quality control. I also observed optical transmission testing, defect detection, and stress testing, developing a deeper understanding of how material properties influence the efficiency and durability of photovoltaic panels. This experience strengthened my interest in materials science, manufacturing engineering, and sustainable energy technologies.
Impact of Urban Air Pollution and Climatic Factors on Photovoltaic Performance Across Major Indian Cities
Over the past two years, I have undertaken independent research projects exploring the intersection of renewable energy, environmental sustainability, and engineering. In December 2025, I began investigating the effects of urban air pollution and climatic conditions on photovoltaic efficiency across four major Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Bangalore. My research paper, titled “Impact of Urban Air Pollution and Climatic Factors on Photovoltaic Performance Across Major Indian Cities,” involved analysing the influence of particulate matter (PM2.5), solar irradiance, ambient temperature, humidity, and other environmental variables on solar panel performance. Through mathematical modelling and comparative analysis, I evaluated variations in photovoltaic efficiency under different environmental conditions, identifying the significant impact of air pollution on solar energy generation. I subsequently submitted my findings to the S.T. Yau High School Science Award (Asia), successfully clearing the first round of assessment. My research was also published in the International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), allowing me to share my findings with a wider academic audience.
Low-Cost Core, High-Performance Skins: Carbon-Fiber Sandwich Wing
Design & Testing
I also undertook an aerospace engineering research project titled “Low-Cost Core, High-Performance Skins: Carbon-Fiber Sandwich Wing Design & Testing,” exploring the potential of lightweight composite materials in improving aircraft wing performance and structural efficiency. Conducted in collaboration with OMOTEC under the mentorship of Mr. Ariz Niaz, the project focused on investigating sandwich structures consisting of a lightweight core enclosed between carbon-fiber composite skins. I explored how different material configurations influence structural stiffness, load distribution, strength, and weight, with the aim of identifying cost-effective alternatives to conventional aircraft wing materials. Through structural design, testing, and comparative analysis, I developed a deeper understanding of composite materials and their applications in aerospace engineering. This research project was subsequently recognised with the CREST Gold Award by the British Science Association.
Kathak
I’ve continued to master my performance of Kathak – an artform I have been training in since June 2015. Under the guidance of Ms. Vanita Dalal, I have learned the fundamentals of ‘todhas’ and ‘tukdas’ as well as the 4 different types of footwork, including ‘tatkal’. In August 2021, I started taking classes under Ms. Anita Hemendra Damania, while training independently in the interim on account of the COVID lockdown. Under Ms. Damania, I worked on refining my fundamental learning and then advanced to dances and learning theory, including the different Kathak mudras, their history and uses, as well as writing down the ‘todhas’, ‘tukdas’ and ‘taals’, practicing ‘taals’ and ‘turns’, called ‘chakars.’
Tennis
I have been playing tennis since I was five years old, and it has remained one of my favourite sports growing up. After taking a break, I picked it up again during the Summer Term at Charterhouse, which reminded me just how much I enjoy being on the court. Tennis has always been a great way for me to unwind, stay active, and take a break from academics, while also teaching me discipline, patience, and perseverance.
Alongside my academic and entrepreneurial pursuits, I have cultivated a strong interest in speech and drama through Trinity College London’s Speech and Drama program.
Over several years, I attended weekly classes focused on text memorization, annotation, voice modulation, body language, and proxemics. I also participated in group-based improv exercises, including speech writing, short skits, and descriptive storytelling, which helped me develop confidence and versatility in performance. Through iterative feedback on delivery and technical refinement, I successfully completed Grades 1 through 6, earning merits and distinctions along the way.
Beyond my academic pursuits in mathematics and economics, I have actively explored advanced coursework and experiential learning opportunities through several prestigious summer programs.
MV Differential Calculus program
At Stanford University, I attended the MV Differential Calculus program in July 2026, where I deepened my understanding of vector-valued functions, partial derivatives, and directional derivatives. Through consistent effort, I earned a mid-term score of 100% and a final score of 97.27%.
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AI Inspirit
In August 2025, I completed a 10-day Artificial Intelligence programme with Inspirit AI, under the mentorship of Zeeshan Islam and Batool. Through hands-on workshops, I explored the fundamentals of machine learning, Python programming, and computer vision. As part of the programme, I worked on a distracted-driver detection project, applying AI techniques to analyse visual data and identify potentially unsafe driving behaviours. This experience introduced me to the practical applications of artificial intelligence and strengthened my understanding of how technology can be used to address real-world challenges.
Climbing the Distance Ladder to the Big Bang: How Astronomers Survey the Universe
In July 2024, I attended the two-week Michigan Math and Science Scholars (MMSS) summer programme at the University of Michigan, where I studied Astronomy under the guidance of instructors Jiaming Pang and Andrew Hope. Throughout the programme, I explored stellar evolution, redshifts and blueshifts, and the fundamental principles of astrophysics, alongside introductory coding and computational activities. One of the highlights was visiting an observatory, where I gained a deeper appreciation for astronomical observation. For our final project, my team constructed a model of the solar system using Styrofoam, bringing together the concepts we had explored throughout the course. This experience further strengthened my curiosity about physics and the universe beyond Earth.
Summer Discovery
In July 2023, I attended Georgetown University's Summer Discovery Programme, where I completed courses in Debate and Public Speaking and Writing, achieving an A grade in both. Through Debate and Public Speaking, I developed my skills in constructing persuasive arguments, delivering speeches, and communicating confidently with different audiences. I also had the opportunity to judge debate sessions, gaining a new perspective on effective argumentation. In my Writing course, I explored various forms of creative and analytical writing, including narrative, descriptive, documentary, and interview-based styles. This experience strengthened my communication, critical thinking, and writing skills, while allowing me to explore academic interests beyond mathematics and science.
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