ANUHYA M. PURANAM
ELLICOTT CITY,US
Summary
Dedicated and passionate aspiring freshman college student with a strong interest in various biological fields, including microbiology, cellular & molecular biology, and human biology. With a lifelong fascination for living organisms, I possess intellectual insight, creativity, and a commitment to advancing knowledge through research. I thrive on the thrill of experimentation and data analysis, recognizing their contributions to the broader scientific community. My leadership abilities and collaborative spirit are complemented by strong problem-solving and communication skills. I value integrity, cultural awareness, and compassion, which guide my interactions with others. My goal is to build a career that promotes diversity, drives scientific advancements, and delivers compassionate care, ultimately making a meaningful impact in healthcare and beyond.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Hawk Council Officer
River Hill High School
Clarksville, MD, US
08.2023 - 05.2025
- Mentored River Hill freshmen as part of the Hawks on the Rise Freshman Mentorship Program in 11th grade, showcasing a strong commitment to community service and leadership development.
- Selected as an officer for the 2024-25 Hawk Council at River Hill High School, collaborating with a team of five senior students and a teacher guide to organize Freshman Orientation in August 2024.
- Facilitated a seamless transition for incoming 9th graders by covering class selection, extracurricular activities, and key staff introductions during Freshman Orientation.
- Gained leadership experience and honed organizational skills through the planning and execution of large-scale events.
Teen Advisory Council
HC DrugFree
Glenwood, MD, US
04.2022 - 05.2025
- Actively participated in monthly Teen Advisory Council meetings, contributing valuable insights and perspectives on issues related to teen drinking, smoking/vaping, and drug/medication use.
- Engaged in online discussions, fostering open dialogue and awareness about the challenges and solutions surrounding substance use among teens.
- Attended HC DrugFree programs and events, such as Medication and Sharps Disposal events, enhancing community involvement and promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
Internship Affiliate
Dr. Hannah Zierden's Lab, University of Maryland
College Park, MD, US
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Conducted research on female reproductive health, focusing on bacterial vaginosis, the vaginal microbiome, and extracellular vesicles (EVs).
- Gained hands-on experience in biofilm assays, bacterial culture preparation, and metabolic activity measurement using CalScreener.
- Performed assays such as BCA for protein concentration, qPCR for bacterial DNA assessment, and isolation of EVs from cervicovaginal mucus via SEC and density gradient centrifugation.
- Assisted with nanoparticle studies using ZetaView to analyze particle size, charge, and concentration, evaluating the impact of protein corona on drug delivery.
Summer Intern
Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, Columbia, US
Columbia, US
07.2023 - 08.2023
- Actively participated in Patient Experience Department meetings and leadership conferences, gaining valuable insights into hospital operations, departmental interactions, and patient evaluations.
- Shadowed Dr. Patricia Pugh, an emergency medicine doctor, observing patient rounds and various medical conditions to enhance understanding of clinical practices.
- Visited patients to take meal orders, ensuring diets matched medical needs (e.g., heart-healthy, renal, carb-controlled).
- Achieved CPR certification, mastering essential skills such as chest compressions and oxygen mask usage to ensure preparedness in emergency situations.
- Organized files, transcribed meeting minutes, and created email templates for department communication, maintaining clarity and consistency in all documentation.
Teen Action Board
Howard County Library System
Columbia, MD, US
07.2023 - 08.2023
- Collaborated with fellow Teen Action Board (TAB) members and library staff to enhance the library's offerings for teens, fostering a more engaging and inclusive environment.
- Led TAB meetings to brainstorm and implement innovative projects, classes, and events, significantly increasing teen participation and engagement at the libraries.
- Assisted in organizing and executing community outreach activities, such as food and clothing drives, contributing to the library's positive impact on the local community.
- Played a key role in planning and executing the Earth Day event on April 29th, 2023, successfully raising awareness and promoting environmental sustainability.
- Utilized creative problem-solving skills to address challenges and improve the effectiveness of library programs and events.
Certified Youth Climate Institute Ambassador
Youth Climate Institute, Howard County Conservancy
Woodstock, MD, US
10.2022 - 05.2023
- Completed a one-school-year extracurricular program focused on climate science, environmental justice, and real-world solutions, earning certification as a Youth Climate Institute Ambassador.
- Actively participated in workshops on climate science, gaining in-depth knowledge of environmental impacts and solutions.
- Engaged in community action projects, including tree planting events, contributing to local environmental conservation efforts.
- Led the Climate Change Solutionists program for middle school students, fostering awareness and education on climate change.
- Collaborated with peers and mentors to design and execute projects, demonstrating strong teamwork and leadership skills.
Summer Reading Program Teen Volunteer
Howard County Library System
Columbia, MD, US
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Volunteered in an 8-week summer reading program at Howard County Library System, Central Branch, Columbia, enhancing community engagement and literacy.
- Registered families for the summer reading program, providing guidance on book selection and distributing prizes.
- Assisted instructors in summer classes for elementary and middle school students, supporting educational activities and fostering a love for reading among young participants.
- Coordinated with library staff to ensure smooth operation of the program, demonstrating strong organizational and communication skills.
Education
Biological Sciences
College of Computer, Mathematical, And Natural Sciences, University of Maryland
College Park, US01.2026
High School Diploma - undefined
River Hill High School
Clarksville, US05.2025
Biotechnology Career Academy
Applications and Research Laboratory (ARL)
Ellicott City, US05.2025
Skills
- Strong Interpersonal Skills
- Ability to multitask
- Effective communication
- Problem solving skills
- Critical Thinking
- Adept at Research and Analysis
- Time Management
- Leadership
- Honesty and Integrity
- Respectful
- Disciplined, Committed, Motivated, and Passionate
- Microsoft Products
- Excel
- Microsoft Teams
- Word
- OneDrive
- Outlook
- PowerPoint
- Programming Languages
- Python
- Google Suite
Accomplishments
- HOSA COMPETITIONS
- Participated in Maryland HOSA Online Testing Competitions in 2021, 2022 and 2023 academic school years; Fields included Medical Math, Human Growth and Development, Biomedical Laboratory Science, Nutrition, Biotechnology and Pathophysiology
- Selected to participate in State Leadership Conference in all fields
- Secured 4th place in 2022 SLC event
- HOWARD COUNTY WATERSHED SUMMIT
- Represented River Hill High School at Howard County Conservancy as an Ambassador.
- Advocated ways to improve the school watershed.
- AWARD OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
- Award for Academic Excellence during the 2021-2022 school year, nominated by Computer Science Principles AP teacher
- Award for Academic Excellence during the 2022-2023 school year, nominated by US Government AP teacher
- Award for Academic Excellence during the 2022-2023 school year, nominated by Independent Research GT teacher
- Award for Academic Excellence during the 2023-2024 school year, nominated by Biotechnology I GT teacher
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Telugu
Professional Working
Spanish
Elementary
Timeline
Internship Affiliate
Dr. Hannah Zierden's Lab, University of Maryland
06.2024 - 08.2024
Hawk Council Officer
River Hill High School
08.2023 - 05.2025
Summer Intern
Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, Columbia, US
07.2023 - 08.2023
Teen Action Board
Howard County Library System
07.2023 - 08.2023
Certified Youth Climate Institute Ambassador
Youth Climate Institute, Howard County Conservancy
10.2022 - 05.2023
Summer Reading Program Teen Volunteer
Howard County Library System
06.2022 - 08.2022
Teen Advisory Council
HC DrugFree
04.2022 - 05.2025
High School Diploma - undefined
River Hill High School
Biotechnology Career Academy
Applications and Research Laboratory (ARL)
Biological Sciences
College of Computer, Mathematical, And Natural Sciences, University of Maryland
Associations
- Co-president and Member, HOSA - Future Health Professionals, River Hill High School Chapter, 2021-2025
- Member, River Hill Maryland Technology Honor Society (MTHS), 2022 - 2025
- Member, River Hill National Honor Society (NHS), 2023 - 2025
- Member, Howard County Independent Research Student Executive Committee, 2022-2023
- Member, Red Cross Club, 2022-2025