Meet YASS Member: Dhruv

By Dhruv

Over the past two years, I have dedicated myself to astronomy, earning recognition at both local and national levels. In ninth grade, I placed second in Physics and Astronomy at the Washington State Science and Engineering Fair (WSSEF) for a research project on exoplanets, and I also shared my passion more broadly through an article on exoplanet discoveries published in the Seattle Astronomical Society newsletter.

In tenth grade, I continued to build on these achievements. Partnering with Anisha—whom I first met through the Young Astronomy Society of Seattle (YASS)—I earned first place in Physics and Astronomy at WSSEF, with our project selected among the top 20 advancing toward the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

Beyond competitions, I have enjoyed contributing to team-based astronomy. As a member of the Astronomy team in Science Olympiad, I have competed at the state level for two consecutive years. My involvement in YASS has been especially meaningful, giving me both mentorship and collaboration opportunities that have fueled my passion for research and connected me with a community of peers equally enthusiastic about the cosmos.