Rising Senior • Researcher • Student Advocate

Exploring science at the intersection of medicine, engineering, and public service.

I’m Tvarita Mathur, a rising senior passionate about biomedical research, STEM access, and policy work that helps gifted and talented students find meaningful opportunities.

View Research See Advocacy Work

Current Focus

Lab Research + Legislative Advocacy

From studying transient network theory through surgical glue and bandage models to advocating for advanced STEM resources, my work centers on using curiosity to create practical impact.

About

Curious, persistent, and driven by impact.

My academic interests center on biology, physics, and the ways scientific research can solve real human problems. Through hands-on lab experiences, science competition, and conversations with educators and legislators, I continue to explore how science, policy, and student advocacy can work together.

Lab Research

Research Projects

Transient Network Theory & Surgical Bandages with Vernerey Research Group at CU Boulder

I investigate slime as a model system to understand how surgical glues and force-tunable bandages respond to heat, time-dependent strain, and changing mechanical conditions.

Focus: soft materials, biomedical adhesives, and mechanical response
Skills: experimental design, observation, analysis, scientific writing
Goal: connect theoretical models to practical medical applications

View Science Fair Presentation

Mycelium & Hyphae Growth with Vernerey Research Group at CU Boulder

I worked with mycelium-based systems and use lab techniques to measure hyphae growth, analyze biological patterns, and connected organism behavior to broader research questions.

Focus: fungal growth, biological systems, and data interpretation
Skills: measurement, lab documentation, microscopy-based observation
Interest: sustainable biomaterials and biological engineering

Experience

Research Internships

Biomedical Research

Integrative Vascular Biology Laboratory at CU Boulder

I intern in the Integrative Vascular Biology Laboratory at CU Boulder’s DeSouza Lab, which studies how aging, cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, and habitual physical activity affect vascular endothelial function. Through this experience, I gain exposure to biomedical research focused on vascular health, exercise physiology, endothelial regulation, and clinical research methods.

Legislative Internship

Internship with Representative Eliza Hamrick

I support legislative work connected to education, public service, and student advocacy while learning how policy decisions are researched, discussed, and communicated.

Meeting with Representative Eliza Hamrick

Campaign Internship

Manny Rutinel Campaign — Colorado’s 8th Congressional District

I contribute to campaign work focused on civic engagement, voter outreach, communications, and understanding how local and congressional campaigns connect community priorities to public policy.

Legislative Work

GT Colorado State Student Board & Education Advocacy

Through my work with the GT Colorado State Student Board and the Boulder Valley School District GT Youth Council, I have focused on improving access to advanced learning opportunities, especially in STEM for students at my school. After my freshman year, I recognized that the existing Gifted and Talented Support Program at my school did not fully meet student needs. For example, students needed to update their Advanced Learning Plans but the program lacked the resources to help students do so. So l initiated the creation of a stronger school-level GT program that aligned better with student needs.

I worked with my school Principal and my school’s GT coordinator to build a framework where students can share their needs, access mentorship, and pursue advanced academic and passion-based opportunities. This experience showed me how student voice, administrative collaboration, and policy advocacy can work together to create meaningful change.

          Advocacy Accomplishments

          Expanding access to advanced STEM coursework and research pathways
Creating stronger student voice in gifted education decisions
Supporting school-level GT programming and mentorship
Connecting policy conversations to real student experiences

        

Leadership

STEM Leadership & Community Work

Formula 1 Club

Founder & President

I lead a club that connects students through physics, engineering, aerodynamics, racing strategy, and STEM fundraising. Through the club, I also support fundraising for Lewis Hamilton’s Mission 44, a foundation focused on expanding opportunity and access to STEM careers.

Learn more about Mission 44

Science Olympiad

Co-President; Former Vice President & Captain

I lead preparation sessions, coordinate study schedules, support biology and anatomy events, and mentor younger students in competition. We have placed 6th at state in the last two seasons.

GT Advocacy

Student Voice in Education

I work to build stronger gifted programming and opportunities for students interested in research, advanced STEM, and passion projects.

Mentorship

STEM Tutor & Middle School Coach

I tutor math and mentor younger Science Olympiad students, focusing on making challenging concepts feel approachable.

Contact

Let’s connect.

Interested in research, mentorship, gifted education advocacy, or STEM opportunities? Reach out below.

mathurtvarita@gmail.com LinkedIn Resume