Hi, I'm
Veruschka Pandey
STEM Leader | Innovator | Changemaker
I’m a 17 year-old driven by the conviction of bridging discovery and delivery. My passion lies at the nexus of translational medicine, evidence-based policy reform, and visionary leadership—where I have transformed cutting-edge research, published in international journals, into real governmental health reforms.
Publications &
Coverages
Coverages
Policy & Leadership Documents
MoU with Govt. Of Karnataka Education Department to embed CPR training curricula and clubs across schools statewide.
Creation of state’s first type 1 diabetes mellitus board by Veruschka and policy adoption by state Government.
Awarded WHO Youth Ambassador India for NCD Leadership.
MoU with Manipal Hospitals : Guinness world record holder for CPR Training.
“Science must scale and research must reform. Without this, I have merely observed the world as a scientist; I have not yet shaped it.”
Veruschka Pandey
STEM Leader | Innovator | Changemaker
Research
Publications
Publications
BIOGRAPHY
A glimpse into Veruschka Pandey
Veruschka Pandey is a STEM-centric leader, innovator, and changemaker whose journey is defined by one conviction: discovery must scale, and research must reform. At just seventeen, she has already built bridges between the molecular bench, government policy, and global health diplomacy.
A published biomedical researcher, she pioneered MSC secretome bioengineering in plant-based serum, offering one of the first scalable, cell-free approaches for autoimmune and neurodegenerative therapy. Simultaneously, as Principal Investigator of India’s first youth-led Type 1 Diabetes policy study—now adopted by the Government of Karnataka—she demonstrated how evidence can be transformed into policy blueprints with nationwide potential.
Her appointment as WHO Youth Ambassador for NCDs marks her as one of the youngest voices shaping global health policy, where she translates grassroots innovation into international advocacy.
A published biomedical researcher, she pioneered MSC secretome bioengineering in plant-based serum, offering one of the first scalable, cell-free approaches for autoimmune and neurodegenerative therapy. Simultaneously, as Principal Investigator of India’s first youth-led Type 1 Diabetes policy study—now adopted by the Government of Karnataka—she demonstrated how evidence can be transformed into policy blueprints with nationwide potential.
Her appointment as WHO Youth Ambassador for NCDs marks her as one of the youngest voices shaping global health policy, where she translates grassroots innovation into international advocacy.
Beyond Science and Policy
Beyond science and governance, she is a bestselling poet whose work humanizes health reform, reminding policymakers that statistics are lived stories. As a national-level debater and MUN Prefect, she has represented India on some of the world’s most competitive stages, building coalitions and amplifying the voices of those unheard.
An interdisciplinary personality, Veruschka embodies the very philosophy she lives by: “Science must scale and research must reform. Without this, I have merely observed the world as a scientist; I have not yet shaped it.” Her journey reflects a unique synthesis—of discovery and delivery, of molecules and policy, of data and poetry.
With a vision to redefine accessibility and healthcare across LMICs, she seeks to transform groundbreaking science into scalable systems through policy, innovation, and entrepreneurship
An interdisciplinary personality, Veruschka embodies the very philosophy she lives by: “Science must scale and research must reform. Without this, I have merely observed the world as a scientist; I have not yet shaped it.” Her journey reflects a unique synthesis—of discovery and delivery, of molecules and policy, of data and poetry.
With a vision to redefine accessibility and healthcare across LMICs, she seeks to transform groundbreaking science into scalable systems through policy, innovation, and entrepreneurship
Policy Change
Diabetes Policy Reform: India’s First Youth-Led Qualitative Study
After witnessing a girl faint during a CPR session, I led India’s first youth-led qualitative study on Type 1 Diabetes, uncovering systemic gaps such as insulin shortages, gender stigma, and financial barriers.
This research informed a multi-stakeholder policy blueprint adopted by the Government of Karnataka, established a new diabetes board, and was recognized by the International Diabetes Federation.
I presented this pioneering youth-driven model at the Johns Hopkins Global Health Leaders Conference.
This research informed a multi-stakeholder policy blueprint adopted by the Government of Karnataka, established a new diabetes board, and was recognized by the International Diabetes Federation.
I presented this pioneering youth-driven model at the Johns Hopkins Global Health Leaders Conference.
Govt. Policy Adoption
CPR Reform: Training the World’s Largest Rural Health Workforce
In 2019, I founded Project Suryanayak, which grew from training 20 women in a village courtyard to becoming the world’s largest rural CPR literacy initiative. Through an MoU with Karnataka’s Department of Education, we trained all 47,000 ASHA workers and embedded CPR training into schools, factories, and communities.
Supported by Manipal Hospitals, government, and private partners, the project has reached 100,000+ people nationwide and was showcased at the UN Youth Summit.
Supported by Manipal Hospitals, government, and private partners, the project has reached 100,000+ people nationwide and was showcased at the UN Youth Summit.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Internships
Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) — All India Ambassador & Biomarker Research Innovator.
- Conducted biomarker research under PHFI’s COINCIDE Project, integrating Bayesian modelling, nutritional epidemiology, and geospatial analytics to study micronutrient-linked neurocognitive deficits.
- Developed and field-tested NutriScan — India’s first saliva-based diagnostic for iron, zinc, and folate deficiencies — designed for large-scale screening across 120+ districts and adopted by PHFI for child health programs.
- Created data-driven policy briefs aligning biomarker screening with ICDS and POSHAN 2.0 frameworks for national replication.
- Represented PHFI as All-India Youth Ambassador, presenting NutriScan’s outcomes to regional health officers and public-sector stakeholders.
- Recognized by mentors for pioneering a low-cost, community-scalable diagnostic model connecting molecular research with early childhood public-health reform.
National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) — All India Ambassador & Neurogenomics Researcher
- Appointed Youth Champion for leading dissemination of cognitive-neurology research across medical colleges; authored scientific pamphlets and outreach reports on aphasia (tDCS), Alzheimer’s entropy models, dyslexia (spatial mapping), and CRISPR-based neurodegeneration.
- Contributed to India’s first Mayo Clinic–collaborative bilingualism and dementia study, administering ACE-III, LUQ, CDR, and IADL assessments for 30+ participants.
- Trained in advanced neuroimaging analytics including MRI, DTI, VBM, and Brodmann area mapping, assisting with multimodal biomarker correlation and voxel-based morphometry.
- Designed culturally adaptive cognitive-rehabilitation tools for low-literacy dementia patients, validated through pilot sessions at the NIMHANS Memory Clinic.
- Recognized as All-India Ambassador for Neurogenomic Research, translating lab findings into cognitive-health education and policy briefs for equitable brain-health access nationwide.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation — Uttar Pradesh Technical Support Unit (UPTSU) — Public Health Data Scientist Intern
- Developed AI-driven dengue forecasting models integrating Indian Meteorological Department climate data with case registries to generate spatial risk maps and early-warning signals.
- Designed a machine-learning epidemiology framework enabling predictive resource allocation for vector-control units across Uttar Pradesh (240 million citizens).
- Authored a policy recommendation report outlining adoption of climate-informed surveillance systems, formally recognized by the State Health Department.
- Presented findings to Gates Foundation fellows and UPTSU officials as a prototype for AI-based public-health infrastructure in LMIC contexts.
- Model now under review for integration into state disease surveillance dashboards, establishing an early-intervention paradigm for infectious-disease preparedness.
Manipal & Karnataka Institute of Gastroenterology
- Shadowed physicians across endocrinology and gastroenterology departments to understand the continuum between metabolic and neurological disorders.
- Observed diagnostic and treatment workflows for autoimmune, hepatic, and metabolic syndromes, linking clinical symptom progression to cellular pathophysiology.
- Synthesized field observations into a comparative report connecting clinical decision-making with laboratory data analysis from MSC and T3D research.
- Reinforced commitment to translational medicine — bridging “bench to bedside to blueprint” through an integrated understanding of biology and systems policy.
My Initiatives
Project Suryanayak
www.suryanayak.comProject Surya Nayak is a youth-led initiative founded by Veruschka Pandey to strengthen emergency medical response in India. The project focuses on training ASHA workers and community members in life-saving skills like CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), ensuring timely intervention during medical emergencies.
Through collaborations with government bodies, hospitals, and NGOs, the initiative has reached tens of thousands of peoplenationwide, embedding CPR training into schools, factories, and communities. Its work demonstrates how grassroots initiatives can drive measurable impact in healthcare accessibility and preparedness.
Through collaborations with government bodies, hospitals, and NGOs, the initiative has reached tens of thousands of peoplenationwide, embedding CPR training into schools, factories, and communities. Its work demonstrates how grassroots initiatives can drive measurable impact in healthcare accessibility and preparedness.
Medcon
https://medconindia.comAs Founder and Chair of MedCon India, I established the nation’s first student-led medical conference and competition uniting the ecosystems of science, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. Organized in partnership with the Government of Karnataka and Manipal Hospitals, and featuring Dr. Devi Shetty as keynote speaker, MedCon served as a translational platform where ideas moved from discovery to implementation.
The event convened over 300 student innovators, clinicians, and policy experts for a dual-track experience: a CPR-training certification program that advanced emergency-literacy reform, and a biotech pitching competition that encouraged the commercialization of youth-led biomedical solutions. Recognized internationally for bridging research and real-world health delivery, MedCon India exemplified my belief that innovation must extend beyond the laboratory—into scalable systems that can strengthen public-health infrastructure and entrepreneurial capacity across emerging economies.
The event convened over 300 student innovators, clinicians, and policy experts for a dual-track experience: a CPR-training certification program that advanced emergency-literacy reform, and a biotech pitching competition that encouraged the commercialization of youth-led biomedical solutions. Recognized internationally for bridging research and real-world health delivery, MedCon India exemplified my belief that innovation must extend beyond the laboratory—into scalable systems that can strengthen public-health infrastructure and entrepreneurial capacity across emerging economies.
Poetry & Writing
WRITINGS
Roots in Observation
Writing has been my constant since I was seven. My grandmother would leave dried roses as bookmarks in my diaries, and I would fill those pages with verses—scribbled in margins, written on scraps of paper late at night, or typed into my phone during car rides. I grew up a deeply observant child, collecting the world’s silences and fractures and translating them into words.
Vapours of Veruschka
I’ve always felt that thoughts are like vapours—you either capture them or lose them. That idea gave birth to my first blog, Vapours of Veruschka, a place where I began to archive my reflections before they disappeared. It was my first attempt at showing the world the vapours I had been holding inside
Read my blog
What I’ve Penned
Tween Twilight: A Symphony of Poems
At twelve, I gathered the courage to share more and published my first anthology, Tween Twilight. The book carried forewords from two of my greatest inspirations: Dr. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, one of India’s most visionary biotech entrepreneurs, and Dr. K. Gopalkrishna, chairperson of NPS and TISB institutions. The poems explored racism, climate change, and mental health.
To my surprise, it became an Amazon bestseller, invited international traction, and was featured at a national book fair. Every rupee earned from its sales went to UNESCO, making my writing as much about purpose as expression
Goodreads – Tween Twilight
Goodreads
Frontlist Author Interview
Frontlist
Frontlist Book Review
Frontlist
Deccan Herald – Poem of the Month
Deccan Herald
The New Indian Express – A Poetic Awakening
The New Indian Express
Music
My Journey
Music has been my deepest form of expression. I trained in Western Classical Vocals with Trinity College London (Grade 5 Distinction) and performed across interschool competitions and concerts. Beyond performance, I used music at school concerts and fundraisers to support causes I cared about.
Music Therapy Sessions
At 12, during the pandemic, I launched online music therapy sessions with Fortis, Manipal Hospitals, and Columbia Asia. These sessions supported patients and frontline families facing isolation and grief, showing me how creativity can directly impact public health.
Why Music Matters
For me, music lies at the crossroads of poetry and science—a language of empathy. Whether through therapy sessions or performance, I see it as a way to heal, connect, and inspire, proving that even small acts of creation can spark collective change.
MUN & Debate
Debate
Debate has been a defining anchor in my journey. Ranked among the Top 30 debaters in India (ISDS 2021–24), I’ve led my school’s Debate Club since Grade 9, mentoring peers and shaping discussions that merge evidence with policy. For me, debate is precision—the craft of framing, analyzing, and persuading.
Model United Nations Leadership
As MUN Prefect Prefect of TISB, I’ve mentored delegations at international platforms like Harvard and Yale MUN and chaired my school’s MUN for three years. In 2025, I serve as Secretary-General of TISBMUN XXV, India’s largest student-led charity MUN (1000+ delegates), leading its first government partnership and corporate sponsorship. I also introduced the Medical Crisis Committee, a unique simulation blending health systems with diplomacy.
International Roles
Beyond TISB, I was appointed Assistant Director at Yale MUN South East Asia (2025) and Harvard MUN India (2025), where I judged 300+ delegates. I have also served as Assistant Director at Yale MUN Dubai (2024), gaining first-hand experience in shaping high-caliber international conferences.
MUN Awards & Accolades
55+ awards across 60+ MUNs (2019–present)
22 conferences chaired at the international level
Outstanding Delegate, Harvard MUN 2024 (SOCHUM)
Best Delegate at multiple national and South Asian circuits
A leading voice in Bangalore’s MUN for combining science and diplomacy.
AWARDS
Academics
Leadership & Impact
Writing, Music & MUN
Sole recipient in Batch: Chairman’s Scholarship For Persistent Academic Excellence.
CREST Gold Award.
St. Yau High School Science Award Finalist, Biology.
British Biology Olympiad: Silver (top 15%).
Environment And Patent
Co-Inventor – India’s First Patented Storm-Drain Groundwater Rejuvenation System
Government of India Patent Granted | Recognized at India Water Impact Summit
The Problem I Saw
Growing up in Bengaluru, I witnessed a paradox every monsoon: roads flooded with stormwater, while nearby wells dried up. Stagnant drains became breeding grounds for waterborne diseases—a cycle of scarcity and risk in developing cities like ours.
It reminded me of cellular imbalance — influx without absorption, signal without response. My brother Vedansh and I decided to design a bio-inspired solution, treating the city like an organism whose circulatory system had failed.
It reminded me of cellular imbalance — influx without absorption, signal without response. My brother Vedansh and I decided to design a bio-inspired solution, treating the city like an organism whose circulatory system had failed.
The Solution We Built
When I was 16 and Vedansh was 20, we patented a groundwater rejuvenation system that converts stormwater drains (SWDs) into living aquifers. The model embeds existing open wells within SWD beds, lining them with precision-drilled concrete rings and slotted GI pipes that mimic semi-permeable membranes — selectively filtering particulates while permitting molecular flow.
Like osmosis in a cell, this controlled diffusion enables bidirectional water exchange: rapid absorption during monsoons and sustained release during dry months.
Like osmosis in a cell, this controlled diffusion enables bidirectional water exchange: rapid absorption during monsoons and sustained release during dry months.
The result is a self-regulating hydrological network that simultaneously reduces flooding, replenishes aquifers, and curbs vector-borne diseases. What began as an engineering intervention evolved into an urban-scale analogue of molecular homeostasis — balancing intake and efflux to restore equilibrium.
For me, this project exemplified what I now define as translational biology: applying principles of permeability, filtration, and feedback regulation not in a petri dish, but across city ecosystems. It reaffirmed my belief that molecular thinking need not remain confined to cells; it can redesign systems — from aquifers to health policies — to sustain life at every scale.
For me, this project exemplified what I now define as translational biology: applying principles of permeability, filtration, and feedback regulation not in a petri dish, but across city ecosystems. It reaffirmed my belief that molecular thinking need not remain confined to cells; it can redesign systems — from aquifers to health policies — to sustain life at every scale.
