About

Our mission

Our mission is to teach students scientific inquiry and creative thinking through hands-on experiments and to support high-school researchers with resources and mentorship, making STEM accessible and empowering the next generation of problem solvers.

Innovation

We embrace curiosity-driven experimentation, encouraging students to ask bold questions and develop creative solutions. By teaching the scientific process—hypothesis, testing, analysis—we empower learners to iterate on ideas and push beyond traditional boundaries. Our goal is to cultivate a mindset where every challenge becomes an opportunity for invention.

Equity

We remove financial and logistical barriers so all students can access hands-on STEM experiences and research support. Whether through micro-grants, equipment lending, or free workshops at libraries and schools, we ensure that background or resources never limit a student’s chance to explore science. Every learner deserves the tools and guidance needed to succeed.

Community

We build a network of peers, mentors, educators, and local partners to foster collaboration at every level. By connecting elementary students with high-school researchers, industry volunteers, and university programs, we create a supportive environment where knowledge is shared and teamwork drives impact. Together, we solve real problems and grow stronger as a STEM community.



Our Method

We use hands-on workshops and online research tools to build both scientific and intuitive thinking. In each lab, students form hypotheses, run experiments, troubleshoot on the fly, and draw data-driven conclusions. This dual focus trains them to think methodically and creatively, preparing them to tackle bigger challenges in high school and beyond. By layering in mentorship and resources, we set every student up for future success as an independent researcher and problem solver.

Our Story

A NASA study found that 98% of 4-5 year old children possess creative thinking skills at the genius level, but that number dropped to 12% of 15 year old’s and a staggering 2% of adults. In between that, students are restricted by environments that leave no room for innovative thinking. Schools teach perfection, when asking bold questions, building messy prototypes, and pursuing ideas are what should drive students to learn more.
Additionally, in many underserved communities, students may never get a chance to realize their passions or further their ideas due to lack of resources and funding.
Mind to matter exists to reverse this decline, and because knowledge alone doesn’t drive innovation—thinking does. We create spaces and opportunities for experimentation, for inquiry, and for curiosity, while remaining accessible and free no matter where you are.

The Founders Team

Allison Huang

Allison is a sophomore at East Brunswick High School with an interest in neuroscience, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. Outside of academics, she practices taekwondo and archery. With a thoughtful, forward-looking mindset, Allison is committed to supporting Mind to Matter’s mission and contributing meaningfully to its continued success.

Shaurya Gandhi

Shaurya is a sophomore at East Brunswick High School with a focus on computer science, mathematics, and physics. In his free time, he enjoys video games, cooking and baking, and staying connected through social media. His dedication, sharpened through countless hours at hackathons, drives his commitment to helping Mind to Matter fulfill its mission.

Justin Wang

Justin is a sophomore at East Brunswick High School with a strong interest in communication, outreach, and design. Outside of the glorious bounds of school, he likes to play the viola, swim, and sleep. He is currently focused on developing his skills in marketing and is dedicated to helping raise awareness of Mind to Matter’s mission within the scientific community.

Relevant Qualifications

Why should you listen to us?

Allison Huang

  • Independent computational neuroscience research
  • Presented research at the Global Youth Institute as an NJ Delegate
  • Presented synthetic biology research to a panel at Columbia
  • Studied bioengineering through a university pre-college program
  • 2 years of tutoring experience
  • AP Biology 5
  • Completed AP Chemistry
  • 4 years of Science Olympiad
  • Science Bowl competitive team member
  • Science League competitive team: AP Chemistry

Shaurya Gandhi

  • Independent research in computational neuroscience
  • 3 years of First Robotics Competition
  • AP Biology 5
  • Completed AP Chemistry
  • 4 years of Science Olympiad
  • Independently taught introductory computer science to young students
  • Participated in hackathons
  • 4 years of competing in the American Mathematics Competition
  • Science Bowl competitive team member
  • Science League competitive team: Physics

Justin Wang

  • 2 years of tutoring experience
  • Participating in Model UN
  • Completed high school biology and associated lab work
  • Attended Rutgers Business School Summer Program
  • Participated in the New Jersey Youth Institute under the World Food Prize to develop solutions to food security
  • Outreach officer for a First Robotics Competition team
  • Board member at the Locke Key Publication