Junior · Dougherty Valley High School · San Ramon, CA

Builder.
Researcher.
Founder.

I have been building things since I was ten. Some worked, some did not. The ones that stuck were always about the same thing: making something useful for someone who did not have it yet.

Get in touch
Saahithi Madhuvarsu
4,600+ Children Reached
55+ Workshops
3 GenBank Publications
500+ App Users
2x Presidential Award
Founded & Led
Organizations I built from scratch
🤖
501(c) Nonprofit · Co-Founder
Busy Buzzy Bots Inc.
busybuzzybots.org · 2020 – Present

Co-founded at age ten as a Maker Faire project; now a formally incorporated 501(c) nonprofit with multi-state chapters and international reach. Designs, manufactures, and sells proprietary DC motor STEM kits as a self-sustaining revenue model: proceeds fund free workshops, global charitable initiatives, and operations. Manages production, finances, and business pitching across four states and Hyderabad, India. 2024 Top-Rated Nonprofit by GreatNonprofits. Co-presented at TEDxArdenwood Youth (July 2025) and featured in the Maker Faire Bay Area 2025 Yearbook.

55+ hands-on STEM workshops delivered
4,600+ children directly helped across 4 states + India
$20,000+ raised through workshops alone
2,000+ proprietary DC motor STEM kits sold
100+ community events attended
PVSA certifying organization · 50+ volunteers
Media: San Ramon Patch · MSN News · PR.com
🌸
Health App · Founder
Her Flo
herflo.org · 2021 – Present

Built and shipped an iOS menstrual health app independently at age eleven: no co-founder, no template, no team. Recognized a gap: no relatable, medically grounded period tracker existed for pre-teen girls. Designed, developed, and published to the App Store using Thunkable and Firebase. Expanded into a full health-education ecosystem: a podcast featuring board-certified OB-GYNs, dermatologists, and neurosurgeons, distributed on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Covers period poverty, hormonal health, mental health, and menstrual hygiene.

500+ active users · App Store & Google Play
8 podcast episodes on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Medical advisors: OB-GYN, dermatologist, neurosurgeon
YouTube channel with expert health content for teens
Full website with expert-authored blog · herflo.org
Research & Labs
Work I've contributed to
🧬
Published Research
Duckweed Gene Sequencing · 3 NCBI GenBank Publications
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory · Jul–Aug 2025

Research internship combining molecular biology and bioinformatics at one of the nation's premier national labs. Analyzed Landoltia punctata (duckweed) gene sequences alongside full wet-lab protocols.

Key Outcomes
Three DNA sequences published in NCBI GenBank under student authorship: accessions JZ990823.1, JZ990821.1, JZ990783.1
Executed full wet-lab protocol independently: PCR, restriction digests, gel electrophoresis, bacterial culturing, and plasmid preparation
Genomics Wet Lab PCR NCBI GenBank Bioinformatics
🏥
Research · <5% Acceptance
AI Detection of Pneumonia Severity from Chest X-Rays
Stanford AIMI · Jun 2025

Worked on detecting and quantifying pneumonia severity from chest X-ray scans — pneumonia is the leading infectious cause of childhood death globally.

Key Outcomes
Applied K-fold cross-validation and data augmentation to improve precision and recall on a pediatric pneumonia chest X-ray detection model
Selected with under 5% acceptance rate — one of the most competitive AI-in-medicine programs available to high schoolers
Medical Imaging Computer Vision K-Fold CV Data Augmentation Clinical ML
🔬
Research · Ongoing
ML Classification of Cancer-Linked S/MAR DNA Sequences
ASDRP · Prof. Clinton Cunha · Sep 2025 – Present

Building ML classifiers to identify S/MAR DNA sequences linked to gene regulation and cancer, using genomic data from ENCODE and the UCSC Genome Browser.

Key Outcomes
Built and evaluated multiple ML classifiers for identifying cancer-linked S/MAR DNA sequences from ENCODE and UCSC Genome Browser data
Developed an interactive visualization tool to explore model results — presented at ASDRP March 2026 Research Expo
Computational Biology ML Classification ENCODE Python Genomics
📊
Academic Research
Data Science & Statistical Modeling
UC Berkeley ATDP · Jun 2023 & Jun 2024

Completed two independent research projects through UC Berkeley's selective Academic Talent Development Program, spanning data science and behavioral science.

Key Outcomes
Applied linear regression to a 150,000+ business Yelp dataset using pandas, numpy, and statsmodels to model predictors of business ratings
Completed certificates in Data Science with Python (Jun 2024) and Social Psychology (Jun 2023) through UC Berkeley's selective ATDP program
Python Regression Analysis pandas · numpy Data Visualization Social Psychology
Recognition
Competitions & honors
1st
Hack the Planet: AI Blood Test Diagnostics
AI-powered at-home blood test analyzing immune cell composition for preliminary diagnosis. Targets $32B ER-visit problem.
Feb 2025
1st
DVHS EcoInnovators Hackathon: EcoScan
Mobile app scanning product barcodes to report carbon footprint and suggest sustainable alternatives. Prototyped on Thunkable.
Feb 2024
2nd
Hack the Planet: Soil Guard
IoT sensor system tracking nutrient levels in farm soil to prevent over-fertilization. Full business model and prototype developed.
May 2025
2nd
TiE Young Entrepreneurs Competition
Developed nationwide abortion access platform. Cross-team collaboration; $500 cash prize. National competition with industry judges.
Jun 2023
★
Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award (2x)
Awarded for completing 100+ hours of verified community service. Two-time recipient: through Busy Buzzy Bots as a PVSA certifying organization.
May 2024
★
TEDx Speaker · TEDxArdenwood Youth
Delivered talk on STEM education access and the Busy Buzzy Bots model. Invited speaker; talk published on YouTube.
Jul 2025
★
AP Scholar Award
AP Biology: 5 · AP World History: 5 · AP Computer Science A: 4. Additional exams in progress.
2024–2025
Technical Skills
What I work with
Languages & Dev
Python Java Scratch Firebase Thunkable App Development
Data & ML
pandas numpy matplotlib sklearn K-Fold CV Bioinformatics
Wet Lab
PCR Gel Electrophoresis Cell Culture Aseptic Technique Plasmid Prep

Open to opportunities

Research collaborations, internships, partnerships for Her Flo or Busy Buzzy Bots, or anything at the intersection of technology and access. Reach out directly.

✉ saahithi.km@gmail.com LinkedIn herflo.org busybuzzybots.org
Research and Publications 42 verified sources ⌄
Research & Publications
PublishedJun 2025
NCBI GenBank: Madhuvarsu, S. — Genomic Sequences
Three mRNA sequences from Landoltia punctata (duckweed) permanently archived in the world's primary nucleotide repository through the Waksman Student Scholars Program at Rutgers. A named authorship credit in GenBank is a credential most students never reach in four years of college.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
ResearchAug 2025
Stanford AIMI: AI-Based Pneumonia Detection from Chest X-Rays
LinkedIn post documenting Saahithi's work at the Stanford Center for AI in Medicine and Imaging internship, covering data augmentation and K-fold cross-validation applied to pediatric pneumonia detection. Internship acceptance rate was under 5%.
linkedin.com ↗
ResearchJan 2025
UC Berkeley ATDP: Data Science Project Documentation
LinkedIn post sharing outcomes from the UC Berkeley ATDP Data Science with Python course, featuring Saahithi's statistical analysis of a 150,000+ business Yelp dataset using pandas, numpy, and matplotlib. Completed as part of the selective Academic Talent Development Program.
linkedin.com ↗
Press & Media Coverage
PressOct 2024
San Ramon Patch: "San Ramon Student Creates DIY STEM Kits"
Feature article covering Saahithi and Saaketh's work with Busy Buzzy Bots, including the design and sale of DIY STEM motor kits for children, ahead of the 2024 Bay Area Maker Faire. First major local media feature of the organization's work.
patch.com ↗
PressDec 2025
San Ramon Patch: "San Ramon Teen Siblings Donate Over 50 Pounds of Candy"
Coverage of the Busy Buzzy Bots holiday candy drive that collected and donated over 50 pounds of candy to foster care centers across Alameda County. Includes direct quotes from Saahithi on why community service drives the organization's mission.
patch.com ↗
PressDec 2025
MSN News: "San Ramon Teens Donate Over 50 Pounds of Candy to Children in Need"
National syndication of the candy donation story, extending the coverage beyond local San Ramon media to a national audience. Documents the Busy Buzzy Bots partnership with Glad Tidings Church of God in Christ in Hayward.
msn.com ↗
PressJan 2025
PR.com: "Busy Buzzy Bots Wrap Up a Remarkable 2024"
Official press release summarizing Busy Buzzy Bots' 2024 milestones, including workshop counts, funds raised, children reached, and competition wins. Establishes the organization's scale and operational track record with independently sourced figures.
pr.com ↗
TEDx & Maker Faire
EventJul 2025
TEDxArdenwood Youth: Talk by Saahithi & Saaketh Madhuvarsu
Official TED event page for the TEDxArdenwood Youth event where Saahithi delivered her talk on STEM education access and the Busy Buzzy Bots model. Invited speaker at a competitive youth TEDx event in the Bay Area.
ted.com ↗
VideoSep 2025
TEDx Talk Recording: Busy Buzzy Bots on YouTube
Full video recording of the TEDxArdenwood Youth talk, publicly available on YouTube. Documents Saahithi's presentation on expanding STEM access for underserved youth through community-driven education.
youtube.com ↗
EventMay 2019
Maker Faire Bay Area 2019: Busy Buzzy Bots Exhibit
First Maker Faire listing for Busy Buzzy Bots, when Saahithi was in 4th grade. Marks the beginning of a six-year consecutive Maker Faire exhibition record, one of the longest traceable student participation records at the event.
makerfaire.com ↗
EventOct 2024
Maker Faire Bay Area 2024: Busy Buzzy Bots Exhibit
Official listing for the 2024 Bay Area Maker Faire exhibit, by which point Busy Buzzy Bots had grown into a professional booth engaging hundreds of families with interactive DC motor demonstrations. Part of 100+ community events attended that year.
makerfaire.com ↗
FeatureNov 2025
Maker Faire Bay Area 2025 Yearbook: Busy Buzzy Bots
Formal inclusion in the curated Maker Faire Bay Area 2025 Yearbook, selecting Busy Buzzy Bots as a featured maker project among thousands of exhibitors. One of the premier recognition platforms for STEM innovation in the maker community.
makerfaire.com ↗
Her Flo
PlatformJan 2025
HerFlo Official Website
Main website for Her Flo, featuring the period-tracking app, expert-authored health blog, and podcast resources for teen girls. Founded by Saahithi at age eleven to address the gap in relatable, medically grounded menstrual health tools for pre-teens.
herflo.org ↗
PodcastDec 2025
HerFlo: The Becoming Her Podcast — Apple Podcasts
Eight-episode podcast series featuring interviews with OB-GYNs, dermatologists, and neurosurgeons on topics relevant to teenage girls, including puberty, hormonal health, mental health, and period poverty. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
apple.com ↗
VideoDec 2025
HerFlo YouTube Channel
YouTube channel distributing Her Flo podcast episodes and health education content for teen girls. Features conversations with medical professionals on topics including acne, stress, social media, and menstrual health.
youtube.com ↗
Hackathons
1st PlaceMar 2025
Hack the Planet 2025: AI Blood Test Diagnostics — 1st Place
LinkedIn post documenting the 1st place win at Hack the Planet for an AI-powered at-home blood test that analyzes T-cell and B-cell immune compositions to provide preliminary diagnoses. Addresses the $32 billion annual unnecessary ER visit problem.
linkedin.com ↗
2nd PlaceDec 2024
Hack the Planet: Soil Guard Sensor System — 2nd Place
LinkedIn post covering the 2nd place finish at a Hack the Planet event for Soil Guard, an IoT soil sensor system designed to track nutrient levels in farmland and prevent over-fertilization. Full business model and prototype developed during the sprint.
linkedin.com ↗
1st PlaceDec 2024
DVHS EcoInnovators Hackathon: EcoScan — 1st Place
LinkedIn post documenting the 1st place win at the DVHS EcoInnovators Hackathon for EcoScan, a mobile app that scans product barcodes to rate eco-friendliness and suggest sustainable alternatives. Prototyped and demoed on Thunkable.
linkedin.com ↗
Social Initiatives (Busy Buzzy Bots)
InitiativeJan 2024
Sponsor a Blind Child — Hyderabad, India
Visited and provided care packages to a school for the blind in Hyderabad. Described by the team as an eye-opening experience that deepened the organization's international service commitment.
busybuzzybots.org ↗
InitiativeJul 2024
EKAM USA Bicycle Bank — Rural India
Fundraised and delivered 5 bicycles to high school girls in rural India through a partnership with EKAM USA's Bicycle Bank program, directly reducing school transportation barriers for underserved students.
busybuzzybots.org ↗
InitiativeAug 2024
Rural India Education Fund
Distributed school supplies including books, notebooks, and stationery, and contributed funding for classroom infrastructure, desks, and water access at a rural school in India. One of several ongoing international impact efforts.
busybuzzybots.org ↗
InitiativeSep 2024
Pennsylvania Food Drive — Bethesda Mission
Collected and donated over 500 cans of food to the Bethesda Mission shelter in Pennsylvania through the Busy Buzzy Bots PA chapter, demonstrating the organization's multi-state operational scale.
busybuzzybots.org ↗
InitiativeOct 2024
Trick-or-Treat Candy Drive — Foster Care Centers
Collected approximately 100 pounds of Halloween candy and donated to three Bay Area foster care centers including SENECA and Alternative Family Services, reaching 100+ children in foster care.
busybuzzybots.org ↗
Global STEM Teaching — Hyderabad, India
TeachingSep 2025
Coding Bootcamp: Sree Rama Krishna Vidhya Bhavan High School
LinkedIn documentation of the 8-week virtual coding bootcamp Saahithi led for 34 students at a Hyderabad school with only six shared computers. Saahithi taught Scratch programming as the students' first exposure to computer science.
linkedin.com ↗
TeachingSep 2025
Facilitator Post — Dhananjaya Nair on the India Bootcamp
LinkedIn post from program facilitator DJ Nair describing the bootcamp as "less like a chat and more like a glimpse into the future," documenting the impact of the program on participating students and adult observers.
linkedin.com ↗
Organization Profiles
Website2022
Busy Buzzy Bots Official Website
Main organizational website for Busy Buzzy Bots Inc., featuring initiative recaps, event documentation, STEM kit information, and team profiles. Serves as the primary public record of the nonprofit's ongoing work across four states and internationally.
busybuzzybots.org ↗
LeadershipSep 2025
DVHS Leadership: Spirit Events Team
DVHS Leadership program page documenting the Spirit Events team that Saahithi joined in September 2025. Responsible for planning and executing school-wide events to strengthen campus community and student engagement at Dougherty Valley High School.
dvhsleadership.com ↗