STEMStart Co-Founder Nirav Kottury made the Dean’s list in Virginia Commonwealth University VCU Engineering -Pre-Med, Bio Medical Engineering Major and Chemistry Major for the Fall 2023, Spring 2024, and Fall 2024 semesters.

Dean’s Note: Whether this is your first time or one of many times on the Dean’s List, this is a moment in which you should be very proud of your accomplishments. This is a true testament of your work ethic, your grit and determination. You are a part of an elite group of students in the College of Engineering as well as here on the greater VCU Monroe Park Campus. On behalf of the entire dean’s office, faculty and staff, we wish you continued success during your studies here with us.  

STEMStart Co-Founder Nirav Kottury presented his undergraduate research paper on “The Army of Cards – Blending Warfare and Poker Strategy” in the National Collegiate Research Conference (NCRC) 2025 (January 24-26 2025). National Collegiate Research Conference (NCRC) promotes the growth of a national undergraduate research community by facilitating communication, collaboration, and identity for undergraduate students in the global research sphere. The Harvard College Undergraduate Research Association (HCURA) strongly believes that student researchers have the ability to make meaningful and significant contributions in all fields of study and to the greater body of world research knowledge.

STEMStart Co-Founder Nirav Kottury got selected as VCU GSMP (Graduate Student Menotring Program) Scholar in September 2024 for the duration of his Under Graduate Program at VCU.

On July 21, 2024, STEMStart Co-Founders ( Nirav Kottury and Niati Kottury) conducted an AI bootcamp at the Brambleton Library. Mr. Ravi Pandey AI Expert from Freddie Mac gave an inspiring lecture and helped conduct hands-on exercises with high school students. Through the boot camp, high school students learned the basics of artificial intelligence and created their own websites using Python and AI tools. We hope this boot camp generated interest and enthusiasm in the participating students to pursue STEM fields in their further education and careers.

STEMStart Co-Founder Niati Kottury received 2nd place alongside Shubeeb Rudd, Meghna Sudheer and Rhea Chatterji at the 2023-2024 Bioinformatics Hackathon (BNFOthon) hosted by the VCU Undergraduate Society of Bioinformatics. Our project addressed the accessibility of gene therapy in the US and our solution was to implement gene therapy and healthcare policies from Brazil.

Calling all girls who are interested in learning AI – no coding experience needed. STEMStart is excited to announce and support Girls AI Hackathon in DC (03/06 thru 03/13). This is a free Virtual event. You can register at https://bit.ly/3oYRYXF . Get your questions on event logistics answered by clicking contact the organizer button during registration.