Pallavi Dokka discusses her passion for neuroscience

McKenna Ryan, Staff Writer

As adolescents, adults often tell us to chase our dreams. Junior Pallavi Dokka chases her own dream of becoming a neuroscientist both inside and outside of school.

Dokka’s interest in neuroscience was ignited when doctors diagnosed a close friend’s mother with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It gave her perspective and brought her closer to her passion for studying medicine.

“It was a really bittersweet time when my friend's mother was diagnosed,” Dokka said. “Even though she was sick, that was the period of time when I got to be around the most doctors and physicians who were giving me really great advice about how to take action towards being a doctor in the future.”

Dokka hopes to inspire the same interest in neuroscience in her peers that these doctors inspired in her. She has channeled her passion into involvement with the International Youth Neuroscience Association (IYNA), a global organization devoted to preparing the next generation of neuroscientists. Last year, Dokka started a IYNA chapter at Northview.

“With her passion for neuroscience, you can truly see how she takes that passion above and beyond,” junior Shruthi Balachander, a friend of Dokka, said. “From starting IYNA to making her TedX speech about neuroscience, her passion and work ethic toward the topic is truly inspiring.”

Malcolm Delgado, a science teacher at Northview and the IYNA sponsor admires Dokka’s professionalism and dedication to expanding the club. He has noticed her desire to broaden her horizons in neuroscience while exploring specific aspects in depth. 

“She always had something to share, new information to provide [about] university-level topics that even I’m interested in,” Delgado said.

Dokka uses Northview’s competitive environment to refine her academic skills, develop an industrious mindset, and gain life lessons she will carry with her as she sets her sights beyond high school.

“There's always going to be that feeling that one person is better than you, but it's that feeling of fear that's driven me to where I am today—to take as many opportunities as I have today,” Dokka said. “I don't think I would have taken any kind of initiative if [Northview] were not as rigorous.”

Dokka’s fervent pursuit of neuroscience and attitude toward life have left a lasting impact on her friends.

“One of the biggest things I learn from [Dokka] every single day is just to live my life—to do things that make me happy, do things I have a passion for, and live with the opportunity that has been given to me,” Balachander said.

Dokka is prepared to devote 12-15 years of her life after high school to obtaining an education in neuroscience and medicine. She envisions devoting her time to neuroscience at John Hopkins University or Vanderbilt University.

“Their neuroscience programs are extremely comprehensive and intense,” Dokka said. “I want to get the best kind of education when it comes to my career because it’s something that I really do love.”

Delgado sees a bright future ahead of Dokka and is excited to see her impact in the medical field.

“She has capabilities to accomplish anything in life,” he said. “She's really somebody that can bring ideas to the table and lead people, or maybe other scientists, to start finding other approaches to diseases.”