NAISAK Student Sai Prithivirajan Selected for MIT with Innovative Organ Transplant Project

North Anglia International School Al Khor (NAISAK) proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of Saishruti Prithivirajan (Sai), who has been selected for a prestigious MIT student program after developing an innovative biomedical project focused on improving organ transplant success.

Sai’s project, “Immuno-engineered organ veil,” introduces a cutting-edge concept in transplant medicine. She explains:

“When there's a transplant, the first few days are the most crucial period… current technology uses immunosuppressants… so I came up with a different idea where we can use hydrogel and embed drugs into the hydrogel so the immunosuppressants take place at the exact site where it needs to take place instead of the entire body.”

This targeted drug delivery approach could potentially reduce side effects and improve patient outcomes, showcasing Sai’s ability to apply scientific knowledge to real-world healthcare challenges.

Passion for STEM and Medical Innovation

Sai’s interest in biology and medicine played a key role in shaping her idea:

“I have always been more lenient towards biology… I heard about how in current technology, they use hydrogel to protect the grafts, but they don’t use drugs… so I thought, why don’t we put these two together and make something that could help people.”

Her project reflects the growing importance of STEM education and student-led innovation at NAISAK.

Recognized Excellence by NAISAK Faculty

Sai’s teacher, Mr. Elliott Sarkodi-Addo, highlighted her exceptional abilities:

“The first time I met Sai, she was in Year 8… I thought she was special… she needed opportunities to think outside the box.”

Her project stood out immediately:

“It took me some time to process it… because I thought it was a really good project… how deep she’s thinking… was really amazing.”

He added:

“In both challenges, her work stood out… consistently… I could see her being one of the top medical doctors maybe in the future.”

A Student-Led Approach to Innovation

NAISAK’s commitment to student ownership is central to achievements like Sai’s:

“Every project is 100% student-owned work… I only help them to shape their work.”

This approach empowers students to think critically, creatively, and independently—key skills for future global leaders.

Preparing for the MIT Experience

Sai will attend the MIT program in November, where she will engage with global STEM talent:

“I hope to talk to a lot of researchers… to know which ideas would they be selecting to test out.”

She is also excited to collaborate with fellow students:

“It would be really great to get their insights and their opinions on my idea.”

The experience promises hands-on learning and collaboration. As described by Mr. Sarkodi-Addo:

“It’s a STEM festival… they’re going to meet MIT professors, students… and use some of the equipment they have in MIT.”

A Well-Rounded NAISAK Student

Beyond academics, Sai is an active and well-rounded student:

“She’s very active… in singing… dancing… she’s able to socialize… and thrive in different environments.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Reflecting on her success, Sai shared:

“I never went into this thinking I would win… so give it your best shot… just give it your entire best.”

Her journey highlights resilience, curiosity, and the power of student innovation.