Portfolio — Class of 2027
Kanav
Shah
Aspiring molecular biologist/lawyer. Carlmont High School, Belmont CA.
4.26Weighted GPA
1510SAT Score
$5KRaised for RDT
Portfolio — Class of 2027
Aspiring molecular biologist/lawyer. Carlmont High School, Belmont CA.
About
I’m a senior at Carlmont High School with a deep passion for molecular biology, law, and the complex ways these fields interact with and influence society. My literature review on glyphosate carcinogenicity — inspired by the Roundup products liability litigation — exemplifies how I try to bridge both worlds.
Whether I’m preparing a closing argument for Mock Trial, writing a constitutional brief for Moot Court, or practicing tabla rhythms, I’m drawn to disciplines that demand both precision and creativity.
Academics
Standardized Testing & AP Exams
Leadership & Volunteering
Organized a Bay Area fundraiser for the Rural Development Trust’s work in Anantapur, India: found the venue, made fliers, reached out to donors, and recruited panelists. The funds paid for new beds and ventilators at the RDT Hospital, and sign language interpreters and blackboards at RDT’s inclusive school for hearing-impaired students.
Creates short explainers on major, unresolved debates in law, including federal law preemption, Fourth Amendment protections, and the role of federal agencies in interpreting federal law.
Legal & Research
Led a 10-person team (4 witnesses, 3 attorneys, 2 understudies) for six months, preparing 6 hours a week to prosecute a legal case. Built public speaking, critical thinking, and the ability to think on my feet in a fast-paced courtroom. Placed 5th out of 13 teams in the district.
Independently researched and wrote a 2,500-word brief in one month, with no coaching or outside direction, on the constitutionality of restrictions on presidential communications with agency adjudicators. Read 5 Supreme Court cases (~40 pages each) and 4 historical sources (~15 pages each), spending 3–4 hours a day.
Add Mock Trial / Moot Court photo
Compared the real-world cancer risk of glyphosate-based pesticides with tobacco smoke and asbestos, weighing 6 regulatory classifications, 2 cohort studies, 5 case-control studies, 1 biomarker study, and 3 meta-analyses. Concluded there is little evidence glyphosate poses a risk on the scale of other known carcinogens. Inspired by the Roundup litigation and the Monsanto v. Durnell case.
Mentor-led program in molecular biology, animal cell culture, and in-vitro pharmacology (~10 hours a week). Researched PCR-based diagnostics, learned aseptic technique, subculturing, and cryopreservation, and wrote ~8 white papers, including one linking mutagenesis to my glyphosate research.
Music
Add tabla photo
Studying Indian classical percussion through weekly lessons: 50+ compositions learned at ~10 hours of practice a week, and multiple performances for audiences of 300+. Building rhythm, timing, and coordination, and a deeper connection to my cultural heritage.
Self-taught flutist who independently built technique, tone, and music literacy at ~10 hours of practice a week. Member of Carlmont’s Symphonic Band, performing from football games to formal concerts and developing the listening skills group playing demands.
Athletics
Work & Internships
Accolades
Personal
Fantasy gives me space to daydream and think creatively, letting me imagine new worlds, characters, and possibilities beyond everyday life. It trains my mind to approach problems with originality and curiosity.
Hiking is a family activity that creates space for meaningful time together while also giving me room to daydream and work through problems.
Gallery