Katherine Krishtopa

Katia Krishtopa is a junior at the Pingry School in Basking Ridge. She has always been intrigued with math, and starting from elementary school, she has participated and placed in multiple Math Olympiads. Currently, her primary interests are chemistry and biology. Since her sophomore year, Katia has taken courses at Columbia University's Science Honors Program. In school as part of a three-year independent research team, she conducts research on the possible carcinogenic connection between KIF11 and YAP proteins. Katia has done the High School Summer Research Internship at New Jersey Institute of Technology focusing on the remediation of the EPA-regulated per/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). She believes STEM education should be made available to all, so she is an executive member, course creator, and instructor at STEM In Place, an organization providing free STEM courses to children. She is also the Director of Education at Sciencious Co, a non-profit STEM organization designated for under-resourced students. Katia is president and founder of her school’s Mock Trial Team, and she is particularly interested in how law can influence and shape advances in modern technology. Ultimately, Katia truly admires brilliant minds who have the courage to pursue their dreams.