Anagha's Story
Connecting to the World by Way of Hands-On Science Tutoring
In 2021, Anagha Krishnan embarked on a journey that would bridge her academic pursuits with community engagement. As a PhD student in computational biology at the NIH, Anagha felt isolated within the confines of her program. Seeking a deeper connection with the Washington D.C. community, she discovered The Petey Greene Program through a simple Google search. This marked the beginning of a transformative experience.
A Classroom Like No Other
Anagha's first visit to a carceral facility was eye-opening. She’d had extensive teaching experience, but inside the DC Department of Youth Services facility, she encountered a unique set of educational challenges. Students varied widely in age and educational background, highlighting the need for tailored teaching approaches. Anagha learned to craft lessons that resonated with everyone, ensuring no student felt left behind.
The Birth of STEM Unbarred
With a strong background in STEM, Anagha naturally gravitated towards tutoring students in math and science. However, she was struck by the students' lack of enthusiasm for science, who often dismised it as boring. This sentiment inspired her to work with her classmate Hannah Dada and PGP staff in the DC Regional Office and the Puttkammer Center to create STEM Unbarred, a program designed to make science tangible and exciting. One of the program's first demonstrations involved extracting DNA from strawberries, allowing students to see and touch DNA, sparking their curiosity and engagement. She puts it like this: "I was just one volunteer with a crazy idea, and The Petey Greene Program said yes."
Empowering Through Education
STEM Unbarred aims to bring hands-on science experiences to incarcerated students, allowing them to discover the wonders of science firsthand. One of the program's most popular demonstrations involves building a speaker using electromagnetism principles. For aspiring musicians among the students, this exercise connects their love for music with the science behind it, offering a new perspective on their passion.
A Broader Vision
Anagha's journey with The Petey Greene Program has reshaped her perspective on academia. She believes that discoveries made in the lab must be shared with the community, and community experiences should inform academic work. Conversations with students have challenged her to think differently about her research in cancer biology, pushing her to simplify complex ideas and make them accessible to all.
James S. Farrin Volunteer Awardee Going Greene 2025
In recognition of her dedication and service to provide high-quality educational services to students in the Petey Greene Program, Anagha will be receiving the James S. Farrin Volunteer Award at the 2025 Going Greene benefit at Rivers Casino in Philadelphia on September 25.
If you’re unable to attend, consider donating a ticket so that a system-impacted student can attend.