Meet The Team
SHIVEK NARANG
Founder, President
Shivek Narang, a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, is pursuing a double major in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, alongside minors in Healthcare Management, Data Science, and Chemistry. His research at the Center for Neuroengineering and Therapeutics focuses on traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and epilepsy, utilizing cutting-edge techniques like image segmentation and deep learning to address critical healthcare challenges. Shivek’s experience extends to neuro-ophthalmology research at the Aravind Eye Care System, where he applied his expertise to improve healthcare access for rural populations.
As President of Our Teen Brains, a nonprofit he founded, Shivek has spearheaded mental health initiatives that have positively impacted over 4,000 teenagers. The organization raises awareness about adolescent brain development and mental health disorders like depression, working to destigmatize mental health conversations. He is also leading the Empowerment Through Recovery initiative, a program designed to support TBI survivors by building a community-based support network.
In addition, Shivek is the co-founder of GreenTeamPower, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting clean energy solutions and addressing the health impacts of climate change. Recognizing the profound health risks associated with climate disruptions, especially in low-income regions, Shivek’s work focuses on mitigating the impacts of fossil fuel pollution and heatwaves, which disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.
Passionate about adolescent mental health, TBI research, and the intersection of climate and brain health, Shivek welcomes opportunities to collaborate on these global health challenges. For more information or to connect, reach out to him at shivekn@sas.upenn.edu.
KESHAV NARANG
Co-Founder, Technical Architect, Creative Designer
Keshav Narang, 18-year-old freshman at Stanford University, environmentalist, builder, and entrepreneur, leverages technology, including AI and ML, to create tools that contribute to community improvement. He designed the website and developed “Secrets of Teen Mental Health,” an informative app in a podcast-like format for OurTeenBrains. This initiative aims to guide teenagers in maintaining a positive headspace in a concise and straightforward manner. Keshav has also built products like “https://ecopolicyadvocate.org,” a generative AI tool designed to summarize climate bills and facilitate public commentary. Additionally, he co-founded a renewable energy startup, introducing patented technology in solar battery design.
Keshav is deeply committed to enhancing communities through activist movements and volunteering at non-profits. He has also co-founded GreenTeamPower, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more details about their impactful work, visit their website at https://greenteampower.org/. GreenTeamPower is dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits of renewable energies, documenting technological advancements, and fostering sustainability in communities. The organization offers free workshops and presentations to high school students and youth organizations globally, educating individuals about environmental issues and empowering future problem-solving. Additionally, they provide technical expertise to frontline activists, facilitating more effective advocacy for environmental causes, with a special focus on representing marginalized communities.
OUR ADVISORS
DR STEELE
Director and Board Member
Dr. Steele earned a Ph.D. in Psychological Studies in Education with an emphasis in Child and Adolescent Development from Stanford University in 2009. She holds two Master’s degrees, one in School Counseling and Guidance and the other in Secondary Teaching. While at Stanford, Dr. Steele supervised teachers participating in the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP). Prior to entering the Stanford doctoral program, Dr. Steele held a variety of positions working with secondary students. She has worked as a teacher and/or director in South Africa, Venezuela, Russia, and the U.S. She is fluent in Spanish.
NUNTIYA SMITH
Director and Board Member
Mrs. Smith works at the Davidson Institute for Talent Development and is the manager of the Young Scholars Ambassador Program, which is designed to “foster learning and civic engagement through community service, volunteerism and leadership in highly motivated and mature Young Scholars.” Mrs. Smith also serves as the main Advisor for the program, and is constantly inspired by these bright, motivated, and compassionate young people. She enjoys guiding them as they strive to reach their goals and make the world a better place.
DR. DELISLE
Director and Board Member
Jim Delisle has worked on behalf of gifted children and teens for more than three decades as both a teacher and counselor. Jim was a professor of education at Kent State University (Ohio) for 25 years and was selected by faculty and students there as a “Distinguished Professor”, the University’s most prestigious teaching award. The author of 25 books that have been published in multiple languages, Jim continues to consult with schools worldwide in an effort to increase awareness of the needs of gifted children and adults.