Mane Yeritsyan is a high school student from Armenia with a strong passion for mathematics and physics. She has excelled in numerous mathematics competitions, earning bronze medals at both the European Girls Mathematical Olympiad and the Iranian Geometry Olympiad. Mane is also an active member of her school’s Olympiad Math and Physics Clubs, where she supports her peers by tutoring fellow students and translating educational materials to help make STEM resources more accessible. 

Mane is currently conducting research with the New York Academy of Sciences, focusing on designing solar infrastructures that improve livelihoods through sustainable energy solutions. Since participating in the Summit STEM Fellowship, she has been dedicated to applying her new skills as she prepares for future Olympiad competitions. Read on to learn more about Mane, her journey in STEM, and her aspirations for the future! 

Meet Mane!

How did you initially become interested in STEM?

Everything just started a few years ago when I first participated in a virtual math camp for girls. I was captivated by the new style of problems I faced that felt like a tiny universe, and solving them meant understanding how that universe worked. I fell in love with math, but I was still teetering on the edge of choosing a career related to math.

Since then, I started exploring the hidden and creative side of math. It was no longer just about rules or calculations; it became a language of patterns, logic, and imagination. As I investigated fields of STEM, I found myself drawn again and again to math and physics, and thus came the moment of realization that I belong to them.

Can you talk more about what academic subjects or fields of STEM you're most interested in?

I'm mostly interested in mathematics, and I'm really involved in mathematical competitions. I was part of the European Girls Mathematical Olympiad team and earned a bronze medal, and I also earned a bronze medal from the Iranian Geometry Olympiad. Right now, I'm focusing on improving my skills and strategies for future competitions, and the fellowship has been game-changing in that sense, as I have learned many useful tips and approaches during sessions.

I'm also an active member of my school's Olympiad Math Club and Olympiad Physics Club, which inspire me a lot. Also, I tutor students in Olympiad mathematics and help them with their homework. I translate and transcribe educational videos to make them accessible for others in my country and around the world.

Fellowship Experience

What was your favorite part about the Summit STEM Fellowship?

I truly fell in love with the program, not only because it provided valuable information, eye-opening talks, and real-life experiences, but also because it allowed me to connect with a diverse group of STEM enthusiasts. It wasn't just about learning; it was about building meaningful friendships, expanding my mindset, and being challenged to grow. Being part of a community that genuinely values innovation, curiosity, and collaboration made the experience incredibly inspiring and unforgettable. 

One aspect that stood out to me was the tradition of expressing gratitude after each session, taking the time to thank the mentors and anyone who generously shared their knowledge. This taught me to deeply value the effort others put into helping us grow.

Which event, talk, or speaker was your favorite this summer?

Every event this summer held a special place for me, and I find it difficult to single out just one favorite. The variety created a rich learning experience that wouldn't have been the same if any one part were missing. Additionally, the optional events provided a wonderful space to reflect on my thoughts, challenge my opinions, and grow, all within a supportive and friendly environment. However, I found the most inspiration from Isabella Delbakhsh and Karen Ge. Hearing about their experiences and how they view the world was so inspiring to me and became my main driver of motivation since the fellowship ended. 

What are some specific skills or takeaways that you learned from the fellowship?

First, it showed me the value of asking questions. Making sure you fully understand something is crucial. It's okay to be wrong. What truly matters is being open to change and growth. I also learned the importance of courage and not being afraid to try new things because we only live once. It's better to take action and try rather than regret missed opportunities. 

Another key takeaway is the power of acting in the moment. If you want to do something, just go for it without overthinking the outcome. The experience reinforced that trying and learning along the way is more important than worrying about results up front. Looking back, I believe the most valuable lesson is that every past moment, whether a success or a failure, can inspire and guide your future steps. It's important to stay motivated by both your wins and setbacks and to view your life from the perspective of your future self, aiming to make the present the best it can be.

What advice would you give to future Summit STEM fellows?

My advice for future Summit STEM fellows is to fully commit and attend as many sessions as possible, including the optional ones, because they all offer valuable lessons and skills. I was so motivated that I woke up as early as three in the morning just to make sure I didn't miss any event! 

I also recommend taking full advantage of all the projects and feedback offered throughout the fellowship. Though they might take some extra effort, the experience and guidance you receive are incredibly valuable. Everyone is approachable and willing to support you, so do not hesitate to ask questions. For example, Isabella’s resume workshop helped me realize the importance of building skills early on, even at a young age, so I could prepare better for the future. In short, immerse yourself in the fellowship, make the most of every chance to learn and grow, and connect with the community. It's an opportunity that can truly shape your path.

Future Aspirations

Do you know what type of career you're hoping to pursue yet, and has the fellowship influenced your career aspirations?

Throughout everyday life, I found out that I couldn't live without new explorations and a diversity of challenges. When I first participated in the Math Olympiads, I changed my attitude about numbers, especially math problems. I started noticing the uniqueness and individuality of numbers, problems, properties, and theorems, which I never did before. This discovery helped me understand what I want to do in the future, which is why I began thinking about research. Research allows me to explore endlessly and let the beauty of numbers and ideas continue unfolding. I don't know exactly where this path will lead, but I see this eye-opening journey as a series of puzzles waiting for me to step in, never give up, and never step back.

The fellowship has significantly shifted my mindset from striving for perfection to embracing exploration. I’ve realized that I’m more engaged and excited when facing uncertainty rather than when everything is clear and defined. Instead of following the obvious paths, I find it more fascinating to venture into the unknown and bring clarity myself. Another valuable lesson from the fellowship is to appreciate the hard work behind any accomplishment, regardless of the final outcome.

What have you been up to after the fellowship? Are there any projects you’re excited about?

After the fellowship, I became involved in a research project focused on solar infrastructure with the New York Academy of Sciences. This project allows us to utilize the energy of the sun and other natural resources. It’s been an amazing opportunity to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, broadening my perspective and enriching my experience. This new program has helped me continue growing my skills and passion for STEM while connecting with a vibrant global community. I’ve learned that every opportunity is the key to the next stage or opportunity, and I’m looking forward to the next challenge!