Meet Battlefield High School’s world-class STEM student

Most people spend their high school years preparing for the future in hope of having a positive impact on the world. But Yashvir “Yash” Sabharwal figured out something few teens have: One never needs to wait to make a difference.

The Battlefield High School senior did not wait until he obtained a certain degree or even reached adulthood to make a difference in the world. He applied his knowledge of STEM with his dedication to service, creating global impact.

This summer, Sabharwal was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his service and achievements, the highest recognition presented by Congress to young Americans. The opportunity presented itself once he had done the work and aspired to new initiatives.

Sabharawal provided service locally and globally. “And that’s something I’m really proud of,” he said. “Every step along the way, my goal has been the same: to make sure the work I do opens doors for others.”

It started during the COVID pandemic. In 2020, while the virus engulfed every aspect of life, Sabharwal, now 18, a lifelong Bristow resident, was quietly taking action. He partnered with Prince William County and Northern Virginia food warehouses to help coordinate the donation of thousands of pounds of food to local COVID relief efforts.

Sabharwal then launched a fundraiser for frontline workers, including an initiative called Subs4Scrubs, which delivered over 300 meals to healthcare workers in area hospitals.

Meanwhile Sabharwal had ambitions to be an Air Force pilot. He was a member of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps at Battlefield and a cadet with the Civil Air Patrol, the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.

Through the air patrol, Sabharwal delivered COVID-19 tests and vaccinations to the University of Virginia medical laboratories, where some of the most important public health work was being done.

Since the air patrol also partners with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Sabharwal next found himself assisting with responses to natural disasters. He applied his aptitude in STEM to conduct geospatial damage assessments during several major crises, including Hurricane Ida and the catastrophic Kentucky floods of 2022.

Retired Air Force Colonel Dan Vasenko, a former Battlefield Air Force instructor, assisted Vasenko through his endeavors and saw promise in him.

“[Yash has] been a standout performer since his very first year in [the organization]. He’s always shown the highest degree of ethics and integrity,” Vasenko said.

In 2023, Sabharwal began coaching “Team Einstein” from Zwelethemba High School in Worcester, South African in FIRST Robotics Competition, via Zoom. The team was able to compete in the United States and won the 2024 competition.

“Seeing their smiles and knowing I played a part in their success was incredibly rewarding,” said Sabharwal. This reaffirmed his commitment to global service.

Since 2021, Sabharwal has worked with Harvard undergrad and acclaimed neuroscience researcher Rishab Jain on special projects for his nonprofit, Samyak Science Society, which is focused on spreading STEAM awareness.

This opened up many opportunities for Sabarwal, who continued to collaborate with Jain, and also Dhruv Ramu, a high school senior in India, to co-found the International Research Olympiad in 2023. About 1,000 students from 43 nations participated in its inaugural competition, held in late spring of this year, and the organization provided more than $6,000 in scholarships.

For his work in 2023, Sabharwal was named a National STEM Champion by the U.S. Department of Education, which he said was one of his “proudest achievements.” He credits his teacher, mentors and teams – and especially his parents.

“A lot of my success comes from the guidance my parents gave me. They’ve always been there with advice, but more importantly, they’ve led by example,” he said.

Sabharwal’s father, Puneet Sabharwal, confirmed this. “We’ve always led by example, showing Yash that success isn’t something you achieve alone. It’s about working hard, staying humble, and lifting others along the way.”

That year, Sabharwal was also engaged in research via the Medical AI Research Center and remotely with University of Oregon’s Alljoined Cognitive Dynamics Lab. His focus was on how brain-computer interfaces and AI can transform neuroscience.

The research was recognized internationally, winning awards at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fairs in 2023 and 2024.

Sabharwal believes his Battlefield biology and chemistry teacher, Dr. Reid Schwebach, played a pivotal role in guiding him through the research process. Schwebach said he was happy to assist the student he described as “talented” and “thoughtful.”

“Yash is a creative person,” Schwebach said. “The way he thinks is broad, and he is consistently able to bring in his interests from his other courses and computer science abilities.”

Sabharwal appreciates that his research didn’t stay within the walls of a lab, but afforded him opportunities. “My expeditions have taken me to new places, both physically and intellectually,” said Sabharwal. For example in 2023 he traveled to Qatar to discuss his medical research.

To qualify for the Congressional Medal, one must complete 400 hours of volunteer work, 200 hours of personal development and 200 hours of physical fitness. To meet the physical fitness requirements, he did daily calisthenics and played recreational tennis. Sabharwal feels he completed most of the hours organically.

“I think what makes my work different is the scale and reach it’s had,” Sabharawal said. “It’s not just about checking off volunteer hours – I’ve focused on creating real, lasting opportunities for people.”

The actual award ceremony brought a range of emotions for Sabharwal.

“Walking across the stage, it felt like everything I’ve worked toward came full circle in that moment. I was proud, relieved and grateful all at the same time. But more than anything, I felt thankful – thankful for the people who helped me along the way and for the experiences that shaped me. It was a reminder that even when the road gets tough, it’s worth sticking with your goals,” he said.

Perhaps no one was prouder than his mother.

“Watching him grow into the person he is today has been incredible,” Somrata Sabharwal said. “We’ve always encouraged him to stay curious, compassionate, and to use his talents to make a real difference in the world.”

Sabharwal’s dream career is to be a pilot and a flight surgeon in the Air Force. He plans to continue his work with the Civil Air Patrol and the Olympiad, as well as his scientific research.

“I want to keep building on what I’ve started, finding ways to combine science, service and leadership to make a difference,” he said. “I know there’s still a lot of work to do, but I’m excited for what’s next.”

Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt is a freelance writer, an award-winning author, and a poet with a 21-year history in western Prince William County. Learn about her at KatherineGotthardt.com.