Alena Suleiman

“A large portion of my interest in math and why it’s so fun for me is because at some point, I learned how to apply it to different areas. I found out about this concept called mathematical biology, and I was so fascinated by it. I was like, ‘Oh my god, this is the moment, this is destiny.’ I could model biological systems with math,” Ananya Sriram (12) said.

As the sun dips below the horizon, a breathtaking scene unfolds. Hues of crimson and gold settle into the tranquil mystery of night. For Ananya Sriram (12), this mesmerizing sunset represents the delicate balance between beauty and transformation — or in computational biology terms, a reaction-diffusion equation.

“This summer, I did research on the reaction-diffusion equation,” Ananya said. “But when I look at sunsets, I’m reminded of reaction-diffusion equations, the way the colors blend together. Everything we see fuses, and then night settles, and there’s equilibrium.”

Ananya’s deep understanding of computational biophysics is the result of years of learning in both biology and math. Her passion for biology developed in fifth grade after a seemingly simple activity of modeling DNA structure with marshmallows, whereas her love for math blossomed later in high school. During her frosh year online, Ananya attended office hours extensively to ask about foreign math concepts, simply out of curiosity.

“I went to office hours to ask the most absurd, complex math questions to my precalc teacher in ninth grade,” Ananya said. “I truly enjoy the nature of them. I could do math for hours, and I would not get bored of it.”

While others may find math stagnant, Ananya discovers novelty in each problem, applying her learned concepts to other fields like biology. She recalled the moment when “the pieces fell perfectly into place,” or when she realized she could combine two of her passions.

“A large portion of my interest in math and why it’s so fun for me is because at some point, I learned how to apply it to different areas,” Ananya said. “I found out about this concept called mathematical biology, and I was so fascinated by it. I was like, ‘Oh my god, this is the moment, this is destiny.’ I could model biological systems with math.”

At the intersection of two disparate fields like math and biology, Ananya often faces unexpected challenges. She approaches the intersection of her interests with perseverance, whether through research or academic pursuits. Close friend Reshma Kosaraju (12) commends Ananya’s determination, especially regarding her goals and passions.

“Ananya’s the type of person who won’t back down on some things,” Reshma said. “So if she thinks she wants to achieve something, she will do all it takes to get there. It doesn’t matter how many people tell her she can’t do it, she will do it.”

As Ananya delved further into complex math, she noticed the overlooked artistic dimension embedded within its abstract structures. Ananya points to realms like graph theory, where visually rich landscapes exist with the precision of mathematical reasoning.

“There’s a lot of art to math that you don’t really see at first glance, especially in abstract math,” Ananya said. “For example, there’s graph theory, and there’s such a strong visual component to it.”

Ananya’s affinity for visual representations carries over to designing the pages of the Winged Post. Although she entered journalism with writing in mind, Ananya soon found herself allured to the graphics of the newspaper.

“I entered journalism thinking that I was completely going to do writing,” Ananya said. “But when I became an assistant news editor and started designing the pages, for some reason, I felt a very strong connection to the visual aspect of it. I really enjoyed the tangible nature of it.”

As co-managing editor of the Winged Post this year, Ananya exercises freedom of expression with colors, font choices and design layouts. Now, she composes graphics with not only mathematical precision but also an intuitive process of forming pages.

“When I’m designing pages, I honestly go with however I’m feeling at that particular moment,” Ananya said. “I always end up matching a certain article to certain colors and aesthetics. Some articles give me the feeling that they should be written in chunky or blocky text, and others give me the feeling that they should be written in a serif font. Combining all those colors and fonts with illustrations has become such an essential part of my life.”

Ananya’s detail and care extend beyond graphics, presenting themselves in social contexts as well. Reflecting on their friendship throughout high school, including strolls around campus and conversations from lunch menus to philosophical thoughts, close friend Catherine Li appreciates Ananya’s perceptive and empathetic nature.

“Ananya is super smart, but she’s also pretty humble,” Catherine said. “That makes her a much more down-to-earth and approachable person. You can really relate to her and talk about your struggles, and she’ll definitely understand and support you through it.”

Pursuits in math, biology and art considered, Ananya stands firm in her conviction to achieve a personal best. Through it all, she preserves her kindness and optimism, as echoed by upper school English teacher Brigid Miller, who taught Ananya in Honors American Literature last year.

“She can always be counted on,” Miller said. “She’s always going to do her work, and she does it with a smile on her face. She’s just a lovely person. People seem to gravitate toward her. She’s the kind of student you want to teach.”