Bubbles swirl around senior Aditya Ramanathan as he paddles toward the reefs at the bottom of the sea floor, but something is not right. On his family’s traditional snorkeling trip, not a single fish of the famously lively Caribbean reefs swims by. 

The desolate, empty view around him motivated Aditya’s desire to research the effects of climate change and energy consumption.

Originally, Aditya began working in computer science when his friends encouraged him to try out USACO, a national coding competition. Through taking classes at Harker, he learned about the power and potential computer science holds in environmental science. He utilized his coding skills to research and forecast household energy levels.

“Seeing the barren reefs motivated me to apply my passion for computer science into that field, and I wanted to take a step where I can directly contribute to reducing climate change,” Aditya said. “I love the fact that research allows you to take something you love and you’re really good at, like computer science, and put it out there and help serve the community and the world. The most fulfilling part about my project is being able to spread what I learned to the community.”

Beyond research, Aditya is also driven by the community he found when he began performing arts as a singer and musician. Although he initially struggled with balancing his workload, the community at school and in the performing arts pushes him to keep going. Aditya finds himself most relaxed and happy performing on stage with his friends.

“The part that I feel best about in terms of musicals is the way all of us come together to put on such a fantastic show, and we all are able to form a team bond together to make so many new friends,” Aditya said. “I’ve made most of my friends through performing in general, through the community, and through the sense of love we have for each other within a show. That’s why we’re able to come together and produce something so magnificent, and that’s my favorite part about performing.”

Close friend senior George Yang applauds Aditya’s ability to overcome his limitations in acting and dance to achieve his goal of getting the lead role in the 2026 Spring musical, Something Rotten.

“He really worked on his acting and dancing, and he achieved what he always wanted to do,” George said. “He’s not one to dwell on his past mistakes or shortcomings,” George said. “He’s always looking forward. He recognizes his own weaknesses and he works on them and he’s always looking to find better ways to improve.” 

After auditioning as a sophomore, Aditya found his place in the performing arts community on Downbeat, the Harker acapella show choir. He emphasized how energetic the team is, always bringing smiling faces and vibrant dancing to the audience. 

“Acapella has taught me something beyond music,” Aditya said. “It’s really about finding your voice but also making room for others. For me, that collaboration and that friendship and bonding all come together to produce such rich harmony. Whether in performing or in life, collaboration and listening closely to each other are really what define success.”

As the current musical director of Downbeat, Aditya strives for inclusivity and decisiveness in leadership. He works closely with his teammates to bring both excitement and focus to every practice. Junior Jessica Skylar Chen, a close friend to Aditya, admires his capability to connect with newcomers and make Downbeat lively.

“He was just somebody who was always willing to talk to people who are new, willing to make a connection to people,” Jessica said. “This year I got to watch him take on more of the leadership position and [see] him balance these two sides of someone who really cares for the group while balancing group compatibility, getting work done and having fun as well.”

Vocal music teacher Jennifer Sandusky notes Aditya’s growth since ninth grade and his willingness to reach out if the team needs anything. Sandusky especially appreciates his ability to bounce back from hindrances, constantly honing his skills in performing and singing.

“Aditya is really good at taking feedback,” Sandusky said. “The areas for improvement are not obstacles that he gets depressed over. It doesn’t seem to impact him emotionally at all. That’s a really positive quality, especially in an artist, because in reality, this is what we deal with all the time. It’s constant feedback.”

As a senior, Aditya wants to give back to the communities that have shaped him over these years. He hopes to make an impression on everyone he meets, helping people in need.

“I strive to be as inclusive and kind as possible to others around me,” Aditya said. “My goal as a senior is to be that welcoming person on campus, at least within the performing community. Be that role model, be the person who is able to talk to the younger people and make them feel welcome, make them feel like the conservatory is their home, because it really is. That’s the kind of legacy I want to leave behind on campus.”