Sanjiv Sridharan, a graduating senior and salutatorian at Newman Smith High School, will attend the prestigious Canfield Business Honors Program at the University of Texas at Austin this fall.

Sridharan, who is active in Newman Smith’s International Business Academy (IBA), credits his high school experience with providing a strong foundation for his future studies. His passion lies in finance, which he plans to make his future career path. 

"Smith’s IBA program has significantly helped me prepare my business skills," he said. “Finance is a lucrative field and it is always growing, so I am grateful to already have some experience.”

Looking ahead, Sridharan envisions himself working as an investment banker within the next five years.

"I think it would be a great start to my career," he said. "Once I get my foot in the door, then I can figure out what I want to do from there."

Beyond his academic work, Sridharan has demonstrated notable ingenuity for a high school student. He currently holds a registered patent for an innovative eyewear device designed to aid individuals with neurological disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and cerebral palsy.

"For most people with ALS or cerebral palsy, it's difficult to communicate with their muscles or their mouth," Sridharan explained. "The main way they interact with the outside world is through their eyes."

Sridharan and his team outside of school created an eyewear device that uses infrared light and connects to a screen, allowing these individuals to communicate. The device has two modes: manual and a machine learning base that will enhance over time.

The inspiration for Sridharan’s invention stems from personal experience.

"I have some family members who have neurological conditions,” he shared. “I wanted to explore and see if there was anything I could do to help people.”

The next phase for Sridharan’s invention involves seeking investors and navigating the extensive research and development process. In the future, he hopes the device will gain traction so his team can begin clinical trials.

Throughout high school, Sridharan has been actively involved in DECA, a club that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. He also was an active member of Interact, the Rotary community service club for high school students.

Sridharan credits several mentors for their guidance, including his entrepreneurship teacher, Ms. Serna, who was instrumental in his IBA project, and his NAF mentor, Lito Thomas, who wrote a crucial recommendation letter for his UT application. His parents also serve as significant inspirations.

"I have this internal drive where I don’t like to sit still for long," Sridharan said. "I am so grateful to my friends and teachers at Smith who have guided me and helped me along the way. A big motivation is also my parents. They are a big driving force in my life."

For incoming freshmen aspiring to achieve high academic honors, Sridharan shared some advice.

"Take as many AP classes as you can," he laughed. "It is not always easy, but your teachers are always there to help, so frequent communication with them is key. Get involved, stay connected and focus on your grades. If you really devote your mind to it, you can achieve anything."

Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD is incredibly proud of all our graduating seniors. View graduation details and more on the CFBISD Graduation Webpage.