Route to Research is a student-led podcast that shows high schoolers exactly how to get started in real research — one step at a time. Hosted by Isha Jayakumar, each episode breaks down a practical piece of the research journey, from finding your first mentor and writing cold emails to choosing a project and eventually getting your work published.
Along the way, you’ll hear candid stories from real students who share how they found labs, overcame setbacks, and turned their curiosity into real research opportunities — and results. Each episode includes clear action steps, real examples, and even ready-to-use templates to help you write that first email, pitch your project, or share your findings with the world.
Whether you dream of neuroscience, engineering, or any branch of STEM, Route to Research gives you the roadmap — and the student stories — to take your first step and see just how far your research journey can go.
Because every researcher’s route starts somewhere — let’s map out yours.
12. Continuing the Journey — My New Free Mentorship Program
This episode marks the start of something new.
After a full season guiding students through every stage of research — from topic selection to publication — host Isha Jayakumar is launching a free mentorship program to help students begin their own research journeys.
In Episode 12: Continuing the Journey — My New Free Mentorship Program, Isha shares the story behind the initiative, how it works, and how you can join.
You’ll learn:
• Why this program exists — and how it’s different from anything else out there
• How Isha will personally mentor students through their first research experience
• How to find and contact mentors, stay consistent, and build lasting skills
• How to apply for the limited mentorship spots
This is a free, one-on-one program designed for high school and early college students who are ready to take the next step in their research path — with real guidance and accountability.
Application Link: Route to Research — Free Mentorship Program:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTmh7H22P2Y5K2PQ3rvnT_riufq7t7HHVN4EPl2ZcW_z4JCw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=112896192000442254176
20 Oct 2025
11. What’s Next? Internships, Research Programs, and Resumes
You’ve done the research. You’ve written the paper. You’ve presented it.
Now it’s time to ask: what’s next?
In Episode 11: What’s Next? Internships, Research Programs, and Resumes, host Isha Jayakumar shares how to turn your research experience into future opportunities — from finding internships and research programs to crafting a résumé that highlights your skills and impact.
You’ll learn how to:
• Understand the difference between internships and structured research programs
• Find and apply to top opportunities for high school and early college students
• Network with mentors and program coordinators
• Build a research resume that stands out — even with limited experience
With Isha Patkar, Teaching Assistant at The Wharton School, Research Assistant at UPenn, and Physician Relations & Programming Director for Penn KDSAP
13 Oct 2025
10. From Published to Presented — Sharing Your Research with the World
You’ve done the research. You’ve written the paper. You’ve revised it again and again.
Now what?
In Episode 10: From Published to Presented — Sharing Your Research with the World, host Isha Jayakumar explores how to take your work beyond the page—from submitting to journals to presenting at competitions and conferences.
You’ll learn how to:
• Find the right journal and understand impact factor
• Recognize why anything above 5 is a huge milestone for students
• Identify top competitions and conferences for high school researchers
• Understand what judges and reviewers look for
• Prepare your research for publication or presentation
Featuring insights from:
- Aditya Patankar – Science Valley Research Institute intern and Global Thrombosis Forum member
- Animesh Koratana – Stanford CS, Founder of PlayerZero, and Intel ISEF Grand Award Winner
6 Oct 2025
9. The Power of Revisions
You’ve written your first draft—now it’s time to make it shine.
In Episode 9: “The Power of Revisions”, host Isha Jayakumar dives into what separates a good research paper from a publishable one. From restructuring arguments to refining sources, this episode walks you through every step of the revision process:
- How to revise for clarity, logic, and structure
- What grammar and editing tools can (and can’t) do for you
- How to strengthen citations and expand your source base
- The right way to handle feedback like a researcher
You’ll also hear from Mrs. Lacour, PhD student at the University of Georgia and one of Isha’s first research mentors, who shares her expert advice on how mentorship shapes stronger, more confident writing.
💡 Includes a free 5-Step Revision Checklist below!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RONXol2MeHQkGf8p800GXgGLe8xmrG3ACHPB6tqs150/edit?usp=sharing
29 Sept 2025
8. Balancing School and Research: Finding Time Without Burning Out
Research can feel impossible when you’re already balancing AP classes, homework, clubs, and everything else on your plate. But the truth is—you don’t have to choose between school and research.
In this episode of Route to Research, host Isha Jayakumar shares practical strategies for fitting research into a busy schedule, the classes that actually make you a stronger researcher, and the small habits that keep you consistent.
You’ll also hear from two high school researchers who open up about how they managed the same challenges—without giving up their mental health or their passions.
22 Sept 2025
7. How to Research (Without Getting Lost)
How do you actually do research once you’ve picked your topic and set your goals?
In this episode of Route to Research, host Isha Jayakumar breaks down the step-by-step process of moving from a broad idea to a focused project. You’ll learn how to find credible sources, identify gaps in the literature, read papers critically, and stay organized along the way.
We’ll also talk about how to use AI tools responsibly—making research faster and more accessible without replacing your own critical thinking or originality.
Plus, you’ll hear from Shubh Patel, a South Forsyth junior whose projects span neuroscience, AI, and cybersecurity. Shubh shares how he approaches reading research papers, building projects from scratch, and balancing high-level research with student life.
By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear roadmap for turning scattered ideas into a strong research foundation—and the confidence to take your next step forward.
25 Aug 2025
6. From ‘Yes’ to Success—Planning Your First Research Project
You’ve sent the cold email. You’ve found a mentor. They said yes—now what?
In this episode of Route to Research, I break down how to make the most of your very first research opportunity by:
Asking the right questions in your first mentor meeting
Setting small, realistic goals that actually move your project forward
Understanding the bigger picture behind your work
Tracking progress without burning out
Later, I’m joined by Varshini Kakarla, a psychology researcher and current Master’s student at Mercer University, who shares how she approached her early projects, balanced research with clinical work, and learned to set meaningful goals along the way.
Whether you’re just starting out or already working on a project, this episode will give you practical tools to stay organized, motivated, and confident in your research journey.
18 Aug 2025
5. How to Reach Out the Right Way -- Cold Emails the Right Way
Reaching out to professors, grad students, or professionals for the first time can feel intimidating—but it doesn’t have to stop you from starting your research journey.
In this episode of Route to Research, Isha Jayakumar shares a step-by-step guide to finding the right person to contact, crafting a message that stands out, and avoiding the most common mistakes students make.
You’ll also hear from Gregory C. Johnson, an NYU faculty member and experienced executive, and Stacy Sutton, a growth strategist and business leader, who share insider tips on how to get noticed (in a good way) and build meaningful connections.
11 Aug 2025
4. Mentorship 101: Finding Guidance for Your First Project
Not sure how to find a mentor for your research? You’re not alone—and the process is easier than you think once you know where to look. In this episode of Route to Research, Isha Jayakumar walks you through how to search strategically, identify the right fit, and avoid common mistakes when starting a mentorship. You’ll also hear from Soneesh Kothagundla, an aspiring surgeon and accomplished student researcher who has conducted over 15 research projects at Massachusetts General Hospital, Emory University, and other top institutions. Soneesh shares how he found his own mentors, what he looks for in a great one, and why mentorship has been key to his success.
4 Aug 2025
3. The Art of Picking a Topic: Turning Ideas Into Real Research Topics
Struggling to choose your first research topic? You’re not alone—and you don’t need a perfect idea to begin. In this episode of Route to Research, Isha Jayakumar walks you through a step-by-step process to turn curiosity into a clear, actionable research question.
You’ll also hear from two accomplished student researchers, Zia Raukar, a research intern at Mayo Clinic, and Tanmay Shrivastava, a research intern at Princeton University. Both students share how they picked their topics and turned them into impactful projects.
A free brainstorming worksheet is linked below to help you follow along!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1am1c1Ojj5LCqac0JfST5ISF1FcF_tlsT/view?usp=sharing
28 Jul 2025
2. Wait — What is Research & Where Do I Start?
When you think of research, do you picture scientists in white lab coats mixing chemicals in a lab? That’s part of it—but it’s only the beginning.
In this episode of Route to Research, host Isha Jayakumar breaks down five different types of research high school students can actually do—no lab coat required. From literature reviews to data-driven projects, from behavioral studies to experimental science, Isha explains what each type involves, why it matters, and how you can get started (even if you’re brand new).
You’ll also hear from Emily Hartnell, an AP Seminar alum, who shares real tips on building research skills through school programs, and Dr. Atul Laddu of the Global Thrombosis Forum, who talks about giving high school students real opportunities to contribute to medical research.
Whether you’re curious about starting your first project or just wondering what counts as research, this episode will help you find your entry point.
21 Jul 2025
1. My Route to Research: The Story Behind this Podcast
In this first episode of Route to Research, host Isha Jayakumar shares the personal story that sparked her interest in neuroscience research—and how a single “yes” changed everything.
From sending over 100 cold emails to finally connecting with a mentor, this episode is about what it’s really like to take your first step into research as a high school student.
Isha sits down with Mrs. Lacour, a PhD student at the University of Georgia and the first person who said yes to mentoring her, to talk about what makes a good first email, how to find mentors, and what students should know before starting real research.
Whether you’re just curious or ready to start your own project, this episode is here to remind you: all it takes is one brave question to start your Route to Research.
14 Jul 2025
Trailer
In this trailer, host Isha Jayakumar shares what Route to Research is all about — a student-led podcast that helps high schoolers turn big questions into real research, one step at a time. Learn what to expect each episode: how to pick a topic, find mentors, write cold emails, plan your project, stay consistent, and even get published. Because every big discovery starts with one small question — and your research journey can start today.
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