NINTH-GRADE STUDENT PARTICIPATES IN HARVARD RESEARCH PROGRAM

South Fayette High School student Aanya Angadi was selected to participate in Harvard University’s Learn with Leaders program this school year. The initiative pairs students in eighth through twelfth grades with a Harvard Student Agencies mentor to learn the fundamentals of research and research writing.

Angadi’s research focused on the use of color in artwork in relation to emotions. Angadi, with the assistance of Melissa Contis, high school art educator, conducted experiments connected to her research topic. In the experiment, Angadi showed students an image of a lily and each student was to recreate that lily, drawing their emotions through it. On the back of the students’ artwork, they were to write how they were feeling at that point.

Angadi quickly discovered that color can powerfully convey people’s emotions. Generally, those who were upset used a dim lighting and color scheme. Those feeling happier tended to use more calming colors.

Throughout her work, Angadi attended a Harvard course to work through the research process with coursework and actionables, leading to the development of a seven-page research paper under the direction of a Harvard student. Angadi’s work will soon be published.