Meet the Founders

The Catalyst Quanta was founded in July 2024 by two students who met online and shared a passion for STEM. I was based in Dubai, while Wanheng Xu was in the UK. Despite the distance, we collaborated remotely, navigating late nights, discussions, and brainstorming sessions to build this platform. Together, we aimed to create a space where students worldwide can share ideas, learn from one another, and explore the fascinating world of science.

Sharanya Shekhar

I was born in December 2007 and grew up across India, Singapore, and Dubai. I study Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology, and I’ve always been curious about how science affects people’s lives, which has sparked my deep interest in immunology, human biology, and biomedical sciences. I founded The Catalyst Quanta during my summer break in July 2024 to create a space where students around the world can share ideas, collaborate, and explore their curiosity. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing tennis, painting, cooking, and listening to music.

Wanheng Xu

I was born in November 2007 in Hong Kong, leaving for Singapore when I was only 3 months old. I’ve lived in the UK since the age of eight, and I now study at Eton College. I am taking Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Economics. I founded The Catalyst Quanta in July 2024 with the sole purpose of providing a platform to any student around the world, and encouraging my peers to dive deeper into their strong subject interests. My upbringing revolved around the lives of Curie, Darwin & Heisenberg, partly responsible for my interest in the sciences and the history surrounding it. Over time, environmental science and policy have also become an increasingly central part of my work and thinking. I enjoy creative writing, acting, listening to music, and playing football