Student Board
Our student board is a group of college and high school students who share the goal of increasing awareness about HPV in our communities and around the country.
Riya Joshi
Director of HPV Informed, Sophomore at Princeton University
When it was time for me to receive my HPV vaccine seven years ago, I was hesitant to receive “yet another shot” at the doctor’s office. However, I quickly learned that the vaccine can prevent cancer. Soon, I initiated my vaccination series and began learning more about HPV, the cancer it can cause, and how the vaccine works.
I started the HPV Informed Campaign during my senior year of high school after learning that HPV vaccination rates around the country are surprisingly low– only 62% of teens were up to date in 2021. Why are the immunization rates for a clinically proven cancer-prevention vaccine so low? Social stigma, missing the vaccination window, and a fear of the side effects are some of the factors responsible for suboptimal vaccination percentages.
Our campaign’s goal is to empower students around the country to learn about HPV, get the vaccine, and engage in healthy dialogue about preventing sexually transmitted diseases. Please email me at riya.joshi@princeton.edu if you have any questions about the campaign, toolkit, or programs that we run.
Judy Gao
Promoting awareness about health topics, educating young people, and advocating for policy change have always been central to my passions throughout high school and as an undergraduate student. My previous efforts have included fundraising, outreach, and advocacy initiatives focused on cardiovascular health, COVID-19, opioid overdose prevention, and health insurance access.
I strongly advocate for HPV vaccination, particularly among younger individuals, as a highly effective way to prevent infection and reduce the risk of cancer. My dedication to this cause led me to join the HPV Informed Campaign, where I work to educate youth and adolescents across the country about the benefits of the HPV vaccine, but also with a particular focus on reaching local communities in my home state of New Jersey.
Nayana Shah
My name is Nayana Shah, and I'm currently a Senior at Lane Tech College Prep. My interests range from horseback riding to travel, which I pursue alongside my academics. With 13 years of equestrian experience, and my active involvement in Science Olympiad beyond the barn, I've had the chance to develop new skills and cultivate lasting friendships.
For students like me, HPV awareness matters because it equips us with the knowledge to safeguard our health, make responsible choices, and advocate for vaccination and screenings, ultimately preventing future health challenges. I am excited to help spread this knowledge to other students, ensuring they have the information needed to make educated choices about their health and well-being, and promoting a supportive community of awareness and prevention.