I’m Damian Garg, a Grade 12 student at The Doon School, Dehradun, where I serve as School Shooting Captain. My journey as an innovator began with a simple belief: engineering solutions should address real-world challenges and create meaningful impact.

My research on seismic-resilient bearing structures, selected as a finalist for the prestigious Genius Olympiad 2025, exemplifies this philosophy. By developing a prototype that reduces earthquake vibrations by up to 97.2%, I’m working to make buildings safer in seismic zones—potentially saving countless lives and infrastructure.

Academic Journey

My academic path has taken me from the engineering labs at Johns Hopkins University (Online Program), where I earned an A grade and 3 college credits, to the online innovation workshops at IIT Delhi’s Rancho Labs. At Johns Hopkins, my Spaghetti Bridge project achieved a perfect score while supporting 3kg—teaching me that elegant engineering emerges from understanding fundamental principles. Through programs at Ashoka University, Trinity, and the Young SDG Leaders Program, I’ve developed a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving.

Research & Innovation

As a published researcher, my work spans from sustainable infrastructure to seismic engineering. My paper on “Challenges in Promoting Use of Waste Plastic in Hot Bituminous Mixes” was published in the IOSR journal, while my seismic resilience research was presented at the Gulf Conference ICBDTIS 2024. These experiences have taught me that impactful research requires both rigorous methodology and practical application.

Leadership & Excellence

Leadership, for me, extends beyond titles. As School Shooting Captain, I’ve learned that precision and discipline in sport translate directly to academic pursuits. My journey in competitive shooting—from attending different competitions worldwide and earning medals to full colors in school and then eventually captaincy —has instilled focus and mental fortitude that I apply to every project.

My entrepreneurial spirit was recognized at the Ivy Early Entrepreneur Program, where our “TravelTech” proposal ranked among the top three teams. At the BSAI Opportunity Summit, I had the honor of serving as school flag bearer while our team secured runner-up position in the hackathon and Best Delegation award.

Beyond Academics

Mathematics fascinates me—I qualified for the Regional Mathematical Olympiad through IOQM, pushing my analytical thinking to new heights. Whether I’m developing smart devices like WhizBin, competing in hackathons, or working on sustainable urban drainage systems, I approach each challenge with curiosity and determination.

I believe in learning by doing, thinking through problems systematically, and staying true to my values. My recognition in the School Honour’s Book for Good Conduct reflects my commitment to integrity alongside innovation.Looking Forward

As I prepare to represent India at Genius Olympiad 2025 in the United States, I’m excited about the future of engineering and my role in shaping it. I seek to continue building solutions that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical impact, always keeping in mind that the best innovations are those that serve humanity.

Whether in the workshop, at the shooting range, or collaborating with fellow innovators, I remain driven by the joy of creation and the satisfaction of solving problems that matter. My journey is just beginning, and I’m eager to see where curiosity, hard work, and a commitment to excellence will take me next.