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Kosha Upadhyay, 16, has been a math whiz for *literally* as long as she can remember. Growing up, she idolized famous mathematician Shakuntala Devi. “She was known as a ‘human computer’ because she could do math really quickly,” Kosha says. “That resonated with me because I was always trying to challenge myself to do weird calculations very quickly.”

After nailing her own stellar grades, Kosha wanted to see other girls succeed in natural science disciplines, too. But she knew a lot of her friends struggled with feeling intimidated in science class (relatable!) or at local math competitions—and that’s where her quiz game Buzz Bowl was born. 

Kosha’s quick thinking and nonstop kindness have come in handy as she runs Buzz Bowl events, where 5th-8th grade girls answer trivia questions about physics, chemistry, arithmetic, astronomy and more.

A fun, fast-paced game that can help you ace that upcoming algebra test or even kickstart your future career? Sign us up! We talked with Kosha about her experiences in S.T.E.M and her journey creating Buzz Bowl.

Girls' Life Magazine: What inspired you to empower girls interested in S.T.E.M?

Kosha: I liked attending local math competitions, but there were very few girls around me. I did some research and saw that this was actually a nationwide trend. There's a lot of statistics on how many girls consistently have better test scores than boys in math. But still they rarely participated in S.T.E.M competitions or events.

GL: How did that discovery make you feel?

Kosha: It really shocked me because I've always been treated as an equal among my family and friends. I brought up this issue at the dinner table, and my family was very supportive. They encouraged me to find a fix. I thought to myself: What if I invented a game that offers actually exciting S.T.E.M questions?

GL: Who can play Buzz Bowl?

Kosha: Buzz Bowl is designed to be noncompetitive and collaborative. We have beginner and advanced levels, so whether you've just started getting interested in STEM or you've been into biology since you were in your diapers, you have a place in Buzz Bowl.

GL: What qualities of yours do think have made Buzz Bowl such a success?

Kosha: Besides being a good leader, being observant of, on a surface level, the things around you and also of the feelings of the people around you is very important. It has definitely helped me succeed.

GL: What's been one of your fave moments running Buzz Bowl events?

Kosha: In one of the first few events, there was a team of seventh grade girls who didn't do so well in the first two rounds. They came up to me and told me that they wanted to drop out. I saw how uncomfortable they were, and I offered to accompany them in the next two rounds and encouraged them to keep going. In the end, they placed in the Top 10, and they went home really happy.

GL: Any advice you'd like to share with readers who want to make a difference in their community?

Kosha: First, [you have to] accept that a problem exists and be brave enough to take the first step in addressing it—no matter how tiny that first step may be. For me, it was hard to get started and believe that I had the power to change my community. But if you have the courage, you can even surprise yourself with how much of a difference you can make.

Check out Buzz Bowl here!

Plus, if you're already giving back to your community in a unique way,
learn more about becoming a Prudential Emerging Visionary like Kosha.

These real-life girls (just like you!) are already changing the world. Find out how to get involved:
🌟 Here's how to become the best student activist you can be
🌟 Teen motivational speaker Sydnie Collins created your new fave positivity podcast
🌟 Peep this international feminist organization that helps girls achieve their goals for giving back

Images courtesy of Kosha Upadhyay.
GIF via Giphy

by Madelon Basil | 12/3/2023