Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
for exclusive content
Directors
Akhil Rekulapelli - 2014 Nat Geo National Champion
As Coach Kumar's student, Akhil Rekulapelli was the 2013 and 2014 Virginia State Champion, as well as the 2014 National Champion. He is currently a third-year studying Biology at the University of Virginia. He is excited to see the GeoEd Foundation grow, and hopes to see it reach more and more people and spread awareness about geography, especially in underserved populations.
"There may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.” - Derek Jeter
Shriya Yarlagadda - 2015 Nat Geo National Runnerup
Shriya was the National Runner-Up of the 2015 National Geographic Bee and worked with many students, parents, and mentors as a Director at the GeoEd Foundation. She is a recent graduate of Harvard College, where she studied Government and Economics, and is intrigued by the intersections of geopolitics, technology, and public-private interactions. She is grateful for the role that her geography journey has played in nurturing these interests and hopes to see many more students pursue this exciting field.
"You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” - Jane Goodall
Anoushka Buddhikot - 2018 Nat Geo National Runnerup
Anoushka Buddhikot was the 2018 New Jersey State Champion and the 2018 National Geographic runner-up. She is a five time New Jersey state qualifier and a long-time participant in North South Foundation Science and Geography bees. She is currently a high school student at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, where she is a member of several clubs, including Science Bowl, Future Health Professionals (HOSA), and Science Olympiad. Her hobbies include playing the violin, reading, and listening to music. She is an advocate for geographic awareness and hopes to reach a diverse range of people through her activities within the GeoEd Foundation.
"I attempt an arduous task; but there is no worth in that which is not a difficult achievement.” - Ovid
Pranav Kanmadikar - 2015 Nat Geo Kentucky State Champion
Pranav Kanmadikar is a rising freshman at Dartmouth College who is interested in teaching geography in a holistic manner. He started his GeoBee career in sixth grade, during which he placed 1st at the Kentucky State Championships. As one of Coach Kumar's students between 2015 and 2017, he then placed 2nd at the state level during his eighth grade year. He has also participated and placed in a host of other Geography competitions, including NSF and the International Geography Bee. He began his work with the GeoEd Foundation during his freshman year of high school and has since served as both a mentor and Course Coordinator. Outside of geography, he has been involved in environmental initiatives, social justice advocacy/activism, and scientific research. He is excited to now be a Director of the Foundation, a position through which he will be able to continue instructing, managing, collaborating, and leading to advance geographic education.
"The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine" - Mike Murdock
Jacob Aronow
Jacob Aronow is a senior at Ransom Everglades in Miami, FL. While he has maintained a strong interest in geography since the age of five, his experience in competitive geography only began in 8th grade, when he placed 10th at IAC’s National Geography Bee. He went on to place 3rd and 2nd in 2024 and 2025, respectively, and qualified as an alternate for Team USA at the International Geography Olympiad. He has also conducted research in geography with George Mason University and NASA, and has interned with his local city government in GIS. Outside of geography, Jacob is interested in history, linguistics, and computer science, and hopes to pursue a career which can incorporate at least two of his interests. In his free time, Jacob enjoys playing basketball, racket sports (tennis, table tennis, pickleball), and traveling. He is also an avid follower of the NBA, NFL, and, most intriguingly, competitive Scrabble.
“Love many things, for therein lies the true strength; whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.” - Vincent Van Gogh