Active Learning Summer Intern Introductions: Janani Krishnan-Jha

Hi, everyone! My name is Janani, and I’m a rising sophomore at Harvard, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Music. Within Psychology, I’m interested in studying how people learn, and how people acquire implicit biases about certain ethnic groups. At Harvard, I compete on the Mock Trial team, sing with the a cappella group The Veritones, compose original musicals, perform in and direct Shakespearean plays, volunteer in Boston teaching English to Vietnamese immigrants, and participate in the Hindu Students Association.

The arts--music and theatre--means the world to me. I grew up in a family of Indian classical musicians, and art was always a part of my household. My mom would teach me how to sing music that spoke to me, music that mattered, music that people could relate to. Now, through music composition, I write music about my own values and experiences. My mother also taught me to respect my roots and use the gift of education to help those without the same opportunities I’ve been given. That’s why after college, I dream of attending law school and travelling to India to practice human rights law and advocate for women’s rights.

From my father, I inherited a love of the outdoors, travel, and exercise; because of this, I’m especially interested in climbing some of Japan’s beautiful mountains, and travelling to nearby cities to experience authentic Japanese cuisine and culture. Looking forward to a wonderful summer!