Hello everyone! My name is Ava Fauvell and I am a high school sophomore passionate about neuroscience, mitochondrial medicine, and advocacy. I founded Mito Matters, a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about mitochondrial diseases, inspired by my close friend who has Kearns-Sayre syndrome. Through Mito Matters, I’ve built a global community, engaging thousands in conversations about mitochondrial disorders and the need for increased research funding.

Beyond my nonprofit work, I participated in neuroscience research at Columbia University's Motor Neuron Center and am actively involved in STEM and bioethics initiatives. I’m also a dedicated Mock Trial competitor, literary magazine editor, and serve as vice president of my school’s Multicultural Club.

I aspire to study neuroscience at a top university, continuing my work at the intersection of medicine, research, and public advocacy.