About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
The Substance Safety Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that started in West Virginia, the state with the highest opioid overdose death rate in the nation, and scaled nationally. We focus on removing opioids from circulation and educating youth.
Team
Pavan is a junior at Morgantown High School and the founder of The Substance Safety Project, which he founded after seeing the effects of opioid abuse and addiction in his local community in West Virginia. Through his leadership, the organization has reached K-12 students across the state, delivered educational programming, and helped safely dispose of thousands of unused medications. In addition to his advocacy work, he is a student researcher in computational biophysics and drug discovery, and will be attending the 2026 MIT Research Science Institute.
Pavan Subramani
Founder and Executive Director
Misha is a current sophomore at Valley Christian High School with a strong interest in data science. She joined substance safety project to create real impact in her community regarding safe drug disposal and awareness. She is particularly passionate about robotics and enjoys developing skills in underwater machinery. Outside of her work, she enjoys scuba diving, hiking, and spending time with family!
Misha Kharya
Director of California Chapter
Roma is a student at Waubonsie Valley High School in Illinois with an interest in healthcare, biotechnology, and public health. She is passionate about using science in practical ways, especially through substance safety education and community outreach. As the Director of the Illinois Chapter, she hopes to create meaningful events that raise awareness and help her community stay informed and make safer, more responsible choices.
Roma Shree Dinesh Kumar
Director of Illinois Chapter
Vandika is currently a high school student in Trinidad and Tobago, studying physics, chemistry, pure and applied mathematics and communications. She's also a Junior Fellow of the Harvard Undergraduate Microbiology Society, as well as the Director of Physics, Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago with the International Youth STEAM Advisors. She is passionate about using STEM applications for impactful community development. Outside of academics, she is an avid F1 fan and a lover of iced coffee!
Vandika Doon
Director of Trinidad and Tobago Chapter
Hanssini is an 11th grader at South Forsyth High School. She's currently pursuing her interests in biotechnology and holistic health, and pretty much anything science related. She's founding this chapter in Georgia because she believe communities here deserve better access to substance safety education and resources that are often overlooked. As chapter founder, she's fully committed to growing this chapter and making it as impactful as possible!
Hanssini Premkumar
Director of Georgia Chapter
Evelyn is a student at Franklin High School, with a strong interest in neuroscience, computer science, and biology. She is passionate about finding new innovative solutions to create impact in her community regarding substance safety education and awareness. She's also passionate for her work in early stroke detection through research at UC Davis and Sacramento State University. Outside of her work, she's a member of the National Fraternity of Student Musicians and enjoys playing instruments and traveling.
Evelyn Nguyen
Director of Sacramento County Chapter
Sai Keerthi is a rising senior at Ravenwood High School with strong interests in biology, genetics, women’s health, and biotechnology. She is passionate about science and dedicated to using her interests to create meaningful change in her community. She is founding this chapter in Tennessee because she believes communities deserve greater access to substance safety education and resources that are often overlooked. As chapter founder, she is committed to building a strong chapter, leading impactful outreach initiatives, and creating a lasting difference. Outside of her chapter work, Sai enjoys Bharatanatyam and sketching.
Sai Keerthi Pathipaka
Director of Tennessee Chapter
Allison Colla
Director of New Jersey Chapter
Allison is a student at Pascack Hills High School in Bergen County, New Jersey, and an advocate for public health, harm reduction, and health policy. She is currently leading a Girl Scout Gold Award project called “Spray Safe” focused on naloxone (Narcan) education and access, serves as a Community Distributor with the New Jersey Harm Reduction Coalition, and partners with local organizations to distribute naloxone and drug-checking resources throughout her community. Allison also volunteers at a local hospital, is a four year varsity football cheerleader and youth cheerleading coach, and contributes to finance, outreach, and award submissions on her FIRST Robotics Competition team. Outside of her work, she enjoys weightlifting, learning languages, and birdwatching.
Michael is a student at University School in Ohio with an interest in healthcare, medical research, and public health. He is passionate about using science and education to create practical change, especially through substance safety awareness and community outreach. Through the Substance Safety Pro, he hopes to help inform his community about safe medication disposal, responsible choices, and the importance of preventing substance misuse before it starts.
Michael Hayek
Director of Ohio Chapter