Troy High School Junior Wins Brain Bee Competition

Atul Ganesh’s fascination with the human brain began in the fourth grade when he stumbled across a Scholastic book on

the human body. While the book covered all parts of the body, it was the four pages dedicated to the brain that captured his curiosity.

“I remember reading about how the brain controls everything,” Ganesh said. “That was the moment I knew I wanted to learn more.”

That early spark helped the junior from Troy High School claim the championship title at the 13th Annual Michigan Brain Bee at Michigan State University on Feb. 23, 2025. His victory won him an expense-paid ticket to the National Brain Bee, held at Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey the first weekend in May.

“It feels nice to know that the amount of effort you put into something gets rewarded,” he said. “It feels really good to know that it was all worth it.”

Ganesh’s victory followed weeks of intense preparation, including late-night study sessions with his parents and younger brother. Now focused on the national title, he’s ready for the next challenge.

“I look forward to meeting new people who love science like I do,” said Ganesh, who plans to be a neurosurgeon. “I do intend to try and bring that trophy back with me to Michigan.”

That’s a goal event director Casey Henley has been waiting for, too.

Henley, an associate professor in the Department of Physiology at MSU, has been involved with the competition since it began in 2011. She believes the Brain Bee provides high school students with a unique and meaningful way to engage with neuroscience.

“The competition fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the brain and nervous system,” said Henley, adding that the best finish for a MSU Brain Bee champion has been second place. “Seeing students develop a passion for neuroscience, gain confidence in their knowledge, and consider future careers in science and medicine is incredibly rewarding.”

Beyond the competition itself, Henley sees the Brain Bee as an investment in the future of the department and neuroscience.

“The Brain Bee plays a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of neuroscientists, clinicians, and science advocates,” she said. “Investing in young minds today strengthens the future of neuroscience and its potential to address pressing issues such as neurodegenerative diseases, mental health disorders, and brain-computer interface technologies.”

As for Ganesh, the Brain Bee is about more than just the competition.

“It’s amazing that as high schoolers, we have the chance to pursue science and something we love outside the classroom,” he said. “I couldn’t be more grateful to everyone who made this possible.”

The Brain Bee is sponsored by the Neuroscience Program at MSU and the Michigan Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience. It challenges high school students in a fast-paced, spelling bee-style format. Competitors answer questions on brain anatomy, neurological disorders, and cognitive function that tests both their knowledge and quick thinking. Aryan Khedkar and Daniel Syed finished in second and third place, respectively.