by: Kat Littfin
Editorial Editor

Diana Martynova hacks the system as she channels her energy into STEM interests, artistic pursuits, and fencing. The multi-talented senior is committed to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for biological engineering and will be fencing for the school’s team next fall.

Martynova’s career at LGHS has been full of accomplishment and exploration into the subjects that interest her. Her curiosity in STEM-oriented pursuits began in sixth grade, as she described: “I saw a YouTube video that showed a prototype of this device that could go into your arteries and clean out cholesterol, so that sparked my interest in biological engineering and biological sciences.” Since then, Martynova has taken an interest in classes such as Biology and Physics. These courses have influenced her career aspirations in a field that combines biology and engineering concepts. “I hope to work with medical institutions to build medical devices that could aid doctors with surgeries and make surgeries safer, faster, and more affordable,” she explained.

In addition to her academic classes, Martynova takes Art at LGHS and was recently featured in the LGHS electives exhibition in April. Martinova expressed that despite her affinity for more technical fields, “I also really like my creative side.” She has been working on her art portfolio based on how technology, and specifically social media platforms, affect youth and teenage development. She explored how “technology influences behavior, and the internal and external tension it creates.” Through her portfolio, she combined her knowledge of scientific disciplines with her creative spark. Additionally, Martynova is an accomplished pianist, having just finished the last level for the Certificate of Merit, a standardized evaluation program for piano in California.

Outside of school, Martynova has poured many hours into fencing at the Academy of Fencing Masters. Martynova has a very rigorous fencing schedule, admitting that it is time-consuming but worth it: “I think it’s less about the competition aspect, more that going there is kind of my home away from home.” Moreover, she has learned invaluable lessons from fencing, especially from her coach, who encourages a growth mindset by encouraging her to view mistakes as “a feature, not a bug.” Martynova emphasized that she also values the travelling aspect of fencing, as she can meet fencers from across the country and even the world.

In terms of her academic career at MIT, Martynova hopes to work with professors on research and teach in foreign countries. She aspires to either pursue a medical or a master’s degree. No matter which path she chooses, Martynovas’ multi-faceted successes and drive are sure to take her far in life.