Nithin Ramasamy

Nithin Ramasamy is a dedicated junior at Whitney Young Magnet High School with a deep passion for chess, a game he has been playing since the age of 7. As an active participant in chess clubs, USCF tournaments, and the varsity school team, Nithin has honed his strategic thinking and analytical skills, both on and off the board.

Beyond his academic and chess pursuits, Nithin is the founder of Bond with Board, a non-profit organization that brings high school students together to play board games with residents of senior citizen homes. This initiative aims to foster intergenerational connections and provide mental stimulation for seniors, a cause close to Nithin's heart.

Currently, Nithin is working on a project exploring the impact of chess on neurodegenerative diseases, combining his passion for the game with a commitment to making a positive impact on society.

Jordan H Grafman, PhD
Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Professor, Northwestern University - Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

Dr.Grafman's primary interest is in understanding the functions of the human prefrontal cortex and improving those functions after brain damage. He has additional interests in neuroplasticity, memory, executive functions, and social neuroscience. He uses structural and functional MRI, non-invasive brain stimulation, psychophysiological recordings, and genetics as tools in his research effort.

Dr. Grafman mentors the icon-d project.