About YMRF
Empowering the next generation of researchers and innovators through mentorship, education, and hands-on scientific discovery.
A Foundation Built on Possibility
Young Minds Research Foundation (YMRF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between high school education and real-world scientific research. We believe that every student with curiosity and drive deserves the opportunity to explore their potential.
Founded by educators and researchers who saw the need for earlier exposure to research methodologies, YMRF is building a community of students, mentors, and partners united by a shared vision: to cultivate the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
Our programs are designed to be accessible, rigorous, and inspiring—giving students the tools they need to transform their ideas into meaningful research contributions.
Our Leadership
Dedicated researchers and educators guiding YMRF's mission and strategic direction.
Dr. Belfin Robinson
Executive Director
YMRF
Dr. Belfin Robinson is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, working at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and clinical neuroscience. With over 13 years of experience spanning academic research, enterprise software engineering, and AI-driven healthcare innovation, he brings a rare combination of technical depth and real-world impact. His research at UNC's Department of Neurology and Biomedical Research Imaging Center focuses on building deep learning and graph-theoretic models to diagnose conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, chronic pain, and epilepsy — published in 18+ peer-reviewed journals. Before his research career, Dr. Robinson spent nearly a decade as a Professor at Karunya University in India, teaching Data Science, Machine Learning, and Graph Analytics. He has also held software engineering roles at Wipro Technologies and Robert Bosch. As a board member, he is committed to championing technology literacy, mentorship, and equitable access to STEM opportunities for young learners.
Dr. Florence Martin
Director of STEM Education
YMRF
Dr. Florence Martin is a distinguished scholar and leader in educational technology and online learning. She serves as a Professor in the Learning, Design, and Technology program at North Carolina State University, where her work focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of effective digital learning environments. With extensive experience in STEM education, instructional design, and teacher training, Dr. Martin has contributed significantly to advancing innovative teaching practices that enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. At YMRF, she leads the development of STEM curricula and educational programs, ensuring students receive high-quality, research-driven learning experiences. She has published widely in top-tier academic journals and actively collaborates with educators worldwide.
Dr. Andrew Jeyabose Sundar
Director of Programs & Events
YMRF
Dr. Andrew Jeyabose Sundar is a leading researcher in artificial intelligence and healthcare, currently serving as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. His work focuses on developing interpretable deep learning models for neuroimaging, particularly in epilepsy and brain network analysis. With over a decade of academic and research experience, he has authored more than 90 peer-reviewed publications and is recognized among the top 2% of scientists worldwide based on citation impact. His expertise spans multimodal neuroimaging, deep learning, and computational biology. At YMRF, Dr. Sundar leads the design and execution of programs and events, including STEM workshops, research bootcamps, and innovation challenges. He is deeply committed to mentoring students and fostering hands-on learning experiences that bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world applications.
Team
Sujjay Karthikeyan
Student Secretary
UNC Charlotte
Education, Exposure, Excellence
Education
We provide structured learning experiences that teach research methodology, scientific writing, and data analysis skills.
Research Exposure
Students work on real research projects alongside experienced mentors from academia and industry.
Events & Competitions
We host conferences, hackathons, and boot camps that challenge students and showcase their achievements.
Building Tomorrow's Leaders
Early research experience has a lasting impact on students' academic and professional trajectories.
Research Readiness
Students who participate in research programs are better prepared for college-level coursework and graduate school.
College Pathways
Research experience strengthens college applications and opens doors to scholarships and advanced opportunities.
Innovation Mindset
Early exposure to research cultivates critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Principles That Guide Us
Integrity
We uphold the highest ethical standards in research and education.
Curiosity
We foster a passion for discovery and lifelong learning.
Inclusion
We create accessible opportunities for students from all backgrounds.
Scientific Rigor
We teach evidence-based thinking and methodical inquiry.
Service
We are committed to giving back to our communities through education.