For many Arizona students, the path into science begins with a single summer that reshapes their confidence and their future. Since 2007, the Helios Scholars Program at TGen has been that turning point. Each year, Helios Scholars spend eight weeks working directly with TGen researchers exploring cancer biology, neurological and infectious disease, diabetes, and the fast‑growing world of computational genomics. Some even step into administrative roles that keep scientific projects moving. The program began with a Helios Education Foundation grant in 2006. The pilot’s success led to a $6.5 million endowment and the official launch of Helios Scholars at TGen, a program built to educate, inspire, and strengthen Arizona’s STEM workforce. Now entering its 20th year, the impact is undeniable. Alumni have published research, earned national recognition, and joined top graduate and medical programs across the country. Helios alumna Saahithi Mallapragada joins TGen Talks to discuss how her Helios experience became a launchpad for her career in science. You’ll hear about her internship experience, her work in the lab, and why she would encourage anyone to apply to the Helios Scholar program to see if science might be a true passion.