Portrait of a Teacher: Dr. Balakrishnan Selvakumar

“I try to create spaces where a student can come in and make a contribution to the real world.”

Dr. Balakrishnan Selvakumar, known to his students as Dr. S, believes students are capable of making meaningful contributions to the world around them. As founding director of Poly’s Biological Research Initiative, he creates opportunities for students to follow their curiosity, engage in real-world research, and discover the impact of their work beyond the classroom.

In the first video installment of Poly’s Portrait of a Teacher series, hear how Dr. S's approach to teaching helps students develop a sense of purpose, and why he believes that connection can strengthen their well-being.

Poly Upper School science classes are supported, in part, through philanthropic gifts to the school. The Poly Research Initiative is supported by a lead grant from The Edward E. Ford Foundation, with an endowment established through the generosity of Poly community members to sustain the program for generations to come. 

Learn more about the Poly Research Initiative here.