New Teacher Feature: Samitha Navali

EVAN WALKER, MARRIUS RAMSEY, and DEAN KAMEL, Contributing Writers

Photo by Sal Rahman

When Ms. Samitha Navali walks into her classroom at North Brunswick Township High School, students notice her calm presence and genuine passion for teaching. But few know the path that led her from India to the heart of the NBTHS community.

Before moving to the United States, Ms. Navali taught Biology in India, earning both her master’s degree and teaching certification. She loved helping students understand the wonders of life science, but after relocating, she explored a different career — software design. During that time, she helped develop educational platforms like Genesis and the student portal, tools students now use daily to track grades and assignments.

That realization brought her back to the classroom. Today, she teaches both Biology and Robotics at NBTHS, combining her scientific knowledge with technological expertise. In her classes, students explore how coding and engineering intersect with biology, from robots mimicking animal movement to AI applications in medicine.

Looking back, she has no regrets. “I would make this decision a hundred out of a hundred times,” Her journey—from teaching in India, to coding in the U.S., and back to inspiring students—reminds us that following your passion can lead to both fulfillment and purpose.