North Allegheny High School · 11th grade

Stories built from real science, told by a young author still writing her own.

I'm Nia Sharath, author of the novel The Existence, a student researcher, and a classical vocalist. This is where my writing, my science, and my music meet.

Read about The ExistenceMore about me

The Existence · Atmosphere Press, 2023

The Existence

A science-fiction novel of hybrid genetics and interstellar survival

Set on a future Venus, The Existence follows Nora and her scientist friend James as they race to find a cure before a runaway virus and a rogue population of human-animal hybrids push their world past the point of no return.

  • Hybrid genetics & futuristic biology
  • Interstellar & interplanetary survival
  • A runaway virus reshaping a colony
  • Friendship under pressure
  • The line between good and evil
Full synopsis & details
Publisher
Atmosphere Press
Published
Launched April 8, 2023
Setting
A future Venus, reshaped by genetic engineering and colonization

How it's gone so far

  1. 2021

    Started writing The Existence

    Began the manuscript in sixth grade after a creative-writing assignment turned into a full novel.

  2. 2022

    Finished the manuscript

    Completed the full draft of The Existence in July, after nearly a year of writing.

  3. 2023

    The Existence launched

    Published with Atmosphere Press and launched on April 8 — available in paperback, ebook, and at her school library.

  4. 2023–24

    Scholastic Art & Writing Awards recognition

    Earned recognition through the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards at Point Park University for creative writing.

  5. Ongoing

    Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh

    Performs as a classical vocalist, drawing connections between musical discipline and scientific thinking.

  6. Now

    Building toward research & university

    Preparing a path in scientific research and development, alongside continued writing.

Nia Sharath

Franklin Park, Pennsylvania

“Science and story both start with the same question: what if?”

I'm an 11th-grade student at North Allegheny High School with a passion for scientific inquiry, futuristic world-building, and creative narrative synthesis.

Read the full bio
Coming next

Research is next up

I'm building toward original research in genetics and biology alongside my writing. This page will fill in as that work is ready to share.

Visit the Research page