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Stony Brook University student makes history at 16 as one of youngest graduates

Jivan Ramesh will graduate from Stony Brook University with degrees in biochemistry and music at 16 years old.

Jon Dowding

May 21, 2025, 9:43 PM

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A Stony Brook University student will also cross the stage Thursday with a degree, but will be the only one of his peers still not old enough to drive on his own.

Jivan Ramesh will graduate from Stony Brook University with degrees in biochemistry and music.

At 16 years old, Ramesh is already a gifted musician and one of the youngest graduates in the university's history.

He started playing the cello at three and performed at Carnegie Hall at five. 

Ramesh plays four other instruments, as well as composing and writing his own music. 

During his time at Stony Brook, he also worked as a teacher’s assistant and tutor. 

Ramesh tells News 12 the key to his success is not placing limits on what you’re capable of doing.

"Everyone thinks they're not capable of something. I think most of the time, people are capable of a lot more than we give ourselves credit for,” he said.”If we're able to take the time and push hard, then we can go a lot farther."

Ramesh says he’s applying for graduate school and is still deciding whether to major in something related to law or music. 

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