7 Indian American Sophomores Win UW-Madison Research Fellowships

The fellowship recipients, selected through a competitive university-wide process, represent a range of disciplines from molecular biology to data science. Each student receives a stipend and works under a faculty adviser on a self-designed research project.

Sohan Alleshwaram, double majoring in computer sciences and mathematics, is running forward-in-time simulations of the Colorado potato beetle under Sean Schoville to predict agricultural gene flow. Adit Bhootra, a biology major on the pre-med track, studies DNA repair deficiency and radiosensitivity in TSC-mutant cancer cells with Dr. Pippa Cosper in radiation medicine.

Ishpreet Dang and Anikait Patel, both molecular and cell biology majors, are mentored by Audrey Gasch and Portia Smith, respectively. Tejas Dahiya, an undeclared major, works with Saurabh Gupta. In computational fields, Agastya Rathee, double majoring in computer sciences and data science, is advised by Rogerio Jorge, while Tirth Mihirbhai Patel combines data science and economics under Matteo Camboni.

The program is funded by the Brittingham Wisconsin Trust, the Kemper K. Knapp Bequest, the UW System, and the Chancellor's and Provost's Offices. It provides direct stipends to students and mentors to cover research expenses, enabling sophomores to apply classroom learning to real-world scientific questions.

Bhootra said his academic path reflects a focus on healthcare, leadership, and a broad campus involvement. The fellowships aim to prepare undergraduates for future careers in technology, medicine, and academia while advancing university research goals.