Meet Shreya Sridhar, a recent graduate who not only holds an impressive list of academic accomplishments but has also left an indelible mark on the Health TechQuity Lab (HTQL). Shreya’s journey is a testament to hard work, dedication, and a desire for knowledge.

Academic Triumphs: A Legacy of Excellence

Shreya’s academic journey began with a solid foundation in Health Sciences, with a pre-medical concentration during her undergraduate years. She consistently rose to the top, earning her a spot on the Dean’s List and Semester Honors for all six semesters of her undergraduate career. Her remarkable dedication allowed her to graduate early in just three years. Remarkably, she completed the 4+1 MPH program, which combined her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, in just four years.

Continuing her pursuit of knowledge, Shreya embarked on a master’s in public health (MPH), focusing on Family and Community Health. There, she continued to impress with her academic skills, securing her place on the Dean’s List and Semester Honors for two semesters.

Shreya completed minors in Chemistry and Radiological Health Sciences to add further depth to her academic journey, showcasing her commitment to interdisciplinary learning.

Team Contributions and Milestones: A Collaborative Spirit

Shreya’s academic accomplishments were only the beginning of her journey. In collaboration with her peer, Jillian Kelley, she achieved notable milestones. Their outstanding teamwork resulted in recognition at the College of Health & Human Sciences Research Symposium and the Engagement & Service-Learning Summit, both issued in March 2023 by Purdue University.

Shreya’s project within the HTQL was: “Community Health Worker Led Outreach, Education, and COVID Testing for People Experiencing Homelessness.” Collaborating with the Department of Public Health, LTHC Homeless Services, and lab members Jillian Kelley, Rebecca Ziolkowski, Lara Balian, and Natalia Rodriguez.

She skillfully analyzed qualitative data, where she transcribed, coded, developed a codebook dictionary, and completed a consensus for the Community Health Worker (CHW) project. Moreover, she contributed to the project by writing the introduction to manuscript 1, which is still in progress.

Personal Insights: The Power of Reading

Shreya’s journey is not only about academic and research achievements but also about personal growth and discovery. She shares a profound piece of advice:

I have one piece of advice: read!!
Whether it was the assigned class readings, or the research articles in my lab, reading helped me broaden my knowledge in previously unexposed topics.

In religiously reading these last 4 years, I have:

• Learned so much more about current world affairs
• Developed a genuine passion for subjects like population health and movement disorders
• Ultimately fueled my sense of scientific curiosity

College is filled with opportunities, but it’s up to us to understand what’s out there and uncover our passions. Reading has allowed me to do this, by furthering my interest in neuroscience research (qualitative AND quantitative), and solidifying my goal in becoming a scientist.

Future Endeavors: A Journey Ahead

Shreya Sridhar’s journey is far from over. She deferred her medical school admission for a year to embark on a fascinating path. She is currently completing her Neuroscience & AI Fulbright scholarship at UCSF School of Medicine, further solidifying her expertise in the field.

In Fall 2024, Shreya is set to join Stanford University School of Medicine for their MD-PhD program. Her medical school ambition is nothing short of inspiring, focusing on neurosurgery, neurosurgical oncology, stereotactic and functional neurosurgery, and the exploration of transplant surgery. For her Ph.D. research, she is interested in delving into impulse control, decision-making capabilities, and sensorimotor impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Her big-picture goal is to practice surgery in an underserved area, where she can research to mitigate the unequal stratification of neuropsychiatric services in light of the global shortage of neurologists.

Shreya Sridhar’s journey is a testament to the limitless potential of dedication, teamwork, and a genuine thirst for knowledge. Her future is undoubtedly bright, and she is poised to make a lasting impact on the world of healthcare and beyond.