ADVERTISEMENTs
Aswathy Shailaja receives Clemson University Young Alumni Award
The award recognizes her as one of ten young alumni making remarkable contributions in their fields and communities.
-
Bhavana P - Tue, 20, May 2025
- 13:32 EDT
- 14
Aswathy Shailaja (M) receiving the award / LinkedIn
Clemson University has named former Indian-origin student Aswathy Shailaja among the recipients of its Roaring10 alumni award for 2025.
Presented by the Clemson Young Alumni Council, the award recognizes alumni who embody the university’s core values of honesty, integrity, and respect through outstanding leadership, service, and professional achievement.
Also read: Indian-Americans receive UT Dallas Distinguished Alumni Award
Reflecting on the recognition, Shailaja said, “Receiving this award was a truly proud and emotional moment for me. Standing alongside an inspiring group of fellow honorees, I was reminded of just how many incredible people have shaped my journey to this milestone. I’m deeply grateful to the nominators, my mentors from both Clemson and Duke University, my colleagues, and my family, friends, and fellow Tigers who have supported me every step of the way.”
Shailaja, who earned her Ph.D. in plant and environmental sciences from Clemson in 2020, is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Duke University School of Medicine. Her research focuses on preventing neonatal brain injury and inflammation — a critical area of study with the potential to significantly improve outcomes for preterm infants facing sepsis and other inflammation-induced developmental impairments. She previously conducted similar research at Stony Brook University in New York.
Her work has earned her several accolades, including the 2023 Young Investigator Award from Montana State University’s Center of Biofilm Engineering and the 2024 Duke University Preparing Future Faculty Fellowship.
Beyond the lab, Shailaja is deeply engaged in community service. She serves as secretary of the Triangle Clemson Club and played a key role in organizing relief support for Hurricane Helene-affected communities in western North Carolina. In recognition of her leadership in the Indian-American community, she was invited to attend the Indian Prime Minister’s state visit to the White House.
Originally from Kerala, India, Shailaja holds degrees in biochemistry, industrial microbiology, and genomic science from Indian institutions. As a first-generation college graduate and daughter of a single parent, she has become a dedicated mentor and STEM advocate, guiding high school and undergraduate students, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds. She also judges regional and state science fairs, encouraging young scientists to excel.
Related
.jpeg)
.JPG)
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
.jpg)
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login