NTC Junior’s Research Goals Gain Support with a Goldwater Scholarship

Advaith Subramanian is the most recent Tulanian to be awarded a Goldwater Scholarship. The Goldwater Scholarship Program is one of the oldest and most prestigious national scholarships in the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics in the United States. The award seeks to identify, encourage, and financially support college sophomores and juniors who show exceptional promise of becoming the nation’s next generation of research leaders in these fields.

Subramanian a junior from Dallas, Texas, will graduate in May 20206 as a double major in Asian Studies and Political Economy. Looking at the accomplishments of his peers and mentors, inspired Subramanian to apply. “I was inspired to apply because many past recipients of this award are amazing role models who have strongly represented my interests with science and medicine. They’ve demonstrated the power of combining medicine with scientific research and using the synergy of these two fields to promote innovation and growth in these fields.”

Subramanian believes Tulane University’s environment of encouraging interdisciplinary studies helped cultivate him into an award-winning candidate. “My identity, liberal arts background, and interests in delivering research findings to patients have shaped my motivation to pursue research and the way I approach it.”

He also credits the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships with not only introducing him to the opportunity but being a guiding presence throughout the application process. “I wouldn’t have applied if they hadn’t introduced me to this opportunity. From the beginning, Dr. Wolfe and Dr. Spencer were incredibly supportive, helping me brainstorm, reviewing drafts of my essays, and meeting with me countless times. Their encouragement helped me move past self-doubt and keep going, through obstacles and setbacks. I’m very, very thankful for their guidance and belief in me.”

While finishing his research, this award will also connect Subramanian with a network of support. “I’ll be finishing my research in the Tasker Lab at the Tulane Brain Institute, where I study how primary cilia affect stress pathways in the brain. It will also connect me to a network of scholars who share similar aspirations and values. Being part of a community that champions excellence in science, medicine, culture, and service gives me the encouragement to keep growing in all those areas. It’s a space where I can continue building the kind of support system that has gotten me here—and will keep guiding me through my journey ahead.”