DALLAS, Texas — Shriya Siddhartha is thriving in her research at the Lippert Lab at Southern Methodist University.
“Now the fun begins,” Siddhartha said as she carefully poured a clear liquid into a beaker behind protective glass. “Getting my own project has been entirely possible because of SMU’s smaller size.”
Siddhartha is investigating reactive oxygen species, molecules that can interact with other cellular molecules, potentially leading to damage and age-related conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
“My research focuses on discovering new ways to visualize molecules that were previously undetectable in cells,” Siddhartha explained.
Her passion for chemistry and biology is deeply rooted in her family background. “I come from a family of scientists,” she said. Her paternal grandparents were both scientists in India, and her grandmother, despite being accepted to medical schools, was prevented from attending due to family constraints, which viewed education for women as less important.
Siddhartha credits her grandmother with inspiring her interest in medicine and her desire to follow a similar path. “I feel like I’m carrying on the legacy she never got to fulfill,” Siddhartha noted.
Her dedication to science is evident in her recent achievements. Siddhartha has been awarded the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship, an honor given to just over 400 students nationwide. She was also named a UWorld Scholar by the Goldwater Foundation, recognizing her potential as a future leader in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math).
“STEM needs a diverse range of voices,” Siddhartha emphasized. “It’s crucial for People of Color and Women of Color to have representation in these fields.”
Though her research might be complex for many, its potential benefits are significant. Siddhartha reflects on her journey with pride, wishing her grandmother could see her accomplishments.
“I’d like to think she would be proud,” Siddhartha said.
Looking ahead, Siddhartha aspires to become an ophthalmologist, focusing her research on optic nerve diseases.
