Indian-Origin Mathematician Establishes Fellowship at Caltech

Sukhada Fadnavis with her parents and then Caltech President Jean-Lou Chameau at graduation in 2007.

Sukhada Fadnavis, an Indian-origin mathematician, has decided to start a fellowship at her alma mater Caltech (California Institute of Technology), in the name of her parents -- Shubhangi and Sharad Fadnavis Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship. The fellowship will support undergraduate students conducting research through the Institute's signature program. "The most important thing my parents did for me was let me explore. They didn't try to change me or force me down a path," Sukhada said. "Caltech was also a place where I could be myself. It allows you to keep your inner child alive and come out of your shell. Caltech made me feel like this is my place. I want others to get that same opportunity to experience this environment."

"I love the idea that my daughter and nieces will remember my parents in connection with something rooted in knowledge and research that ultimately benefits society," Fadnavis said. "We look forward to learning about the SURF projects supported through this fellowship for many years to come."

Bringing Caltech and parents together

Fadnavis said her parents never stopped her from dreaming big, though she was the first in her Pune-based family to travel by airplane, she was the first to go abroad for college. Caltech's financial aid program helped her and now it's her time to give back to her alma mater. "My father made sure I knew they were always here for me," Fadnavis said. "My mom was a very brave person. She said 'We'll figure it out. Jump!''

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"I feel incredibly lucky that I got the chance to study at Caltech and benefit from its unique programs like SURF. SURF is one of Caltech's most distinctive programs, giving undergraduates the opportunity to spend a summer conducting original research and making real contributions to their fields. If you know an undergraduate who might enjoy a fun and intellectually challenging research experience, they should definitely check out SURF. Super grateful to be able to honor my parents while supporting future generations of curious minds through this fellowship!" Sukhada wrote.

Who is Sukhada Fadnavis?

After her BS, Mathematics from Caltech in 2007, Fadnavis did her PhD at Stanford. She wanted to remain in academia and taught mathematics for three years at Harvard University. Then she spent a year helping a friend with a startup that promoted Indian artists and then eventually joined Google.