Snekha Rajasekaran, a biomedical sciences junior at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, gained monumental research experience through prestigious summer research programs at Stanford University School of Medicine, California, and University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Illinois, advancing her goal –– becoming a physician.
Choosing a path
Rajasekaran was born in India and moved to Utah at the age of 4. When she was 11 years old, her family relocated to Birmingham, where her parents began working at UAB. Inspired by her father, Rajasekaran Namakkal Soorappan, Ph.D., associate professor at the Department of Pathology, and mother, Vasanthi Rajasekaran, researcher at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rajasekaran knew she wanted to pursue a career in STEM and was introduced to UAB early on.
“It was easy to recognize that UAB was a campus I was comfortable with; but more importantly, they offered what catered to my needs,” Rajasekaran said. “Biomedical sciences was the right fit for me –– it covers many aspects: pathology, physiology, pharmacology, immunology and neurology, which has allowed me to find what I enjoy most.”
Taking research momentum across the nation
Rajasekaran presenting her research at Stanford UniversityRajasekaran’s journey in medical research began at UAB as an undergraduate case analyst under Matt Might, Ph.D., director of the Hugh Kaul Precision Medicine Institute. This experience developed her understanding of the prevalence, symptoms and mechanisms of rare genetic diseases, and she presented her project at the 2024 National Conference of Undergraduate Research in Los Angeles.
After this successful experience, Rajasekaran met with Michelle Cook, Ph.D., director of the Office of National and International Fellowships and Scholarships, who recommended applying to national programs for undergraduate research.
“Dr. Cook advised me to take baby steps,” Rajasekaran said. “It was important because it reminded me that I did not need to stress about attending the best program at the most prestigious school. I just needed to apply to programs that fit my mission.”
In 2024, Rajasekaran secured summer research program opportunities with the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and the Stanford University School of Medicine Cardiovascular Institute.
As a researcher at the University of Chicago for seven weeks, Rajasekaran navigated through the new town –– an experience she describes as “amazing.” This was the first time she discovered the relationship between cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
“When you think cardiology, you think heart disease, cardiovascular disease and coronary disease; but getting to know how diabetes impacts cardiovascular health was enlightening,” Rajasekaran said. “I performed surgery on mice for the first time, and it was really cool.”
As a Stanford CVI Scholar for 10 weeks, Rajasekaran was assigned a project about dilated cardiomyopathy patients’ carrying a gene mutation and targeting specific cardiac genes. She presented her poster at the institute’s symposia and pitched her poster in a one-minute rapid fire. Rajasekaran is continuing her research at Stanford, hoping to publish it soon.
Her biggest takeaway from the summer experience was to approach work and goals with an open mind.
“When you are submitting applications for summer programs, the most important thing is where your research interests lie,” Rajasekaran said. “Programs want to see that you have a genuine interest in what you are applying for. There were many individuals in my CVI cohort with minimal research experience who did phenomenally in the program.”
Rajasekaran is resolute to continue her research in cardiovascular disease, circadian rhythm and preventive medicine.
Making the best of campus life
Rajasekaran lives her belief in making the most of her time through extensive campus involvement –– a key facet of the UAB student experience.
She has been serving in the Undergraduate Student Government Association for three years in different roles. She is an Honors College ambassador in the Science and Technology Honors Program and a Student Mentor and Retreat Team leader, also known as a SMART leader, helping first-year students navigate campus resources. Rajasekaran serves in Serve205, an organization that provides resources to support volunteerism and intentional reflection.
“These experiences have taught me meaningful leadership, networking, problem-solving and teamwork skills,” Rajasekaran said. “I encourage students to join all the clubs and organizations they are interested in to maximize their potential. It can seem daunting, but taking the time to figure out passions and bandwidth was helpful to me.”
Looking forward
Postgraduation, Rajasekaran hopes to pursue an M.D/Ph.D. degree, focusing on cardiac electrophysiology, while continuing her involvement in organizations focused on community service and social welfare.
“Snekha embodies the true spirit of excellence and determination,” said UABTeach’s Master Teacher John Cross. “Her unwavering work ethic and commitment to her goals make her a standout student. I do not doubt that she will leave a lasting legacy at UAB, joining the ranks of our most remarkable graduates.”
Rajasekaran is determined to grow her skills to become a successful physician-scientist, broaden her knowledge and positively impact the lives around her, “one step at a time,” she said.