Seven Indian American undergraduates at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have been awarded 2026 Sophomore Research Fellowships, earning institutional stipends to support independent scientific projects alongside faculty mentors.
The cohort of awardees includes Sohan Alleshwaram, Adit Bhootra, Tejas Dahiya, Ishpreet Dang, Tirth Mihirbhai Patel, Anikait Patel, and Agastya Rathee.
Representing a wide range of academic disciplines, the second-year students were chosen through a competitive university-wide selection process.
The fellowships are supported by grants from the Brittingham Wisconsin Trust and the Kemper K. Knapp Bequest, along with funding from the UW System, the Chancellor’s Office, and the Provost’s Office. The research projects led by the fellows span fundamental biological sciences, computational modeling, and quantitative analysis.
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Among the awardees, Sohan Alleshwaram, who is double majoring in computer sciences and mathematics, is conducting research under faculty adviser Sean Schoville. His project focuses on forward-in-time simulations of the Colorado potato beetle to predict agricultural gene flow patterns.
In cancer research, Adit Bhootra, a biology major on the pre-med track, is investigating the mechanisms of DNA repair deficiency and radiosensitivity in TSC-mutant cancer cells under the mentorship of Dr. Pippa Cosper in the Department of Radiation Medicine.
Bhootra noted that his academic journey reflects a dedicated focus on healthcare, leadership, and a well-rounded perspective across diverse campus activities.
Other biological science scholars in the cohort include Ishpreet Dang and Anikait Patel, both majoring in molecular and cell biology. Dang is working under the guidance of faculty adviser Audrey Gasch, while Patel conducts research with Portia Smith.
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Meanwhile, Tejas Dahiya, an undeclared major exploring foundational scientific disciplines, is carrying out research mentored by Saurabh Gupta.
In computational and analytical fields, Agastya Rathee is double majoring in computer sciences and data science, working alongside faculty mentor Rogerio Jorge.
Tirth Mihirbhai Patel brings an interdisciplinary focus to the cohort by pairing data science with economics under the direction of Matteo Camboni.
The fellowship program provides a direct stipend to each student and their faculty mentor to help offset research-related expenses. By pairing second-year students with established researchers, the initiative allows undergraduates to apply classroom concepts to real-world scientific questions.
Through their dedicated study and laboratory work, the fellows advance university research goals while building rigorous preparation for future careers in technology, medicine, and academia.