Aswathy Shailaja PhD ’20

Aswathy Shailaja PhD ’20 Receives the 2024 Roaring10 Award

Aswathy Shailaja of Durham, N.C., graduated from Clemson in 2020 with a doctorate in plant and environmental sciences. In her native India, she earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and industrial microbiology from the University of Kerala and a master’s degree in genomic science from the Central University of Kerala.

She has conducted research at the Duke University School of Medicine since 2021, with a focus on preventing neonatal brain injury and inflammation. Her work has significant clinical relevance for improving outcomes in preterm infants with sepsis and other inflammation-induced neurodevelopmental impairments. Before joining Duke, she conducted similar research at Stony Brook University in New York.

Aswathy has received several prestigious awards, including the 2023 Young Investigator Award from Montana State University’s Center of Biofilm Engineering, the 2024-Duke University Preparing Future Faculty Fellowship and the Best Professional Development Committee Award from the Duke University Postdoctoral Association.

A first-generation college graduate and daughter of a single parent, Aswathy is an advocate and role model for high school and undergraduate students, particularly those interested in pursuing careers in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and math. She mentors individual students and serves as a judge for state and regional science fairs, where she provides guidance to young scientists to help them sharpen their research skills and gain confidence in their academic pursuits.

In recognition of her leadership and involvement in the Indian-American community, she was one of its representatives invited to attend the Indian prime minister’s state visit to the White House. For Clemson, she serves as secretary of the Triangle Clemson Club, where she helps organize events and fosters connections among alumni. Last fall, she was instrumental in the club’s efforts to collect supplies and support for the areas of western North Carolina devastated by Hurricane Helene.