Four Indian-American students, Ayush Noori, Anushka Nair, Aneesh Muppidi, and Om Gandhi are among the 32 Americans awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship for 2025.

In October 2025, they will join a global cohort from over 70 countries at the University of Oxford to pursue graduate studies.

About the Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship, established in 1902 through the will of Cecil Rhodes, is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious international scholarships.

It provides full financial support for postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford, covering tuition, living expenses, and travel costs for up to three years, with possible extensions.

The program selects scholars based on their academic excellence, leadership qualities, and commitment to addressing global challenges.

Administered by the Rhodes Trust, it aims to nurture future leaders who combine intellectual distinction with a dedication to service.

Over 100 scholars are chosen from 70+ countries each year, fostering a diverse and impactful global community.

4 Indian-American Scholars and Their Contributions

1. Ayush Noori (Harvard University, Bellevue, Washington)

Ayush is completing A.B. and M.Sc. degrees in computer science and neuroscience. 

His research uses artificial intelligence to analyze biomedical data, focusing on treatment outcomes for conditions such as bipolar disorder and Parkinson’s disease. 

A prolific researcher with over 20 peer-reviewed publications, Ayush co-founded the Harvard Undergraduate OpenBio Laboratory, supporting underrepresented students in science.

He plans to pursue an MSc in clinical neurosciences and physiology, anatomy, and genetics at Oxford.

2. Anushka Nair (MIT, Lake Oswego, Oregon)

Anushka is completing bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science and engineering. Her work focuses on AI and ethics, with projects addressing misinformation detection using large language models.

Anushka has interned at Tesla, Oracle, and the United Nations, showcasing a blend of technical expertise and ethical foresight. At Oxford, she will pursue a DPhil in social data science.

3. Aneesh Muppidi (Harvard University, Schenectady, New York)

Aneesh majors in computer science and neuroscience. He has experience in AI policy at the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy and has also conducted research at Harvard’s Computational Robotics and Cognitive Neuroscience Labs.

Aneesh is deeply involved in student leadership, serving as co-president of the Hindu Students Association. At Oxford, he plans to pursue an MSc in advanced computer science and a master’s in public policy.

4. Om Gandhi (University of Pennsylvania, South Barrington, Illinois)

Om is completing degrees in neuroscience, public health, and bioengineering. His groundbreaking research focuses on cancer immunotherapies, complemented by volunteer work with individuals battling substance use disorders.

As a student leader, he has expanded the editorial reach of the Penn Healthcare Review. Om will pursue a DPhil in oncology at Oxford.

Why Does This Selection Matter to the South Asian Community of the USA?

Recognizing four Indian-Americans as Rhodes Scholars is a moment of immense pride for the South Asian community in the USA.

These achievements reflect the values often emphasized in South Asian households, such as hard work, education, and community service, inspiring younger generations to aim higher.

Moreover, their success highlights the increasing representation of South Asians in global leadership roles, fostering a sense of identity and inclusion.

Celebrating these milestones strengthens cultural pride and motivates the broader diaspora to continue making impactful contributions across diverse fields.