Cornell University has recognized Netra Shetty, a graduating senior and distinguished public health advocate, with the 2025 University Relations Campus Community Leadership Award for her exceptional service to the Ithaca community and her impactful work addressing incarceration and substance use challenges across New York State.
Shetty, a biology and society major in the College of Arts and Sciences and a Hunter R. Rawlings III Cornell Presidential Research Scholar, has spent her undergraduate years immersed in community-centered public health work.
Her leadership and compassion have driven meaningful change, especially among underserved populations.
A Legacy of Community-Centered Leadership
From her first year at Cornell, Shetty began volunteering with Ultimate Reentry Opportunity (URO), an Ithaca-based nonprofit organization supporting incarcerated individuals.
Over four years, she became a critical part of URO’s mission to break the cycle of recidivism and empower formerly incarcerated individuals.
“Netra did not shy away from any of the tough realities,” said Taili Mugambee, URO’s lead program coordinator. “If anything, it seemed like that was the substance that kept her coming back.”
Through URO, Shetty championed collective impact initiatives, working collaboratively with diverse community leaders to create inclusive, sustainable solutions.
Her passion was evident in her ability to turn complex discussions into actionable programs.
“We create initiatives that emphasize a shared vision, involve diverse perspectives, and work seamlessly with other organizations that impact the Ithaca community,” Shetty shared.
Public Health Advocacy and Harm Reduction Research
Beyond her community work, Shetty volunteered with the Ithaca Free Clinic, where she helped provide low-barrier, accessible healthcare to local residents.
Her frontline experiences there deeply influenced her academic journey and research focus.
Shetty conducted in-depth research on harm reduction and the opioid crisis, exposing the racial and ethnic disparities in access to life-saving prevention tools.
Her findings offer critical insights for policymakers working to reduce opioid-related deaths.
“For me, both of these experiences have shaped my perspective on the role of health care in uplifting the community,” said Shetty. “They’ve emphasized the importance of authentic community engagement.”
Dr. Nishita Dsouza, a postdoctoral fellow at Columbia University’s Social Intervention Group and Shetty’s research collaborator, praised her intellect and empathy:
“I was blown away by Netra’s ability to conceptualize the complex problems society faces, and to meet them with grace, compassion, and eloquence.”
Award Recognition and Ceremony
The University Relations Campus Community Leadership Award, presented annually to outstanding graduating seniors, was conferred during a heartfelt ceremony in Day Hall on May 14, 2025.
The award was presented by Monica Yant Kinney, Interim Vice President for University Relations, in the presence of Shetty’s peers and mentors. Her family, tuning in from California, proudly watched the ceremony virtually.
“Netra’s academic pursuits and dedication to substance use prevention and public health advocacy embody Cornell’s mission of serving the broader community,” Yant Kinney said.
A Bright Future Rooted in Justice and Health Equity
As Shetty looks ahead, she plans to pursue a career in medicine, continuing her journey as a changemaker in public health and social justice.
“It is without a shadow of a doubt that Netra will be a person leading in whatever field she chooses,” Mugambee concluded. “She will be a lifelong fighter for justice in the medical profession or wherever she goes.”
