If the Master's Award for Engaged Citizenship and Community Service were a checklist of qualifications, Rudra Trivedi's ’24 Sc.M. résumé would tick every single box — and then some.
From improving curricula and serving on critical University committees, to spearheading program events and advocating for food insecurity relief, the impact of this biotechnology master’s student can be found across campus, the surrounding community and globally.
“Rudra is one of the rare, exceptional students you meet in your career,” notes Jacquelyn Schell Ph.D., the director of the master’s program in biotechnology. “He is an accomplished scientist and student, as well as a critical member of our program and his lab. He’s demonstrated a passionate commitment to applying his knowledge to assist and uplift not only his cohort, but the program’s future.”
Within the biotechnology program, Trivedi has served as both the co-chair of the Social Committee and a member of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. In an effort to increase a sense of community and belonging, he led a group of students to plan multiple social events, including an alumni networking event, prospective student visit days and a first-ever commencement event. Under Trivedi’s leadership, Schell has recognized a drastic change in the level of community within the program.
Beyond the program, Trivedi has served as a teaching assistant (TA) for innovative and challenging courses alongside Toni-Marie Achilli Ph.D., associate dean of biology undergraduate education and senior lecturer, and Jeffery Morgan Ph.D., professor of medical science and engineering.
“In his role as a TA, Rudra went above and beyond to enhance the learning experience for all participants,” Professor Morgan recalls about his graduate class, Importance of Intellectual Property in Biotechnology. “He revitalized the Canvas site, and introduced assignments that encouraged students to critically analyze patents from various perspectives, thereby
fostering a deeper understanding of intellectual property beyond conventional boundaries.”
Additionally, Trivedi’s contributions extend beyond the classroom. He has made a meaningful impact through initiatives like teaching a course on therapeutic innovation to high school students and working with HIV-positive women in Rwanda to create sustainable livelihoods.
His work in Rwanda inspired his thesis research and has led to the development of a novel HIV drug delivery system. This achievement has culminated in a co-inventor status on a new patent application.
Trivedi's achievements are all the more remarkable given his perfect academic record, coupled with the demanding responsibilities of his role at Arthur D. Little, the world’s first management consulting firm. Throughout it all, he remained devoted to serving others.
"Rudra is the epitome of what we want from our graduate students: he is well-rounded, service-oriented, hard-working and solution-focused,” said Schell. “I know his impact on the biotechnology program, Brown University and the community at large will extend far beyond the two years he was enrolled here."