Sneha Chaturvedi

Sneha Chaturvedi completed her undergraduate degree at Washington University in 2019, where she discovered her love for research in the lab of Dr. Erik Herzog exploring sex differences in circadian hormone release. Sneha is currently a medical and graduate student at Washington University School of Medicine, pursuing her neuroscience PhD with a science communication credential.  

Under the mentorship of Dr. Joseph Dougherty, Sneha studies sex differences in the genetics of neurodevelopment disabilities. A fervent advocate, she has authored commentaries on the importance of sex differences and racial justice in education, leading a team of over 200 students in creating medical education resources. At the Dougherty Lab, Sneha took it upon herself to investigate the ethical implications of their autism research.  She started a monthly journal club to discuss the ethical issues surrounding autism research and establish ways to serve the autism community more effectively. 

Sneha also leads multiple research projects focused on sex and gender bias in medicine and on improving medical education curricula, particularly in the context of promoting anti-racism. As a teaching assistant for younger medical students in their social justice and health equity classes, Sneha has gone above and beyond expectations to plan and lead sessions that address aspects of health inequity and social injustice in St. Louis. She has also been involved in a research project focused on assessing the impact of these classes on medical student social awareness, for which she helped secure grant funding. 

Beyond her academic pursuits, Sneha volunteers as a Spanish medical interpreter at a local community clinic on a weekly basis. “Despite how busy school is, she happily volunteers to do extra shifts when there is a shortage of volunteers for interpreting, or even for other positions,” said nominator and peer Lilianne Barbar. Sneha also helps refugees and immigrants living in St. Louis by driving and accompanying them to Immigrations and Customs appointments and other meetings related to maintaining their legal status. 

Sneha aspires to bridge the gap between patient advocacy groups and scientists, aiming to address crucial issues in research ethics. With a vision for systemic changes in medicine, she is already leveraging her expertise to advocate for inclusivity and justice in healthcare.  

“I can firmly say that I cannot think of any other student who cares about both the St. Louis community, and social justice in general, as much as Sneha does,” said Barbar. “She actively prioritizes serving the community and advocating against social injustice on a daily basis, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award.”