Harini Shanmugasundaram, a dentist from Chennai, has begun pursuing a master’s degree in Biomedical Science with a concentration in neuroscience at Rutgers University in New Jersey, following a shift in career interests from clinical practice to research.
After completing her dentistry degree in 2024, Shanmugasundaram started an internship at a government dental hospital in Chennai. During that time, she developed an interest in biomedical research, influenced in part by observing the global scientific response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Shanmugasundaram, the collaboration between scientists, governments, and pharmaceutical companies during the pandemic highlighted the role of research in shaping healthcare outcomes. She later began exploring postgraduate programs abroad and chose the United States for its research ecosystem and biotechnology industry.
Her plans to study abroad came during a period of uncertainty for international students in 2025, as visa policy changes and funding concerns led many applicants to reconsider their options. Shanmugasundaram said she secured admission and finalized her education loan shortly before a temporary pause in visa applications, allowing her to complete the process and travel to the United States.
She financed her education through an international student loan from Prodigy Finance, which she said allowed her to pursue her studies without placing financial pressure on her family.
Sonal Kapoor, global chief business officer at Prodigy Finance, said many international students continue to pursue overseas education despite financial and policy challenges.
Shanmugasundaram said adjusting to a new academic environment and culture was challenging in the initial months but contributed to her personal and professional growth. She now hopes to pursue a PhD and eventually establish a biotechnology company focused on developing healthcare solutions, with the aim of bringing innovation back to India in the future.
