Aswathy Rai, assistant teaching professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition and Health Promotion, is passionate about helping students succeed inside and outside of the classroom. She’s received a national teaching award from the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture and top teaching awards at Mississippi State and at the division and college levels.

Rai advises 170 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ pre-medical students and emphasizes a holistic approach to teaching.

“It’s about resume building and where you want to go next. You get to that next step by making yourself stand out and being a very competitive applicant wherever you’re headed,” she said.

She has played a key role in enriching the student experience at MSU. She created the university’s student chapter of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, or ASBMB, helped launch a forensics club and MSU’s Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students chapter, and advises three other student organizations.  She also serves as regional director for ASBMB, supporting chapters across seven states, and manages the society’s accreditation program at the university, which includes 450 students. Additionally, she’s on the editorial board of BAMBEd, an international journal for biochemistry education.

“The major driving force behind every study abroad trip I lead and every student organization I create or support is the goal of aligning students’ academic experiences with the mission of the university. I want to ensure that by the time they graduate, they’ve had a well-rounded, deeply grounded experience that prepares them to lead with purpose and perspective,” Rai said.

Rai recently led a 10-day study abroad to the U.K. focused on healthcare and biomedicine. Students explored the roots of Western medicine in historic districts and institutions like the Royal College of Physicians, as well as modern healthcare policy through visits to the Nuffield Trust, National Health Service, and biotech companies.

“Throughout the trip, we explored the U.K.’s commitment to both honoring tradition and embracing progress, offering us layered perspective on healthcare and biomedical advances while comparing best practices in both the U.K. and U.S.,” she said.  

Her teaching is as impactful as her advising. She leads courses in biochemistry, molecular biology, health policy and One Health, and is known for setting clear expectations and adapting her instruction to meet different learning styles.

“Teaching this generation of students comes with unique challenges, but ongoing feedback is key. I regularly poll students in real time to gauge understanding and ensure everyone is keeping up with the material. It’s a simple but powerful way to keep the classroom responsive and inclusive,” she said.

Rai, who joined MSU in 2013, holds degrees in microbiology, biochemistry and public policy from institutions in India, the University of Minnesota and Mississippi State.

“My favorite thing is to be a part of a student’s academic journey—it doesn’t matter how small or big—it’s simply meaningful to play a role. I’m passionate about sharing not just what’s worked for me but also what hasn’t, in hopes of offering a perspective I wish I’d had as a student. I often say I wish I had a program when I was in school like the program I’m a part of now,” she said. “Students are our biggest priority, and we want them to get the most out of their time here. Our community at Mississippi State really is a family.”