Anupam Kumar, winner of the Science Research Scholar Award from the American Museum of Natural History, is busy cultivating an impressive future, blending education and humanitarian efforts.  With a background that includes notable academic achievements, his philanthropic endeavors are the driving force behind his aspirations.

Anupam’s interest in medical device development and big data led him to a Research Assistant position in Dr. Prasad’s biomedical engineering lab. His field of study merges applications of engineering in biology, healthcare, and medicine to advance both research and patient treatment for Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease. Currently a junior in the program, Anupam works under the direction of Dr. Stuart Cogan in the neural interfaces lab.  Previous knowledge of Java and neuroscience studied at Columbia University’s science program, combined with experience in biomedical engineering, fuels Anupam’s research at UT Dallas which involves the development of software utilized in electrode insulation testing.

While building a successful academic career with intern experience at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the American Museum of Natural History, and UT Southwestern, Anupam’s international travels, volunteerism, and diplomatic exposure have become the impetus for the Maha Bodh Foundation. As Founder and Chairman, Anupam formed the foundation to address deficiencies in education, empowerment, and healthcare knowledge in India. With a global community of volunteers in the United States and United Kingdom whose skills range from business to medical science, his organization strives to foster awareness for women’s education in The Anantya Women Empowerment Program and preventative healthcare through MahaCure.

The Anantya Women Empowerment Program provides educational tools often not available to women that enhance their well-being, as well as the lives of their children. The organization’s website notes: “They [women] are the backbone of family life, and play an exceedingly important role in the development of a society.” High-quality education for underprivileged girls is obtainable by means of The Anantya Scholarship Program, an avenue to promote growth and development that allows girls “to live healthy lives economically, socially, and physically.”

Maha Bodh Foundation is also an advocate for preventative healthcare. MahaCURE initiatives aim to inform urban populations of the inadequacy of basic needs such as hygiene, nutrition, and sanitation that rural areas endure. Through a shared collaboration, large communities and volunteers unite to distribute needed knowledge and medical attention. By providing educational materials online, in pamphlets, and at free medical check-ups, Maha Bodh Foundation’s goal is to deliver altruistic resources, enriching India’s energetic culture and supporting human rights.

With an upcoming graduation date in 2017, Anupam balances his work in the Department for Bioengineering with outside interests in music and video production. Connect with Anupam and the Maha Bodh Foundation to learn more about upcoming outreach and how you can contribute.