What inspired you to pursue your current field of study/research?
I have always been interested in studying the human body and physiology. I began my journey at Northeastern as a biology major but switched to behavioral neuroscience after learning about it from my freshman year roommate. It was the perfect intersection of brain, psychology, and human anatomy. I am pre-med and have always wanted to be a physician – I think it is my true calling.
Have you participated in any co-op or study-abroad programs? How was that experience?
I did a Dialogue of Civilizations with Dr. William Sharp in London – Abnormal Psychology and Personality. It was a competitive dialogue where we learned about the different styles of studying psychology, Freudian Literature, and insight into Abnormal Psychological disorders and what makes Personality. The Dialogue is notorious for changing its students forever in the best way possible – I experienced something very similar. I found myself with a new perspective and greater drive to pursue my passion.
During my time at Northeastern, I have participated in three co-ops. The first was at a hospital in Cambridge working as a phlebotomist, EKG technician, front office admin, and med assistant. This co-op laid the foundation for my current startup Eden AI, which I am currently developing in my third co-op at the Sherman Center. While working at the hospital I identified a challenge of administrative burden at medical practices, which has become the mission of Eden AI.
After completing my second co-op in a Northeastern lab working with children and neurodevelopment of their brain and speech development, I am now looking into pursuing a career in pediatrics. I am a big advocate for COS and the co-op experience as they have truly shaped me as a professional and a human being as a whole.
I have also been involved with Assistant Dean Rachelle Reisberg’s efforts in bringing the entrepreneurial mindset to COS students. I have assisted in workshops, boot camps, and speaker series, to inspire and educate science students like myself. I absolutely love that I can give back to the community that has given me so much.
What kind of extracurricular activities are you involved in?
Outside of my venture, I sing, play the drums, I am a Yogi and chronic meditator. I am a six-time published researcher with publications (one being international) spanning across varied interests. I am also involved in TEDxNortheasternU and will be speaking in this year’s flagship event.
I enjoy volunteering across Boston and in national organizations. I am currently working at a senior home in Roslindale where I sing and assist with music wellness therapy as a means of personality preservation for patients who are suffering with life changing and debilitating illnesses such as Alzheimer’s. The music I perform for them is designed to trigger memories and thus preserve their personality even through their illness.
I participate in the ACES community at NU. I have also founded a multi-university organization called Indian Cultural Association (ICA) that is focused on bridging the gap amongst sub communities of the Indian diaspora and a place where Indian students can accelerate professional, culturally and socially. ICA been recognized as an organization of high impact by the Indian Consulate of India and Organization of the Year by Student Life.
I am also involved in revolutionary asthma intervention development and research which resulted in me being able to develop a de-escalation protocol for chronically ill patients preventing them from ending up at the ER and in some cases morbid outcomes.
What has been the highlight of your experience in COS so far?
There is no one highlight but a cumulation of collective impact that gives me inequitable joy. Being able to take what I have learned and create high-impact solutions for the community around me and outside Northeastern. Whether it’s the PEAK awards, mentorship in research, or entrepreneurship, I’ve pursued every goal I’ve set for myself with confidence, supported by all the resources I could ever need.
I am most proud of the person I have become for the people of my community. I hold leadership in a club called American Medical Women’s Association that directly impacts 200+ female students every year who are looking to accelerate their career in health and medicine. It gives me joy that I am able to do this. I love mentoring.
Naomi Rajput ’26, Behavioral Neuroscience
The women mentors around me inspire me to continue learning and pushing myself in uncomfortable territories.
Have you had any professors or mentors who really made an impact on you?
Several professors and mentors have made an impact on me while at Northeastern. These include Dr. Kristen Allison, Divya Ray, William Sharp, Jyotsna Mehta, Rachelle Reisberg, and Sagar Rajpal.
Where do you see your field of study/research taking you?
I am going to become a physician entrepreneur. An innovator that impacts millions at a time with revolutionary innovation.
What kind of impact do you hope to make after you leave Northeastern?
After I leave Northeastern, I hope to make an impact that is of inclusivity, kindness and avenue for knowledge.
What advice would you give students interested in pursuing a degree in science?
My advice is that the degree is an avenue for growth, not the end result. So don’t limit yourself or bind yourself to it—there is so much more outside of it that you can leverage and learn from. The degree is just the beginning.
