Six Indian American students have received national recognition through the 2026 Davidson Fellows Scholarship program for conducting research aimed at addressing complex challenges across science, technology, medicine and engineering. Their achievements demonstrate how young researchers are applying advanced scientific methods and emerging technologies to develop solutions with potential real-world applications.
The Davidson Fellows program, established by the Davidson Institute, honors students under the age of 19 who have completed significant work in eligible fields. Selected recipients receive scholarships worth $25,000, $50,000 or $100,000, depending on the evaluation of their projects. The program recognizes original contributions rather than relying solely on academic grades or conventional extracurricular accomplishments.
This year’s Indian American recipients include Aditya Sengupta, who earned $100,000 for research involving aviation safety and artificial intelligence. Tanishka Aglave, Hitaishi Chillara and Praadhyumn Indaana each received $50,000 for projects related to citrus disease, astronomy and black holes, and nuclear energy and AI, respectively.
Rajarshi Mandal was awarded $50,000 for research focused on malaria prevention, while Pavan Subramani received $25,000 for exploring AI-based drug discovery. Together, their projects span a diverse range of scientific disciplines, reflecting the breadth of research undertaken by young scholars.
Several of the projects incorporate artificial intelligence or mathematical modeling to investigate specific problems. Sengupta’s work focuses on improving turbulence forecasting to support aviation safety. Aglave is examining approaches to protect citrus crops from disease, while Mandal is exploring mathematical models that could contribute to malaria prevention efforts.
Other recipients are pursuing questions beyond Earth and energy systems. Chillara’s research addresses astronomical questions involving black holes, while Indaana is applying artificial intelligence to nuclear energy research. Subramani’s project explores ways to accelerate the early stages of drug discovery by examining potential drug molecules.
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship distinguishes itself by emphasizing substantial original work and its potential significance. Applicants must demonstrate meaningful accomplishments in an eligible field, making the program a platform for students whose research extends beyond traditional classroom learning.
Recognition of these six scholars highlights the contributions of Indian American youth to scientific innovation in the United States. Their accomplishments also illustrate how early exposure to research can encourage students to pursue ambitious projects addressing challenges in healthcare, agriculture, transportation, energy and space science.
