The prestigious 2025 Marshall Scholarship has been awarded to three exceptional Indian Americans — Tej Patel, Sridatta Teerdhala, and Pratyush Seshadri. The Marshall Scholarship, named after George C. Marshall, U.S. Secretary of State, was created in 1953 to honor American aid to the UK following World War II. The scholarship funds young, talented Americans to study for a graduate degree in the United Kingdom.
Tej Patel, currently enrolled in the Life Sciences and Management Program at the University of Pennsylvania, is an advocate for more equitable healthcare systems. His research in health economics, radiation oncology, and the collaboration between humans and algorithms in clinical care has been published in several journals. As the co-founder of Social Equity Action Lab, Patel works to shape legislation on issues like mental health reform, value-based payment, and healthcare sustainability. After earning his degree, Patel plans to pursue an MD/MPP, combining medicine and policy to improve healthcare delivery nationwide.
Sridatta Teerdhala, also studying at the University of Pennsylvania in the dual-degree Life Sciences and Management program, has focused his academic career on addressing pressing medical challenges. As a researcher, Teerdhala has worked on developing affordable cancer immunotherapies and is involved in the commercialization of breast cancer treatments. He co-founded Penn Hoops4Hope, a project that integrates healthcare with career development for homeless shelter participants. Teerdhala’s future aspirations include pursuing an MPhil in Medical Science at Cambridge and an MSc in Health Policy to bring innovations in cancer care to low-income countries.
Pratyush Seshadri, a student at the University of North Carolina, is studying economics and mathematics with a minor in history. His internships in macroeconomic research and logistics in Kenya and South Africa have shaped his global perspective. Seshadri is passionate about using his future career in finance to help vulnerable nations build resilience against climate change.
These three scholars are part of a distinguished group selected for their outstanding academic achievements and dedication to improving healthcare, economics, and social issues.
