Anusree Natraj named a Schmidt Science Fellow
Apply for the 2025–26 Schmidt Science Fellowship by the campus deadline of Thursday, May 1. Email Beth Pardoe in the Office of Fellowships for more information.
Anusree Natraj ’24 PhD in organic and materials chemistry has been selected as a 2025 Schmidt Science Fellow. Natraj was part of the lab of William Dichtel, the Robert L. Letsinger Professor of Chemistry at the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, where she worked to synthesize two-dimensional polymers to separate key industrial chemicals in a much less energy-intensive process than previously possible.
Northwestern Now published an online article [last accessed on April 16, 2025] sharing Natraj's goals as a new Schmidt Science Fellow:
Natraj plans to pivot to biology to explore how she can leverage her materials background in the world of medicine. During her fellowship, she hopes to work on a smart bioactive coating for implants that could provide controlled release of substances, such as oxygen and antibiotics, to support better integration with the body.
“It’s such a wonderful opportunity to really embrace the pivot into a completely new direction,” Natraj said. “I hope that I can learn a lot of new skills and talk to a lot of talented people across the world working on these intersectional ideas. That’s what’s so unique about the Schmidt Fellowship, it lets you really crosspollinate ideas.”
Applications are now open for the 2025–26 Schmidt Science Fellowship. Fellows receive a $110,000 stipend for living expenses, along with intentional mentorship opportunities and connections to a far-reaching network of global leaders in the sciences. PhDs in natural sciences, engineering, math, or computing are encouraged to apply.
Learn more here to apply by the campus deadline of Thursday, May 1. Email Beth Pardoe in the Office of Fellowships for more information.
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