Meagan V. Lauber 
PhD in Neuroscience 
Outstanding Research: PhD Category 

Lauber matriculated into the Graduate Program for Neuroscience (GPN) in 2021 and successfully defended her dissertation in March 2026. During her time in GPN, her research used machine learning and artificial intelligence to develop novel precision medicine approaches in Alzheimer’s disease. 

Lauber’s main project used a pioneering machine learning and computational neuroscience modeling approach to quantify how amyloid burden influences the emergence and acceleration of the spread of tau. Amyloid burden is the first pathology to occur in Alzheimer’s disease, while tau is the second pathology that causes cognitive decline and widespread damage. 

“For a long time, we’ve known that there is this relationship between the two pathologies,” Lauber said. “A lot of these models are done in mice or cells. This was the first time, quantitatively, that we have shown in living humans that this suspected mechanism is in action.”

Using data from over 800 patients, Lauber’s project was the first large-scale and quantitative confirmation in humans that tau becomes more efficient because of a higher amyloid burden.

Lauber’s drive to study Alzheimer’s is personal. As a teenager, Lauber’s grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and witnessing her mother act as a primary caregiver motivated Lauber to work in this area. As an undergraduate student, Lauber researched neurodegenerative movement disorders, an interest driven by her grandmother’s experience with polio-associated neurodegenerative disease later in her life. 

“It was really about having that firsthand experience with people in my life being affected by these diseases, and also being interested in the space,” Lauber said. “It felt very motivating at the time to see so much happening in terms of Alzheimer’s innovation, even compared to 10 years ago when my grandmother was going through it.” 

Lauber hopes to continue her work using this model and its applications to ongoing Alzheimer’s clinical efforts to intervene early and preserve as much brain health as possible. The model is also applicable to any tau-driven disease, such as frontotemporal dementia, Down syndrome, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Lauber feels grateful for open data sharing initiatives, both at BU and generally, that have continued to shape her research. 

Lauber urges women entering STEM spaces to recognize the value of their voices and their right to take up space. “Don’t doubt your right to be in that room,” Lauber said. “Don’t doubt your right to belong there, and don’t doubt the worth of your perspective.”

Sai Sankeerth Madakasira
MS in Clinical Research
Outstanding Research: Master’s Category

Madakasira matriculated into the Master of Science in Clinical Research Program in January 2024 and graduated in January 2026.

Madakasira’s Outstanding Student Achievement award stems from two projects that shaped his research journey at BU.

For one of the projects, part of his practicum with Assistant Professor of Surgery Crisanto Torres, MD, MPH, Madakasira used a national database to explore the impact of full blood transfusion in traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (tICH).

Published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, the study compared whole blood (WB) resuscitation to plasma-based resuscitation in adult trauma patients with tICH. It found that WB resuscitation was associated with a lower 30-day mortality as compared to plasma-based resuscitation. Madakasira presented this research at multiple conferences.

“The WB work contributes to an actively evolving area in trauma resuscitation, where surgeons across the country are working to refine treatment protocols and improve outcomes,” Madakasira said. “Working with Dr. Torres, one of the pioneers in the field, has shown me the huge body of work left to do in this area.”

The second project, Madakasira’s capstone, studied representation in Exception from Informed Consent (EFIC) emergency clinical trials across the United States. Mentored by Professor of Medical Sciences & Education Susan Fish, PharmD, MPH, and Professor of Biostatistics and MSCR Director Janice Weinberg, ScD, MS, Madakasira investigated conduct of such studies using EFIC, a federal pathway for clinical trials to occur without prior consent.

This analytical observational study at the intersection of research ethics, emergency care, and concerns of minority overrepresentation was recently presented at the 2026 Society for Academic Emergency Medicine New England Regional Meeting.

“My focus on EFIC trials is a novel approach to trial design,” Madakasira said. “I think there’s a significant opportunity to expand this work and contribute meaningfully to improving how these studies are designed and conducted.”

Madakasira arrived at BU knowing that he wanted to be a surgeon-scientist, having received his medical degree and practiced in India. His medical training, combined with his multiple fellowships and research projects, solidified his desire to continue incorporating research into improving systems of care.

Madakasira expressed gratitude for the mentorship that defined his time at BU.

“What really helped was having strong mentorship,” Madakasira said. “I was able to discuss ideas openly, get feedback, and refine my scientific approach. That support made a huge difference in building confidence and navigating challenges effectively.”

Cheyanne Frosti 
PhD in Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS) 
Community Service: PhD Category 

Frosti matriculated into the PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS) in 2021 before joining the department of biochemistry & cell biology. She successfully defended her dissertation in March 2026. 

Rather than a singular community service project, Frosti’s award recognizes her ongoing commitment to mentorship and community building across multiple spaces on campus, such as PiBS, Graduate Women in Science and Engineering, Summer Training as Research Scholars, and BU FitRec. 

Across these programs and campus institutions, Frosti has focused on making the graduate training experience more transparent, supportive, and accessible for incoming and prospective PhD students. She has participated as mentor and panelist in trainee-focused programs to help demystify aspects of graduate school that are often unclear, like applying, choosing a lab, navigating funding, and identifying career paths. 

“At its core, this work is about reducing the uncertainty that many trainees face and helping to build a more equitable and welcoming training environment, one where students have access to clear guidance and the resources they need to succeed, regardless of their background,” Frosti said. 

Frosti’s drive toward mentorship stems from her own transition into graduate school. She found applying to PhD programs challenging because she didn’t understand how to navigate the system or seek out the support she needed. This experience showed Frosti how critical early sustainable mentorship and transparency are in the PhD program experience. 

“I became motivated to help create a more supportive and accessible environment so that future trainees could feel more confident, informed, and welcomed from the start,” Frosti said. 

One of Frosti’s most meaningful interactions involved prospective and first-year students during PiBS interviews and Accepted Students Days. She found the opportunity to answer questions candidly, discuss her own experiences, and ease prospective students’ uncertainty rewarding, especially when those students later shared that their conversations were helpful to them. 

As she navigates the next stage of her career, Frosti plans to continue engaging in mentorship for trainees transitioning into graduate school or careers beyond academia. She is most interested in supporting initiatives that bridge science with broader career pathways, including industry, policy, and finance. 

“I’m passionate about encouraging trainees to begin career development earlier in their graduate education,” Frosti said. “I believe this will improve training environments and equity in STEM.” 

Yusra Yusuf 
MS in Genetic Counseling 
Community Service: Master’s Category 

Yusuf matriculated into the MS in Genetic Counseling Program in 2024, and graduated from the program in May 2026. During her time in the program, she centered her community service work on expanding access to, and awareness of, genetic counseling among underrepresented communities. 

“For me, patient care and support extend far beyond the clinic,” Yusuf said. “Getting involved in community service is one way to accomplish that.” 

Yusuf has supported several outreach initiatives across Massachusetts and New England, including volunteering with the Achieve Program, where she presented to middle and high school students on genetics and genetic counseling. 

She has also volunteered with the Massachusetts Sickle Cell Association, where she helped to support the Walk for Sickle Cell. As part of this initiative, Yusuf engaged youth participants in fun and interactive activities while navigating conversations about their experiences with sickle cell disease. 

“Through mentorship, educational outreach, and patient-centered resources, my goal has been to make these spaces more accessible and inclusive,” Yusuf said. “These experiences have shaped my commitment to ensuring genetic counseling is both equitable and culturally informed. 

“As a first-generation student, I see community service as both a responsibility and a form of advocacy,” Yusuf continued. “Learning that Black genetic counselors make up only 2% of the workforce further strengthened my dedication to representation and advocacy within the field.” 

During her time at BU, Yusuf and three classmates coordinated a fundraiser with four other genetic counseling programs supporting Boston-based women’s center Rosie’s Place that raised over $600 and contributed to 24 care packages for the organization. 

She also was involved in community-engaged research with Somali, Hmong, Black/ African American, and Latine communities to better understand what members of these communities prioritize in a genetic counseling toolkit. 

“In the future, I hope to contribute to mentorship and community engagement efforts that support individuals from underrepresented backgrounds entering the field,” Yusuf said. “I aim to work toward a genetic counseling profession that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.”