Pratibha Nerurkar

Pratibha Nerurkar is an associate professor in the Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering in the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. Nerurkar has a vision for students of a holistic approach empowered by knowledge, critical thought and compassion. Colleagues recognize her teaching load as the heaviest departmentally, including her mentoring more than a hundred research students. A colleague observed, “She communicates content using different modalities and extemporaneously elaborates content seamlessly, using a story-like method of instruction, particularly effective with students.” Nerurkar has mentored 57 undergrads; many who went on to receive unit awards and research funding, participated and presented at local and national meetings, written honors theses, co-authored publications with her, and reached high positions in their professional or academic careers. Students expressed, “As a future physician, I hope to be able to connect with my patients as Dr. Nerurkar connects with her students,” and, “I can attribute my areas of studies and interest in my graduate program to be a result of being inspired by her teachings.”