Health Solutions Outstanding Graduate combines innovation with empathy
By Eden Miller, ASU News
December 1, 2025

Editor’s note:&nbsp;This story is part of a series of profiles of notable&nbsp;fall 2025 graduates.

College of Health Solutions Outstanding Graduate Siddhi Uday Kulkarni found her calling during her undergraduate studies while researching bioinformatics and genetic data.

“I realized that data has the power to tell the stories biology alone cannot,” Kulkarni said.

Kulkarni began her studies at Arizona State University equipped with a number of credentials, including a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology and a master’s degree in bioinformatics. Her experience grew through her internship with the Indian Council of Medical Research, where she saw the potential of combining data science and health care.

Building on this foundation, Kulkarni moved from India to begin her journey at Arizona State University, drawn to ASU’s dedication to innovation, inclusion and excellence. Now, she has completed a second master’s degree in biomedical informatics and data science in just one and a half years.

At the heart of Kulkarni’s research is empathy. Under the tutelage of Clinical Associate Professor Anita Murcko, Kulkarni learned the importance of compassion and the many ways that informatics empowers patient-centered care.

“Through my courses, I discovered that behind every dataset lies a patient, a story and a real human life," Kulkarni said. "I began to see data not just as information but as a bridge between science and compassion — a way to design smarter, fairer and more human-centered health care systems. I learned that true innovation happens when data-driven insights meet real-world empathy.”

Kulkarni shares about her experience in the program and her plans for the future below.

Question: Why did you choose ASU?

Answer: ASU’s biomedical informatics and data science program offered something truly exceptional. It brings together clinical informatics, bioinformatics, machine learning and health data science under one roof, creating a program that’s as integrated, practical and visionary as the future of health care itself.

What especially drew me in was the collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, which allows students to work hands-on with real-world electronic health records, bridging the gap between data science and health informatics. That connection between cutting-edge research and real-world outcomes genuinely inspired me.

I was also inspired by ASU’s phenomenal culture of connection, a place where students are encouraged to lead, create and innovate; to build their own ideas using AI, data, informatics, health technologies, and to transform those ideas into meaningful advancements that can drive real change in society. At ASU, innovation isn’t just taught, it’s practiced, shared and lived every day.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: Under the mentorship of Dr. Valentin Dinu, I have grown immensely as a researcher, thinker and leader. Working with him — both as a student and as a teaching assistant for biomedical informatics — has strengthened my understanding of his exceptional mentorship, guidance and depth of knowledge. His teaching extends far beyond the classroom; he encourages students to understand the reason behind every dataset and the purpose behind each project.

Through my applied project under his mentorship, I learned one of the most valuable lessons of my academic journey — that data holds meaning only when it creates real impact. He inspired me to think critically, explore ideas fearlessly and approach challenges as opportunities to innovate.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Don’t just chase success — chase growth and development.

Grades and achievements matter, but what truly defines you is the curiosity you bring to every challenge and the courage to keep learning, even when things get hard. Every course you take, every late night you spend studying or working on projects, is shaping you in ways you might not yet realize.

Remember, your time in school isn’t just about earning a degree, it’s about discovering your purpose, your voice and your potential to make an impact. Learn with passion, lead with integrity and never stop believing that you can make a difference. In the end, it’s not about where you end up, it’s about who you become along the way.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I am currently exploring opportunities that will allow me to combine my background in bioinformatics and machine learning with my passion for translational health care research. I see myself working as a biomedical data scientist or clinical informatics researcher, analyzing real-world data — from genomics to electronic health records — and translating that knowledge into actionable insights that can genuinely impact lives.

Q:  If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: I would dedicate it to creating a global health data and research center focused on tackling critical health challenges through data-driven innovation. The center would combine biotechnology, biomedical informatics and data science to analyze complex biological and clinical data, turning it into actionable insights that improve treatment strategies, prevent disease outbreaks and guide global health policies.

This story originally appeared on ASU News.