Rekha and Harihara Mehendale
The SOT Education and Experiential Opportunities Committee is pleased to announce the inaugural recipient of the Mehendale Welcome Award: Farah Noshin Chowdhury. This award is made possible by the Rekha and Harihara Mehendale Welcome Award Fund for International Graduate Students, an Endowment Fund established with SOT. Just as the Mehendales helped trainees to transition to a new country, the award is intended to help ease an international graduate student’s transition, at least partially, as they move to a different country for their graduate program.
Ms. Chowdhury is joining the PhD program in Human Toxicology at the University of Iowa after working over two years as a research assistant in Jahangirnagar University’s Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology in Dhaka, Bangaladesh. Her master’s thesis characterized microplastics in three coastal rivers and a beach in Bangladesh. She also conducted studies quantifying metal contamination in cosmetic products and rice, correlating with international standards, and calculating the health risk.
While at the University of Iowa, Ms. Chowdhury intends to study the toxicity of environmental chemicals in humans. She is grateful for the financial support that is offered with this award, stating that it will “allow [her] to purchase a computer” and “take care of [the] expenses of setting up a home for [herself] in Iowa City.” Ms. Chowdhury also stated that she is grateful for the award and that it “validates [her] efforts but also fuels [her] enthusiasm to push the boundaries of knowledge and make a meaningful impact.”
Farah Noshin Chowdhury
The Society provides this award in anticipation that it will ease Ms. Chowdhury’s transition to a new country, allowing Iowa City and the University of Iowa to become “a home away from home.” Dr. Mehendale’s most enduring legacy from his 41 years of active scientific life was mentoring 36 postdoctoral scholars and 32 PhD students, not only scientifically but also as a life coach. He and his wife provided a caring sanctuary away from home.
Vivek Dadhania, who helped establish the endowment fund stated: “The award goes beyond financial help! It’s about celebrating mentorship and reflecting on the remarkable support shown by Rekha and Harihara Mehendale. Dr. Mehendale's outstanding mentoring emphasizes the crucial role of timely guidance in academic journeys. As a fortunate recipient of Dr. Mehendale's guidance and financial aid, I deeply appreciate his immense support. This award also demonstrates the SOT commitment to promoting inclusivity and offering real support to students from various backgrounds.”
The next deadline for this award is May 30, 2025. Eligibility requirements include that the applicant is moving to a different country for their graduate program, is accepted for a full-time PhD or master’s degree, and has not yet begun the graduate program at the time of application.
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