Pursuing purpose in research: Harsha Sanaka named 2025 Goldwater Scholar

Harsha Sanaka, a student in The Ohio State University College of Medicine's prestigious Biomedical Science undergraduate program, was recently named a 2025 Goldwater Scholar — one of the nation's most competitive honors for students pursuing research careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Recognized for his academic excellence, commitment to scientific discovery, and service initiatives, Sanaka stands out not only for his achievements but for how intentionally he pursues making an impact. 

At Ohio State, he conducts research in the lab of Christin Burd, PhD, a professor in the Ohio State University College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Molecular Genetics, where the focus is working to identify and dissect genetic mechanisms involved in cancer and aging.  There, he studies novel strategies to prevent melanoma. Sanaka credits mentorship and support from the department’s faculty and staff with helping him understand his work on a deeper level.   

"At Ohio State, nearly every day brings news of a promising new therapeutic or early-stage trial, and I wanted to be part of that," Sanaka says. "Even more importantly, I found it easy to see the potential impact of my work." 

Sanaka was drawn to Dr. Burd's lab not only for its research focus but also for its strong mentorship culture. That culture helped him persist through setbacks, including months of troubleshooting a single protocol. 

"From the start, Dr. Burd made me feel seen and supported," he says. "I started asking more questions, consulting the literature, and embracing systematic trial and error. Eventually, I got the experiment to work.” 

These everyday acts of perseverance taught him that being resourceful is essential in research — and that progress often begins by taking the initiative and asking the right questions. 

Outside of the lab, Sanaka's commitment to service is just as strong. He volunteers with hospice patients, tutors youth experiencing homelessness through the nonprofit Pass the Class and addresses global health equity through Universities Allied for Essential Medicines, a student-led organization. He has also been recognized as a National Merit Scholar and has received Ohio State's Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship and Maximus Scholarship. 

Behind every success, he credits the people who supported him.  

"I see this award as a testament to the power of mentorship. Wherever I go, I strive to find people who believe in me and challenge me to grow, and I've been fortunate to find that through many of my mentors at Ohio State," Sanaka says.

Looking ahead, Sanaka hopes to advance the field of cancer biology and improve patient outcomes, whether through direct discoveries or by supporting others' breakthroughs.  

"Whether I'm the one who develops the next breakthrough therapy, or my work supports someone else's discovery, my goal is the same: to move the field forward and improve patients' lives," he says.