Two Harvard seniors, Aneesh Muppidi ’25 and Ayush Noori ‘25, have been named Rhodes Scholars for 2024. Both students are pursuing joint concentrations in Neuroscience and Computer Science. The Rhodes Scholarship, established in 1902, provides full funding for study at the University of Oxford
Ryan Draft, MCB’s Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies in Neuroscience, praised the achievements of both scholars. “Aneesh and Ayush are powerhouse researchers, each in their own way,” Draft remarked. “Both are extraordinary and well-deserving of the recognition, prestige, and opportunities the Rhodes Scholarship brings. I, like many, can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.”
Ayush Noori: AI and Human Health Research
Ayush Noori’s academic journey at Harvard has been defined by remarkable achievements. Draft reflected on Noori’s early promise: “I met Ayush in his first year, and I was shocked by his extensive previous research work and seriousness as a scientist. He was already more knowledgeable, and as well-published as a postdoctoral researcher.” Noori is a co-author of more than 20 peer-reviewed papers.
At Harvard, Noori focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence to address critical issues in human health. “I research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, precision medicine, and neurological disease. My mission is to develop new AI-enabled diagnostics and therapeutics for neurological disorders and other currently untreatable medical conditions that are personalized to individual patients,” says Noori. “In my future career, I hope to contribute to the global fight against neurological disease, translate our science from bench to bedside, and provide hope for patients and their families.”
“Ayush has made unheard-of progress for a student researcher. There is no question he will be a leader in the field of AI and human health in the future.” As a Rhodes Scholar, Noori plans to pursue graduate study in clinical neurosciences and AI working towards his vision of AI-guided personalized and effective neurological care.
Read more about Noori, including how the loss of his grandmother to neurodegenerative disease, has motivated his interest in finding cures for devastating illnesses since childhood.
Aneesh Muppidi: Bridging Neuroscience, AI, and Community Leadership
“Aneesh is one of the top researchers to enter our program in all my years as an advisor,” Draft said. “He is juggling serious work on three distinct projects in three labs. Any one of them could have served as his thesis.”
Muppidi has contributed to the Computational Robotics Lab at Harvard SEAS, the Computational Cognitive Science Lab at the Kempner Institute, and the Fiete Lab at MIT’s Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences. His research explores reinforcement learning, focusing on the parallels between human cognition and artificial intelligence.
Beyond his research, Muppidi has demonstrated a commitment to fostering community. He co-founded the Harvard Computational Neuroscience Undergraduate Society, creating a forum for students interested in the intersection of AI, neuroscience, and policy. “This has been a great success, allowing students at the intersection of tech, policy, and the brain to find each other across concentrations,” Draft noted.
Looking forward to his time as a Rhodes Scholar, Muppidi plans to pursue a Master’s in Advanced Computer Science and a Master’s in Public Policy at Oxford. “I want to explore how to communicate the importance of AI-related issues to the public, drive meaningful change, and lead in both the science and policy realms of AI,” he says. “I encourage every student in the MCB department and the College to apply for scholarships like the Rhodes. The mentorship and resources at Harvard make opportunities like this possible.”
