ASU grad hopes to change the face of health care
“Global health was a really exciting major because part of my interest in healthcare was inspired by my own family who come from a different background,” said Surabhi Sajith. Photo courtesy Surabhi Sajith
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2025 graduates.
Surabhi Sajith has always looked at life through the lens of being a global citizen. It’s a trait she credits with being raised by parents who kept her tied to her Indian heritage even while living in Tempe, Arizona.
“My parents immigrated here from India, and so I feel like I grew up with a lot of that global awareness. That's something that I wanted to make sure was integrated into my education. It was really important for me to be able to learn about how different backgrounds influenced people,” Sajith said
Her unique perspective led her to pursue a BA in global health from ASU’s School of Human Evolution and Social Change alongside a BS in microbiology from the School of Life Sciences. A combination that she said has set her up well for medical school at the University of Arizona in the fall.
“Global health was a really exciting major because part of my interest in healthcare was inspired by my own family who come from a different background,” Sajith said. “I think without my global health major, I might have struggled to see that human aspect because in medicine, what we're sometimes taught is very science and stat heavy.”
Her interest in studying the root causes of illness and its effects on different global populations also led her to a certificate in evolutionary medicine.
“I am learning about the racial and ethnic backgrounds, but you're actually considering their overall background and culture. For example, someone who's Indian American versus someone who grew up in India are two different things. Those are some aspects that I've been able to understand more,” Sajith said.
However, Sajith’s dedication to fostering empathetic relationships and expanding her horizons extends well beyond her majors. As a junior, she founded the Undergraduate Scientific Review, or USR, a student-run club that provides publication opportunities for undergraduate researchers.
“ASU is such a big research institution, but I think sometimes when someone is starting at a new place, it can be overwhelming. They know there's opportunity, but they don't know where to begin. That’s why I wanted to start USR,” Sajit said.
As a student in Barrett, The Honors College, Sajith continued to pursue her interest in publications as an editor for fiction and non-fiction writing, and eventually as the co-editor-in-chief of Normal Noise. The print publication examines the role that the arts and humanities play in shaping cultural, social and political life in Arizona.
ASU News talked with the Flinn Scholar, National Merit Scholar and Tempe Diablos Scholar about her time at ASU and hopes for the future.
Question: What were some of the ways you supplemented your coursework with hands-on experience?
Answer: I did study abroad in France where we studied the differences between natural and man-made water sources. I loved getting to explore a new culture and meet new friends, while also using sustainability as a new approach to my understanding of global health and medicine. As global health majors we read a lot about sustainability in our textbooks, but studying abroad gave me a chance to understand firsthand what the impact of my degree could be.
I also worked at the Boston Children’s Hospital for two summers to do research projects and shadow within adult congenital heart care. This provided me with some of my first shadowing experiences at the hospital, including in the operating room.
Q: You were also involved in two different publications while at ASU. Is writing a secondary passion of yours?
A: I love getting to see students from a variety of backgrounds connect over specific themes and art forms. I believe writing is one of the most important forms of communication and connection. Through Normal Noise and USR, I've been able to use publications to connect with both the writing and scientific community.
Q: What was your biggest takeaway from working on the first USR publication?
A: People don't realize the patience and the time it takes, but also the grit that it takes to be able to contribute to the research process. I've been very grateful to work under mentors, both in global health and in my pre-med track where I've been able to talk to professors who have told me that upfront, but other people might not get that opportunity. So I felt like it was our job as the student organization to expose students to that.
Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
A: I learned that I don't need to wait to make a difference. As a pre-medical student, I know I have several years of training left before I will be leading others in a medical team. However, at ASU, I was able to get involved easily and early through student organizations and research.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
A: Professor Mathew Sandoval taught me that every piece of work we come across, whether it is in a creative, academic or casual space, can be scholarly and teach us something new. In my second semester of taking HON 171: The Human Event, we analyzed movies as a class, which changed my mindset on the way I approach new pieces of information.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: It never hurts to reach out and ask questions. It can be nerve racking to reach out to professors or upperclassmen with advice or questions, but some of my strongest supporters and friends have come through reaching out.
Q: What is your proudest moment as an ASU student?
A: My proudest moment as an ASU student was when Normal Noise Magazine won first place at the National Collegiate Honors Council for Honors Magazine. This was a representation of our entire editorial team's commitment to sharing the experiences of our friends and peers. It was also a testament to our contribution to ASU and Barrett as a venue for the creative arts.
Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?
A: My favorite spot on campus is definitely Armstrong Hall. Not only is it a quiet space to focus, but I often run into my friends from my classes there.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: One problem that I would like to address with strong funding would be healthcare access, particularly for those that are underserved. My experience as a global health student and researcher has shown me that there are populations with more healthcare needs but less resources, despite recent developments in science and research. With $40 million, I would like to fund mobile health clinics that focus on preventative medicine. Additionally, I would use the funding to promote and develop cultural training based on each clinic's. Through my education at ASU, and now as I continue my education at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, I hope to better understand how we can make this a reality and contribute to the best patient care for our Arizona community.
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