Doctoral Biology Student From India Wins 2010 Eppright Award

Anand Narayanan, a biology Ph.D. student from India, is the 2010 recipient of the Eppright Outstanding International Student Award. The Eppright Award, which includes a $2,500 scholarship, is the university’s highest recognition to a currently enrolled international student. 

The criterion to receive Eppright Award includes holding an excellent academic record, involvement in a wide array of university and community activities, and promotion of international awareness on campus and in the community.

Narayanan was recognized for his work with international organizations on campus and his dedication to Texas A&M and the Bryan-College Station community. Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academics Karan Watson presented the scholarship plaque and check, gave an overview of the award an overview of Narayanan’s accomplishments. Watson cited Narayanan’s dedication to scholastics as well as his involvement in activities on campus and in the community that increase understanding for both members of the community and international students.

“He is characterized by his nominators as a team player with a strong work ethic, a positive attitude and friendly interpersonal style who has a desire to make everything he touches better than when he found it,” Watson said about Narayanan at the All University Awards ceremony. In his academic arena, Narayanan conducts research funded by the American Cancer Society and the National Science Foundation on the regulation of the wnt8 gene which plays an important role in the formation of the heart, kidneys, blood and muscles. In addition to his academics, where is holds a high GPA, Narayanan has acted as a advocate for his fellow international students in many ways.

Holding committee and officer positions in the Student Government Association, Graduate Student Council, the International Graduate Student Association and as President of both the University Apartment Community Council and Biology Graduate Student Association placed Narayanan in a position to act on many issues important to the quality of life of international students. His desire to help often spilled over into the community.