Chinmayi Balusu, MPH

Hello! I’m Chinmayi Balusu.

Student researcher. Youth science communicator. Community leader. Interdisciplinary enthusiast.

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Chinmayi Balusu Kosaraju, MPH, is a medical student and an Op-Med Fellow at Doximity, with research interests in neurosurgery, neuro-epidemiology, and global health. Prior to medical school, she was a Neuroscience & Society Fellow at the Dana Foundation, a private philanthropic organization that explores the connections between neuroscience and society’s challenges and opportunities, and works to maximize the field’s potential to do good.

Additionally, Chinmayi is the founder and CEO of Simply Neuroscience, a global non-profit organization expanding student involvement in neuroscience and psychology through interdisciplinary education, outreach, and awareness initiatives. Simply Neuroscience is one of the world’s largest neuroscience learning communities for students, positively impacting 45,000+ young brain enthusiasts across 142 countries/territories. Chinmayi and her team are on a mission to revolutionize the world of early neuroscience education — creating a world where youth can pursue their curiosity and passion for the brain, regardless of their location, age, identity, or background.

Chinmayi has served in leadership and advisory roles with global organizations such as the Society for Neuroscience, HFC, American Brain Coalition, International Neuroethics Society, and ALBA Network. Chinmayi is a youth science communicator and three-time TEDx speaker who has presented at 165+ hackathons, conferences, summits, high schools, universities, and seminars worldwide.

Chinmayi is an alumna of Columbia University in the City of New York with undergraduate and graduate degrees specializing in medical humanities and neuroepidemiology; she graduated from Columbia as the youngest member of her cohort at 19 years old. During her time at Columbia, she was involved in organizations such as Columbia Synapse, Columbia Science Review, Research Cluster on Science and Subjectivity, CC-SEAS Academic Integrity Undergraduate Advisory Board, and more. She continues to stay involved with the community as a Columbia College Young Alumni general board member and Odyssey mentor.

Previously, Chinmayi was involved in research focused on traumatic brain injury, stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, and memory at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Chinmayi was named the California Science and Engineering Fair’s Student of the Year and an International Science and Engineering Fair finalist in 2019 for her investigation of the longevity compound rapamycin’s effects on brain tissue in mice.

Chinmayi is an alumna of the USA National Brain Bee, National History Day California, and Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY). For her efforts, she has been recognized as a Global Teen Leader, Alzheimer’s Association Neuroscience Next One to Watch, and Everyday Young Hero as well as a Daily Point of Light Award, Presidential Volunteer Service Award, and One in a Million Award recipient, among other honors. She has received Certificates of Recognition from California State Assemblymember Kevin McCarty and Senator Kamala D. Harris.

An Indian-American born and raised in northern California, Chinmayi enjoys exploring nature trails, gardening, reading fiction and non-fiction, practicing taekwondo as a 3rd-degree black belt, and watching Telugu movies with family in her free time.

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Chinmayi’s natural talent of creating a healthy working environment encourages fellow members to fulfill their leadership potential. Her ability to give positive encouragement and carry a lighthearted tone make her admired by many.

— Simply Neuroscience Colleague

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Chinmayi is a remarkable young lady who has grown exponentially as a scientist in our lab. She has a very organized and ambitious personality, and she combines a robust work ethic with a creative and thoughtful approach to research.

— Research Mentor

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One thing which distinguishes her is that she has a sincere heart, enjoys interacting with people, and is enthusiastic about learning from all generations. Others’ lives are so much richer because of her selfless serving and joyful giving.

— Volunteer Project Supervisor