Sapna Das-Bradoo

Dr. Sapna Das-Bradoo, a biology professor at Northeastern State University Broken Arrow, is the recipient of the Medal for Excellence in Teaching at a Regional University/Community College.

Das-Bradoo has taught at NSU Broken Arrow since 2011 and is serving as interim chair of the Department of Natural Sciences. Das-Bradoo has worked to develop a student-focused, externally funded research program and has obtained more than $1.1 million in funding for the university.

Das-Bradoo credits her research mentor at her alma mater, the University of Delhi in India, for helping her realize her passion for research and giving her the confidence to continue her educational career.

“The excitement of unraveling scientific mysteries, troubleshooting, and scientific discussions with my research mentor shaped my future career in research,” Das-Bradoo said. “I have actively engaged in undergraduate research since my first day at NSU and have served as a research mentor for 60 undergraduate and 4 graduate students.”

Students and colleagues speak not just of Das-Bradoo’s gift for illustrating complex ideas and relating science to everyday life but also of how invested she is in students’ success. She’s received several student-nominated awards and was honored as Faculty Mentor of the Year for the 2021-22 school year.

“Dr. Das-Bradoo always made or found time for us as her students,” said former student Bryan Wright, who describes her as one of the most influential figures in his life. “Her office may not have been labeled ‘counselor,’ but she definitely was one.”

Jessica Martin, interim dean for NSU’s Gregg Wadley College of Science and Health Professions, noted that Das-Bradoo often incorporates advances that haven’t yet made it into textbooks, sparking interest with topics like gene editing and sequencing and the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

“Constantly, she looks for ways to engage students, pondering how to challenge students without overwhelming,” former student Michael P. Smith said. “She is often worried about the growth of the entire student body. She is concerned. She cares.”

Das-Bradoo started a science seminar series that highlights cutting-edge research, and she recently launched a career seminar series that allows students to learn from NSU alumni.

“I strongly believe in these words from Vitruvius, a Roman architect and engineer: ‘All the gifts which fortune bestows she can easily take away; but education, when combined with intelligence, never fails, but abides steadily on to the very end of life,’” Das-Bradoo said.