Hopkins Training Grows a Human-Centered Approach to Health

Published March 10, 2026 | Request Information

When Sundararaman Rengarajan enrolled in the Johns Hopkins University MS in Biotechnology program, he was looking for more than a credential. He sought rigorous training at the intersection of science, technology, and real-world application – and an environment that would challenge his perspective on research and its impact.

That experience, Rengarajan said, ultimately shaped the trajectory of his career.

“My experience at Johns Hopkins University shaped my approach to science as both a researcher and an innovator,” said Rengarajan, who completed the program in 2019. “This work deepened my commitment to transforming research insights into tools that directly improve people’s lives.”

With a focus on Molecular Targets and Drug Discovery, Rengarajan conducted autism-related research at the Kennedy Krieger Institute under the guidance of Dr. Stewart Mostofsky. His work contributed to the development of a computerized motor imitation assessment for autism, a study published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging in 2021.

Rengarajan said the program’s intensity was a defining feature of his time in Baltimore.

“My experience at Hopkins was intense, challenging, and incredibly rewarding,” he said. “The coursework pushed me to think deeply, manage complexity, and communicate science clearly.”
He chose the MS in Biotechnology program to gain a structured foundation that connected scientific discovery to practical outcomes.

“The access to world-class faculty and research environments made Hopkins a natural choice for someone eager to grow as a scientist,” Rengarajan said.

Johns Hopkins, he said, stood out for both its reputation and its culture.

“Hopkins’ academic rigor, depth of expertise, and culture of excellence were distinguishing characteristics for me,” he said. “Beyond its reputation, I was drawn to the way the program connects theory to practice and encourages students to think critically about real biomedical challenges.”

Today, Rengarajan is a PhD candidate at Northeastern University and the founder of Mith.AI, where he combines neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and health technology. The company’s flagship product, Sugar Slay, is a gamified, AI-driven decision support tool designed to help adolescents with Type 1 diabetes manage their condition more effectively.

That work has received more than $90,000 in competitive funding, including support from MassVentures, Northeastern University, and the National Science Foundation.

With five peer-reviewed publications, more than 15 international presentations, and multiple academic and innovation awards, Rengarajan said his goal remains consistent with the vision first formulated at Hopkins.

“My goal continues to align with what Johns Hopkins instilled in me – advancing rigorous, human-centered science that drives measurable change in health and well-being,” he said.

Looking back, Rengarajan credits the program with preparing him for interdisciplinary and translational work.

“The program strengthened my ability to translate complex scientific ideas into actionable insights,” he said. “These skills have been central to my continued work in research.”

For prospective students considering a master’s degree but unsure how to fit it into their lives, his advice is practical and encouraging.

“Be clear about your motivation and take a long-term view,” Rengarajan said. “Start with small, consistent steps and build a schedule that is realistic and sustainable. Remember that steady progress matters far more than intensity.”