When Devjoy Dev began his PhD in Biomedical Engineering at NYU Abu Dhabi, he set out to explore how extreme environments like microgravity affect sleep circuitry, and whether modulating the gut could be a potential solution. “The GI tract is a fascinating and complex system connected to multiple physiological systems, including our circadian rhythmic system. My research involved electrically stimulating this bridge that connects the two, as well as proposing novel ways to better carry out this stimulation,” Dev says.
But Dev’s life at NYUAD extended well beyond the lab. He joined the Graduate Student Council (GSC) to advocate for the success and wellbeing of NYUAD’s graduate students.
“In my mind, a good academic scholar isn't someone who can just research well, but also lead well. I wanted to ensure I refined that skill while doing my PhD.”
Outside of the student council, Dev found another arena for leadership: leading the NYUAD’s dragon boat team, where he learned the power of commitment.
“As captain, if my commitment ever goes into question, then the team fails from the very core. So for me, equally committing to the sport and showing up at every training and every race made all the difference.” Dev believes the sense of dependence and teamwork in team sports can improve the dynamic of a team in a professional setting.
Being awarded the 2025 NYUAD Graduate Student Leadership Award was a fitting recognition of his leadership and commitment to positive change. For Devjoy, the one important leadership quality in graduate school is communication.
“It's very easy to keep oneself closed in one's room or in the library to get the work done, but in this world, especially in academia, being able to communicate your research to both experts in the field and laypeople is critical,” he says.
His advice to current and future grad students is to put themselves forward for opportunities to lead. “Every student has something valuable to offer,” he says.
