At COMPASS, we take pride in nurturing the next generation of scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs. One such inspiring journey is that of Dhanush Udayashankara Jamadgni, a PhD student working with Prof. Martin Thuo and a dedicated member of our Junior Scientists Board.
Recently, Dhanush had the opportunity to immerse himself in groundbreaking work at the Center for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research (CBBR) at the University of Mauritius. His experience underscored a powerful lesson: frugal innovation—the idea that great scientific advancements do not always require expensive tools or resources, but rather creativity and strategic problem-solving.
At CBBR, Dhanush focused on surface modification of wound dressings, a crucial area in biomedical research. Beyond the lab, he expanded his horizons by participating in:
- A startup incubator pitch to understand the business side of science
- An entrepreneurship talk, highlighting the importance of scientific ventures
- An alumni event at the US ambassador’s house, connecting with thought leaders
These experiences reinforced the real-world impact of academic entrepreneurship, showing how interdisciplinary collaboration can drive innovative solutions to global challenges. Dhanush also saw firsthand the value of cognitive diversity, as engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs came together to tackle complex problems from multiple perspectives.
We extend our gratitude to Prof. Nick Kotov, Prof. Martin Thuo, Prof. Archana, and Valerie for supporting this initiative and helping shape the future of scientific exploration.
At COMPASS, we believe in guiding junior scientists toward impactful, entrepreneurial, and collaborative careers. Stay connected for more stories from our community.
Learn more about COMPASS and our mission here.
