Syracuse Professor Sudha Raj Wins 2025 Medallion Award for Nutrition Research

Sudha Raj, an Indian American professor at Syracuse University, has been awarded the 2025 Medallion Award for her outstanding work in nutrition and dietetics. The honour recognises her decades of research, particularly on dietary habits among Asian Indian immigrants in the U.S. She received the award at a ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 12, 2025. Raj arrived in Syracuse in 1981 and has since built a global reputation in her field. Her early studies focused on how Asian Indian immigrants adapt their diets after moving to the U.S., work that gained international attention.

Before her academic career, Raj grew up in India with ambitions of becoming a doctor. Instead, she turned to nutrition science and dietetics, eventually taking on leadership roles within the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. At the awards breakfast, Harlivleen 'Livleen' Gill highlighted Raj's dedication to mentoring others and advancing the profession. Raj herself described the Medallion Award as a 'team effort,' crediting her colleagues for their support over the years. She is the first Syracuse faculty member to win a national award of this level since Sarah 'Sally' Short in the early 1990s. Beyond her professional achievements, Raj is also known for her warmth and strong connections with students and peers.

The Medallion Award marks a significant milestone in Raj's career. Her research and leadership continue to influence nutrition science, while her mentorship shapes future professionals in the field. The recognition also underscores Syracuse University's long-standing contributions to dietetics.