Aswath Karai

More about me:

What is your major and anticipated graduation?

Chemistry, May 2026

How did you decide to attend MSU?

Growing up in the area, I had always been a passionate MSU fan, attending sporting events and wearing green and white throughout my childhood. Coupled with the beautiful campus and opportunities provided, attending MSU was the obvious decision. 

How did you select your major?

I've always had a strong interest in chemistry. It's the foundation of the natural world, and a deep understanding of it opens the door to discoveries across a wide range of important disciplines.

Can you describe your research?

I research the cell walls of various pathogenic fungi using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Specifically, I investigate the different structural components of the fungal cell wall to help develop better antifungal treatments.

What is the societal impact of your research?

The spores of Aspergillus are relatively ubiquitous in the atmosphere and unavoidable, with reports of the average person breathing in thousands of spores daily. While these spores have no adverse effects on healthy people, immunocompromised people, such as those taking immunosuppressants, those with AIDS, Leukemia, or even COVID-19, can acquire Aspergillosis. Aspergillosis has a mortality rate ranging from 30-95%, with estimates of 600,000 people dying each year from it. While many current antifungal drugs target the fungal cell wall, we have an incomplete understanding of the fungal cell wall and its remodeling in the presence of drugs. My research involves looking into the structural components of the cell wall and the effects different drugs have on it and therefore assisting in the development of more effective treatments.

How has your undergraduate experience been impacted by research experience?

I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience conducting research. I have acquired numerous important skills, and realized how much more there is to learn. The experience has also shown me that I have a passion for research and would be interested in a career of it.

How important is this scholarship to you personally and to your future career?

Being a Dean’s Research Scholar means a lot to me. Through this program, I am given the opportunity to convey my research to a broader audience. In addition, I will be able to meet different people and learn new things.