Tiger is a Harvard Hero: Rupal Ramesh Shah M ’07

Rupal Ramesh Shah, a microbiology graduate, was honored by Harvard University as a 2012 Harvard Hero. This prestigious award is given to a select number of Harvard staff members who are recognized for “above and beyond” achievements and for their contributions to the university. Out of 12,000 Harvard staff members, only 49 received this award in 2012.
Shah is laboratory manager of the tuberculosis laboratory in the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases in the School of Public Health.
“As a researcher, I value working with and learning from other scientists and colleagues in the lab and the department,” she said. “As a lab manager, I use the leadership skills I developed at Clemson to organize, lead and manage teams, and I truly enjoy this aspect of my work.”
Shah’s view of the world extends from the cellular to the global. Her work as a laboratory scientist involves molecular biology to help fight disease. As a humanitarian, she volunteers with both local and global organizations to help fight poverty, lack of education and improve public health.
“Her dedication to the well being of humanity is innate. I don’t think she will ever stop trying to make the world a better place, and many will benefit from her efforts,” said Alfred “Hap” Wheeler, chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at Clemson, and one of Shah’s mentors.