“I wanted to be a part of an institution that not only prioritizes academic excellence, but also deeply values community engagement — an aspect I have always admired and wanted to contribute to.”
Fast Facts
- On par: Loves to golf
- Met a hero: Got to see Neil DeGrasse Tyson at Opening Nights at FSU
- Favorite book: “All That Moves Us” by Dr. Jay Wellons
- Favorite study spot: First floor of Strozier Library, behind the Starbucks
- Favorite movie: “The Martian”
Tallahassee native Saiabhinav Devulapalli takes pride in serving his community and beyond. As a biomedical engineering student, Devulapalli demonstrates academic success and leadership skills with the FSU International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) team and the Dance Marathon program. Devulapalli gives back to his community by combining his academic achievements with his passion for volunteer work.
How did growing up in Tallahassee affect your decision to attend FSU?
I chose FSU because, as a Tallahassee local, I witnessed firsthand the university’s remarkable growth and transformation over the years. Growing up in the city, I was constantly aware of FSU’s expanding academic programs, research opportunities and community impact. I wanted to be a part of an institution that not only prioritizes academic excellence, but also deeply values community engagement — an aspect I have always admired and wanted to contribute to.
What have you contributed to FSU’s robust academic culture? How has that been meaningful to you?
One of my most significant accomplishments was serving as the associate team lead for FSU iGEM last year. I co-led a multidisciplinary team of 14 undergraduate students in developing a probiotic for patients with trimethylaminuria (TMAU), a rare disease commonly known as “fish odor syndrome.” Our goal was to reduce the pungent odor that individuals with TMAU struggle with in social settings.
I also led our team’s education effort by collaborating with the Challenger Learning Center to host the first-ever Tallahassee Bioengineering Symposium. The event fostered community engagement and awareness for our work with Emily Pritchard, the assistant vice president for Academic Affairs for Health Innovation & Strategic Alliances. My role included facilitating collaborations with prominent researchers at AstraZeneca, Senda Biosciences, ZBiotics and several other companies.
The iGEM team presented our findings at the 2023 iGEM Jamboree in Paris and earned a silver medal for our research efforts. In addition, our work was recognized and funded by a grant from the FSU College of Medicine’s Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases (IPRD), enabling us and future iGEM members to continue our research and further develop a promising solution for TMAU.
How do you give back to the Tallahassee community?
As a member of the Service Scholars program, I conduct community service in Tallahassee through organizations in the Big Bend area. Some of my involvement in these organizations include organizing food donations with Second Harvest of the Big Bend, remodeling and painting temporary homes for Habitat for Humanity and raising awareness and funds for pediatric disease research for Children’s Miracle Network with Dance Marathon. These experiences have made a positive difference in the communities I serve, and I plan to continue my work after graduation.
How have you blended community service and academic interests at FSU?
During my involvement with Dance Marathon as an events coordinator, I started a personal project where I designed and 3D-printed toys for 19 Children’s Miracle Network children and their siblings at UF Shands Children’s Hospital. Each gift was designed based on the interests and hobbies of the children to ensure that the toys would be meaningful and cherished. The surprise gifts were met with positive reactions and a heartful reception from the children and their families. It was amazing to apply what I learned in the classroom to something beyond research.