Indian American Professor Sudha Raj Wins 2025 Medallion Award for Nutrition Leadership

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, teaching, and leadership in the field. Known globally for her studies on dietary habits among Asian Indian immigrants in the U.S., Raj has shaped both academic research and professional practice. Raj moved to Syracuse in 1981 after growing up in India, where she initially dreamed of becoming a doctor. Instead, she turned her focus to nutrition science and dietetics, building a career that spans teaching, research, and mentorship. Her work on how Asian Indian immigrants adapt their diets in the U.S. has earned her international recognition.

The Medallion Award was presented on October 12, 2025, at an honours breakfast during the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo in Nashville, Tennessee. Raj described the achievement as a 'team effort,' crediting the support of colleagues throughout her career. Harlivleen 'Livleen' Gill, a former mentee, highlighted Raj's dedication to advancing the profession and her warmth as a mentor. Beyond research, Raj has held leadership positions within the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Students and colleagues often note her compassion and ability to form genuine connections. As an award-winning teaching professor in Syracuse University's Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, she continues to influence future generations in the field.

The 2025 Medallion Award adds to Raj's long list of contributions to nutrition science and education. Her research on dietary acculturation remains a key reference for professionals working with immigrant communities. The award also reflects her broader impact as a mentor and leader in dietetics.