As a child in India, Dr. Deepa Choudhry was captivated by a television advertisement showing scientists in white lab coats conducting experiments. When she asked her father what was happening, he replied, "It's science and magic."
That spark of curiosity became the foundation of a journey that led her to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she recently earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry and now works at NUtech Ventures—the university’s technology commercialization affiliate.
Choudhry’s story illustrates how Nebraska fosters innovation and leadership, both in the classroom and beyond. She is one of many international scholars whose research and involvement have helped strengthen Nebraska’s reputation as a top global institution for patent production. In fact, the University was recently ranked 49thnationally, and remained among the world’s top 100 universities for earning U.S. patents by the National Academy of Inventors.
At the heart of that innovation pipeline is NUtech Ventures, where Choudhry transitioned from a student intern to a full-time Technology Commercialization Fellow. NUtech’s mission is to move research from lab to marketplace, connecting faculty discoveries with real-world applications in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, energy, and sustainability. For Choudhry, this work bridged her academic training with a new professional path.
“The internship gave me a new lens—to view science not just as discovery, but as something that can be applied to improve lives,” she said.
At NUtech, Choudhry evaluates emerging technologies from across the university, helping assess commercial potential, develop marketing strategies, and support licensing or startup opportunities. Her chemistry background allows her to engage deeply with research, while NUtech’s collaborative environment fosters continued learning. She now mentors new interns and credits her transition to full-time work to strong mentorship, including guidance from her Ph.D. advisor, Dr. Barry Cheung and her supervisor at NUtech, Technology Manager, Dr. Michael Loes.
“This transition from a student intern to an associate at NUtech has been a rewarding experience,” she said. “I’ve grown as a scientist, a communicator, and a strategist.”
Choudhry’s UNL experience extended far beyond the lab. As president of the Indian Student Association (ISA), she played a key role in building a vibrant, welcoming community on campus. Under her leadership, ISA expanded its cultural programming and outreach, including large-scale celebrations of Indian holidays, Holi and Diwali, and orientation events for new international students. Her work was recognized with the Outstanding Student Organization President Award at the 2025 Student Impact Awards.
“ISA gave me a platform to connect, collaborate, and grow,” she said. “It was about building community, and that experience has influenced how I approach teamwork and leadership at NUtech.”
Reflecting on her journey, Choudhry points to the complementary lessons she’s drawn from two cultures. “My education in India taught me discipline and resilience, while the collaborative culture at Nebraska taught me open communication, mentorship, and feedback-driven growth,” she said. “The blend has shaped my outlook and helped me thrive in professional settings.”
For students just starting out, Choudhry has simple advice: “Try new things. You never know how a new path may shape your future.”
With Nebraska’s commitment to student development, research excellence, and global impact, her story is just one example of how curiosity, when nurtured in the right environment, can lead to meaningful innovation.
Learn more about NUtech Ventures: https://www.nutechventures.org/
