From Pharmacy to Data Science: Sushma Akula’s Journey of Resilience and Impact
Sushma Akula, a native of Hyderabad, India, and a graduate of December 2025, is now pursuing her master’s in health informatics and analytics at UNC Charlotte. An international student navigating a new country, Sushma has transformed challenges into opportunities, combining her background in healthcare with cutting-edge data science skills.
“I shifted from pharmacy to data science after realizing how strongly healthcare relies on data to improve outcomes,” Sushma explains. “Working with real datasets showed me I could blend my health background with analytics to solve bigger problems.” Her experience at UNC Charlotte has been, in her words, challenging, learning, and transformative.
Sushma credits Dr. Cheryl Brown as a pivotal mentor. Working with Dr. Brown as a research assistant in the summer of 2025 helped Sushma grow academically and personally, guiding her through research projects and the adjustment to life in a new country.
Currently, Sushma is a healthcare data science intern at Camino Health Center, where she applies her skills to clinical and operational data to support better patient outcomes. She finds this role especially meaningful as it brings together her healthcare expertise and data science knowledge.
Looking ahead, Sushma is excited to continue working at the intersection of data and healthcare, tackling real-world problems that improve efficiency and patient care. Her journey has been shaped by resilience, curiosity, and a willingness to step out of her comfort zone—qualities that have helped her thrive as both a student and a professional.
Reflecting on her time at UNC Charlotte, Sushma says, “This university didn’t just give me an education; it gave me a community, mentors, and friends who guided me every step of the way. UNC Charlotte has truly become home.”
Advice to incoming students: “Be open to change, embrace challenges, and seek opportunities to grow. Every step, even the difficult ones, adds to your story.”