Johns Hopkins alum Ishan Kalburge awarded Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Ishan Kalburge, a distinguished member of the Class of 2023, has been honoured with the prestigious 2024 Gates Cambridge Scholarship. This esteemed scholarship, established by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000, provides full funding for approximately 80 outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge.

Kalburge expresses immense gratitude for the privilege of studying at Cambridge with the unwavering support of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. He anticipates joining a vibrant and diverse community of global leaders, enriching his scholarship, leadership, and personal growth.

His academic journey will lead him to pursue a PhD in engineering under the guidance of Máté Lengyel, a professor in Cambridge’s Computational and Biological Learning Lab. Kalburge’s research will delve into probabilistic deep learning, specifically investigating how humans construct internal representations of uncertainty during decision-making processes.

Kalburge’s passion for academic exploration traces back to his high school years. A poignant memory involves his daily ritual of asking his grandfather to recite the full name of the Indian prime minister—an exercise designed to keep his grandfather’s mind sharp. As he cared for his grandfather, Kalburge’s curiosity deepened, leading him to explore the intricacies of human behavior. When his grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Kalburge’s determination to assist him intensified.

During his undergraduate years at Hopkins, Kalburge pursued a triple major in biomedical engineering, applied mathematics, and economics. This interdisciplinary path allowed him to view human behavior through the unique lens of neuroeconomics—a field dedicated to uncovering the neural foundations of decision-making. Collaborating with Vikram Chib, an associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Kalburge conducted neuroeconomics research, combining insights from behavioral economics and cognitive neuroscience. His work focused on understanding how psychiatric interventions can mitigate the effects of physical fatigue.

Kalburge’s intellectual tenacity and curiosity set him apart. His ability to swiftly grasp new concepts and synthesize innovative approaches impressed Vikram Chib, who looks forward to witnessing Kalburge’s continued growth as a Gates Cambridge Scholar.

At Caltech, Kalburge delved into neuroeconomics research, developing a model to explain why humans sometimes exhibit bursts of behaviour. These experiences ignited his interest in computational neuroscience, prompting him to explore decision-making processes within the brain. His next research endeavour will take place at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, where he will model human decision-making under conditions of uncertainty—a topic he will continue to explore during his time at Cambridge.

Kalburge’s quest to understand uncertainty extends beyond academia. He recognizes its relevance not only for comprehending brain function in health and disease but also for developing trustworthy artificial intelligence systems that mimic human-level inference while minimizing energy costs.

Beyond STEM, Kalburge has actively contributed to the Johns Hopkins community. He served on the board of the Biomedical Engineering Society, assuming the role of president. Despite the demands of rigorous coursework and research, he also found time to serve as a news and features editor for the Johns Hopkins News-Letter and play piano for the Hopkins Jazz Band. His multifaceted interests reflect a commitment to holistic growth and impact.

As Ishan Kalburge embarks on his journey as a Gates Cambridge Scholar, he carries with him a profound dedication to unravelling the mysteries of decision-making and uncertainty—a pursuit that promises to shape both scientific understanding and practical applications.

Source : Johns Hopkins University website