She is an epidemiologist who studies the oral health of children from health disparate populations. In December 2009, in a White House ceremony, Professor Nelson received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), selected by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Professor Suchitra's research activities include a study of the oral health of very low birth weight children who frequently have special needs, funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. She is also conducting a Health Resources and Service Administration-funded clinical trial aimed at reducing dental caries in poor inner-city elementary school children. Dr. Nelson received her Bachelor's degree in Madras, India, and her Masters and Ph.D. in Epidemiology from Case Western Reserve University. Elizabeth Short College of Arts and Sciences