Student Spotlight: Aleesha George

October 13, 2025—Updated April 27, 2026

Aleesha George is a doctoral candidate in chemistry and chemical biology from Kerala, India. She earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Kerala University and a master’s degree in analytical chemistry from Mahatma Gandhi University in India and now studies the optical and electronic properties of organic and hybrid materials under the guidance of Andrew Musser at Cornell.

What is your area of research and why is it important?

I study the optical and electronic properties of organic and hybrid materials. More specifically, I investigate how molecules, polymers, or nanoclusters interact with light when placed inside an optical cavity (basically just sandwich them between two highly reflective mirrors). This enables the formation of new quasiparticles called polaritons which ultimately have mixed properties of both light and matter – something I like to describe as “light and matter getting married.” This research is important because it can lay the foundation for advanced technologies like quantum computing, low-power lasers, and advanced communication systems – all while utilizing more sustainable organic materials as compared to their inorganic counterparts.

What are the larger implications of this research?

The ability to harness light efficiently has the potential to transform global technology. My work could lead to faster, greener methods for data processing and communication, addressing urgent energy challenges as our digital world expands. These advances could reduce power consumption in industries ranging from telecommunications to computing, while also opening doors for breakthroughs in health care imaging and sensing. By pushing the boundaries of optical semiconductor technology, this research contributes to building more sustainable systems that align with society’s increasing demand for energy efficiency and technological innovation.

What does it mean to you to have been awarded the AAUW International Doctoral Fellowship and what will it allow you to do that you may not have been able to otherwise?

Being awarded the AAUW International Fellowship is an incredible honor – as an international student, funding opportunities are limited, and this fellowship recognizes both my research and my mission to support girls in STEM. It allows me to complete my Ph.D. with financial security especially in these times of uncertainty, focus on impactful research, and expand outreach efforts like my nonprofit to empower more young women in science

Can you tell us about your nonprofit, Adopt-A-Future?

I founded Adopt-A-Future, a grassroots initiative dedicated to supporting the education of girls from underrepresented and disadvantaged communities in India. The program operates along two pathways: first, by raising funds to provide scholarships and access to quality education, and second, by organizing science and English workshops that build skills, confidence, and pathways to higher education. The mission is to bridge opportunity gaps and show young girls that they can dream beyond their circumstances. Adopt-A-Future reflects my passion for combining science with social impact and ensuring that the next generation of women have more opportunities than I did.

What does it mean to you to be a Bouchet Scholar? (Added April 27, 2026)

Being a Bouchet Scholar means committing to change–honoring the legacy of someone who fought against immense odds and transformed obstacles into opportunities. It means being part of a community that embodies CLASS: character, leadership, advocacy, service, and scholarship. It also carries a deep sense of responsibility to uphold the legacy of Dr. Edward Bouchet and to bring humanity into education.

I feel truly privileged to be part of this community, and with that privilege comes the responsibility to build a path for those who follow, making their journeys more accessible, just as Dr. Bouchet’s legacy has helped shape ours. After attending the induction ceremony at Yale University and meeting the first cohort of Bouchet Scholars, I was deeply inspired by the ways they have contributed to their communities and professions. Their impact motivates me to grow into that role over the next 10-20 years and to ensure that this legacy of excellence, resilience, and humanity continues to shape the next wave of scholars.

How do you exemplify the five pillars of the Bouchet Society – character, leadership, advocacy, scholarship, and service? (Added April 27, 2026)

Both of my parents are teachers, so I grew up in a family where my parents taught me the importance of giving back. I have seen my dad give back through his charitable trust, supporting those in need by building homes for the homeless and providing education to those who could not otherwise access it. That environment shaped my childhood and the values I carry with me today. So, when I came to Cornell and was given the opportunity to pursue a higher education, my first instinct was to give it back to the community that shaped me. I founded a nonprofit, Adopt-A-Future, that supports the education of underprivileged girls through scholarships and workshops, with the goal of creating opportunities that many do not easily have access to. At Cornell, I also served as chair of the Diversity and International Students Committee, driven by the belief that every international student should feel a sense of belonging and feel at home. These experiences reflect the pillars I value deeply and shape who I am beyond being a Ph.D. scholar. On a more personal level, I’ve come to understand that service can also be expressed through small, meaningful actions. While I am fortunate enough to afford what I needed for my graduation, when I learned from my mom that her school bus driver could not afford decent clothing for his wedding, I chose to share a portion of my Ph.D. stipend to support him. I’m not sharing this to highlight generosity, but because I believe this small action exemplifies what being a Bouchet Scholar means to me. It means asking, “How can I help?” not “Why should I?” It means whenever possible, taking action if someone is in need.

What are your hobbies or interests outside of your research or scholarship?

I love traveling – whether it’s discovering new countries, new cultures, new food, or simply wandering and exploring. My secret goal is to fill my passport with visa stamps before I graduate (haha!). Beyond adventures abroad, I spend much of my time on outreach, from doing science activities at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center and the Ithaca Sciencenter to outreach through programs like Expanding Your Horizons. As chair of the Diversity and International Students Committee of the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly, I also organize events that bring our graduate community together – work that keeps me busy and genuinely happy.

Why did you choose Cornell to pursue your degree?

When I received my offer from Cornell, it felt almost unreal. Coming from modest institutions in Kerala, I never imagined joining such a world-renowned university. Even during the virtual visitation weekend, I immediately sensed the warmth of the community, where people were genuinely supportive and caring. What sets the field of chemistry apart is its deeply collaborative nature, a rare and valuable strength. This environment has already opened doors for me, including the privilege of traveling to Paris this summer for research collaboration. Cornell’s strong culture of outreach and public engagement deeply resonated with my own passion for mentoring and education, making it the perfect place to grow both scientifically and personally.