In Memoriam: Sandra Bishnoi, 1973-2018

Sandra Bishnoi, a lecturer in natural sciences and the coordinator of the Sustaining Excellence in Research Scholar program at Rice University in Houston, Texas, died on July 26 at the age of 44. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011.

Dr. Bishnoi held a bachelor’s and a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin. She conducted postdoctoral research in chemistry and electrical engineering at Rice from 2003 to 2005 before being appointed an assistant professor of chemistry at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Dr. Bishnoi returned to Rice University in 2012 and later served as a research scientist for the Laboratory for Nanophotonics at the university before becoming a lecturer and program coordinator. Dr. Bishnoi taught the course Introduction to Scientific Research Challenges to first-year students at Rice University.

Rebecca Richards-Kortum, University Professor and director of the Rice 360˚ Institute for Global Health, said Dr. Bishnoi “believed in the ability of her students to succeed,. She helped them overcome their fears and become practicing scientists. She was an inspiration to them and to everyone who taught alongside her.”