Neuro-Rehabilitation is a dynamic field at the intersection of clinical work, cutting edge research, and assistive technologies, focused on improving the lives of countless patients suffering from neurological injury.
Sapna Kumar, our next pathbreaker, is General Manager R&D at PRS Neurosciences—a company committed to enhancing the functional recovery and quality of life of individuals with neurological disorders through technology-integrated solutions.
Sapna talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about how her work in the Neuroengineering and Biomedical Instrumentation Lab at John Hopkins University during her masters, shaped her career in Neuroscience and Brain focused technologies.
For students, know who you are and what you want to become—not because someone else said so, but because you either have the skill or the willingness to develop it, and because you are genuinely interested and passionate about it
Sapna, what were your growing up years like?
I was born and raised in Chennai in a close-knit, middle-class South Indian family. My father, a mechanical engineer, worked in a private company, while my mother—an M.A. graduate in English Literature—chose to be a homemaker and ran evening tuition classes at home. I have a sister who is six years older than me, and our home was always filled with books, bhajans, homework, games and laughter. Life at home was simple, but it was filled with values, music, and quiet determination. Our routine was steady—school, homework, evening music classes, and meals together as a family. This structure instilled in me discipline, independence, and a deep-rooted sense of responsibility from a young age.
From early childhood, I was drawn to music, arts and spirituality. I attended Chinmaya Mission classes where I was introduced to meditation, slokas including verses from the Bhagavad Gita with meaning, stories from our Puranas, bhajans, and spiritual songs. These weren’t just activities—they were formative experiences. I regularly participated in annual Bhagavad Gita chanting competitions, storytelling, drawing, and singing competitions. School life also gave me many platforms to explore my interests. I participated in inter-school competitions—elocution, singing, drawing. I was also part of music groups that performed in temples and cultural gatherings. Every festival was celebrated with joy and community spirit, both at school and at home. These celebrations nurtured my love for culture and collective creativity. As a bonus to the fun and experiences, I also received several medals and certificates during my school and college years. Participating in extracurricular activities gave me an early understanding of how to set a goal, work steadily toward it, and take pride in the effort—regardless of the outcome. Even when I lost, the process left me with a lasting sense of accomplishment and joy.
I also learnt a lot of small life lessons in the process. One such memory that left a deep impression on me was during an Independence Day rehearsal. I froze on stage and forgot my lines in front of the principal and staff. That day, one of my school teachers pulled me aside and said something that stayed with me forever: “You’re the only one who knows your speech—everyone else is just a naive listener. You can never be wrong here. Remember, you are educating, not just performing.” That moment reshaped how I viewed public speaking and self-expression. From then on, if I had something to say in a room full of people, no matter who they were, I made sure I would say it. That incident taught me to be strong and assertive.
During my school days, I also volunteered at an old-age home that my aunt had established. We had a close-knit community there, and I spent meaningful time interacting with the residents. It was here that I learned about empathy, patience, and the quiet strength of simply being present for someone. These experiences also helped me make a few friends outside of school—some of whom I’m still in touch with to this day. Those bonds, rooted in shared values and service, have stood the test of time and in some ways contributed to my career choices too.
Looking back, I see how all these experiences have shaped me. They built my resilience, sharpened my sense of purpose, taught me leadership and time-management at an early stage and taught me to lead with compassion and clarity. My parents, teachers, and community gave me the space to explore, the safety to fail, and the encouragement to try again. For that, I’m deeply grateful.
What did you do for graduation/post graduation?
I completed my BTech in Biomedical Engineering from Sathyabama university, Chennai and Masters of Science (MS) in BioEngineering, Biomedical engineering from Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.
What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional, and unique career in Neuroscience?
This is a good question, though I don’t have a particularly dramatic answer. My first interest was actually in art or design. I’ve always enjoyed creative work, but after high school, I didn’t feel confident enough to pursue it as a full-time career.
I was also interested in medicine, but I didn’t see myself becoming a traditional doctor. Iam especially grateful to my inspiring and dedicated school teachers – Mrs Dharmambal, who sparked my fascination with physics, and Mrs Deepa, whose engaging biology lessons deepened my interest in Life Sciences. Their passion for teaching left a lasting impression on me. I began exploring options that blended biology and physics.
So, I started looking into other fields that combined Biology and Physics—subjects I liked and felt comfortable with. That’s when I came across biomedical engineering. It seemed like a good balance between science, healthcare, and technology.
My parents and sister were very supportive and helped me explore different options. Even though I had a strong overall score in my 12th grade, it quickly became clear how competitive the engineering landscape was and I found that only a handful of colleges in and around Chennai offered the course I was interested in. Eventually, I got admission into Sathyabama University, which worked out well since I could stay at home during my undergraduate years.
That’s how I ended up in this field—it wasn’t a childhood dream, but rather a thoughtful decision based on my interests, support from my family, and practical considerations.
After completing my undergraduate degree, I was placed through campus recruitment in an IT company—which, at the time, felt like the natural next step. It was almost an unspoken rule: if you graduated from engineering school, you landed an IT job and began climbing the corporate ladder. While I was grateful to have received an offer so easily, with barely any effort, a part of me felt disappointed. The job had little connection to what I had studied or what genuinely interested me.
The first few months were enjoyable—there was the thrill of earning my first salary, becoming financially independent, and staying close to home in Chennai. But soon, the novelty began to wear off. Around Christmas that year, one of my mentors at work gifted me a book titled “How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be” by Jack Canfield. As I started reading, it struck a chord. I asked myself a difficult question: Where do I actually want to be? The truth was, I didn’t have a clear answer.
Tell us about your career path
I opened up to my parents and told them that I wasn’t finding satisfaction in my current job, and that I wanted to take a break to reflect. I even took an online career guidance test—something I later realized was designed more for school students. Still, it gave me a framework to think about my interests and strengths more clearly. While I didn’t walk away with a definitive answer, I began to narrow down the kinds of work that excited me.
In that phase of exploration, I tried everything: I sat for design entrance exams, MTech and MBA entrance tests, seriously considered event management, explored animation—and even wrote the GRE. That period was about trying, learning, and listening to myself more carefully. It helped me see that career choices aren’t always linear, and that it’s okay to take time to find what feels right.
During this period of exploration, I received an interview call for the MDes course at IISc Bangalore—a program I was genuinely excited about. Around the same time, to my complete surprise, I also received an admission offer from Johns Hopkins University for their MSE in Biomedical Engineering program.
The funny part is, I had only applied to the top three universities in the US after clearing my GRE, mostly by a long shot. My assumption was that I wouldn’t get through, and that IISc would be my most realistic option. But as it turned out, life had something unexpected in store. I had initially applied to a different program at Johns Hopkins that had already closed applications. Yet somehow, I was considered for and offered a place in one of their most prestigious programs—one that is ranked among the best in the world.
It was both exciting and overwhelming. We didn’t have the financial resources in place, and I hadn’t really planned on going abroad. I never saw myself as someone chasing global career paths—I had always imagined building something meaningful closer to home. But this offer made me pause and reflect more deeply about the possibilities ahead. I really see this as my first break.
As if by serendipity, I wasn’t offered a seat at IISc. That left me with two options: wait another year to figure things out, or take the leap and accept the offer from one of the most prestigious biomedical engineering programs in the world. To my surprise, even the financial support I needed came through—almost like everything was quietly aligning behind the scenes. Before I had time to overthink it, I was packing my bags to leave the country.
It was my first-ever flight—at 23 years old—and I was travelling alone. I was equally excited and terrified. But somewhere in that mix of nerves and anticipation, I knew I was stepping into something completely new and meaningful. I was looking forward more to the experience at that point rather than just seeing it as a career break!
Can you talk about some of your experiences at John Hopkins?
At Johns Hopkins, I started off as a timid student in a new country, trying to find my footing. But I had also come prepared — determined to make the most of this opportunity. Before arriving in the US, I had done my homework. I had researched potential mentors and reached out to Dr. Nitish Thakor and some of his students to better understand how I could prepare to join his lab.
In my first semester, I enrolled in his classes and found them deeply engaging. During the winter break, I took an honors course and designed a fun instrumentation project focused on upper limb amputation — a topic that deeply interested me. This experience set the stage for what came next: I joined Dr. Thakor’s Neuroengineering and Biomedical Instrumentation Lab as a research assistant the following semester, and became a teaching assistant for his course the year after.
The lab’s focus on upper limb prosthetics aligned perfectly with my interests. I worked on a thesis titled “Functionally Adaptive Myoelectric System for Upper Limb Prosthesis”, which not only earned academic recognition but also eventually led to a publication. The lab was also associated with a start-up dedicated to developing assistive products for upper limb amputees, headed by Dr. Rahul Kaliki. I interned with him over the summer, designing a flexible EMG electrode array that improved contact quality and enhanced accuracy in pattern recognition for myoelectric control.
Outside the lab, I took courses like Sensors and Actuators, Rehabilitation Engineering, and other core modules that broadened my technical foundation. I also participated in a hackathon called Abilities, where our team created an umbrella accessory for wheelchairs — a simple but impactful innovation that won awards at two different levels.
That summer, I also worked as a teaching assistant for a course titled Biomedical Engineering for Professionals, where I had the opportunity to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and skill sets. It was a particularly rewarding experience—not only did I get to share what I had learned while continuing to grow myself, but it also helped me cover some of my living expenses. I began my journey toward financial independence that summer, and was fortunate to receive a full scholarship for my second year of the MSE program, along with both a research and teaching stipend.
Those two years at Johns Hopkins were transformative. I learned to manage my time, built confidence, and discovered a passion for research. I also realized how deeply I care about designing technology that improves lives — especially for individuals with disabilities. It was the perfect intersection of my interests in science, art, and human-centred innovation. Most importantly, I discovered how much I enjoy working with people while building and exploring through research.
After graduating, I sought a role that would allow me to continue learning, researching, and growing — and I found it as a research assistant in a lab at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, led by Dr. John Krakauer. The lab focused on neurorehabilitation for stroke survivors, giving me the chance to work with a different population. Under the mentorship of Dr. Jing Xu, I contributed to the development and testing of a fine motor assessment and training platform for individuals with upper limb deficits post-stroke.
This role introduced me to the expansive field of clinical research and helped complete the missing link between my interest in working with people and my passion for research. I thoroughly enjoyed my year at the Brain, Learning, Animation, and Movement (BLAM) Lab. It affirmed for me, once again, that work can be intellectually fulfilling, collaborative, and meaningful — all while helping pay the bills.
How did you get your first break?
In the meantime, I also got married while working at the BLAM Lab. This added a new layer of complexity to my journey—I now needed to either find a job I truly loved closer to where my husband lived or hope he could move closer to me. This led to months of applying to hundreds of jobs, most of which resulted in rejections, largely due to my international student status and the anticipated need for visa sponsorship. Transitioning out of the supportive university environment into the broader job market was ten times more challenging. The key, I realized, was patience, perseverance, and an unwavering sense of hope.
A few months later, I came across a research assistant opening at Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (MRRI)—one of the top neurorehabilitation institutes in the country and fortunately close to where my husband was working. I applied, hoping for the best, and was offered a position at the Human Motor Recovery Lab led by Dr. Dylan Edwards. This was my first big break.
At MRRI (now part of Jefferson), I found myself once again in a dynamic space at the intersection of clinical work, research, and neurotechnology. We worked on cutting-edge clinical trials involving neuromodulation and robotics to improve upper limb recovery after stroke. I had the privilege of serving as the site coordinator for a NIH-sponsored Phase 2 clinical trial, which gave me a deep understanding of the complexities involved in setting up and running randomized controlled trials in neurorehabilitation.
As the only full-time employee in my lab, I wore many hats—coordinating patient recruitment, conducting sessions, performing data analysis, supporting national and international collaborations, liaising with vendors, troubleshooting equipment, and presenting at conferences. Even during the pandemic, I remained involved in a telerehabilitation study, ensuring continuity of research and care.
My growing interest in clinical research led me to pursue a Clinical Research Certification from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, under the mentorship of Dr. Taiza Edwards and Dr. Felipe Fregni. The course provided me with strong foundations in protocol development, budgeting, staff training, and grant writing—all of which I applied directly to my work at MRRI.
The environment at MRRI was incredibly supportive—rich with scientific dialogue, inclusive in spirit, and open to the new ideas I brought to the table. It felt like a second family, and I am deeply grateful for the five years I spent there. Leaving MRRI to return to India for personal reasons was one of the hardest decisions I’ve made. But I left with immense knowledge, deep experience, and not an ounce of regret.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
There were plenty of challenges I had to navigate in the US before finally earning my degree in Biomedical Engineering. During that time, I also met my now-husband through a matrimony website, which made it one of the most memorable and exciting phases of my life. I interned for a year at a research lab at Johns Hopkins, and after we got married the following year, I moved from Baltimore to Philadelphia to be with him.
By then, I was halfway through a new chapter—master’s degree in hand, married, and starting to build a life together. After a long job search, I eventually found a position close to where we lived. We settled in, travelled, and started building our life step by step—while also repaying my student loan. It took me about three years to pay it off, and with that, I felt truly settled: loan-free, working as a research engineer at Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute—one of the top neurorehabilitation centers in the US. It was deeply fulfilling to contribute meaningfully to science and healthcare, doing work I genuinely enjoyed, while also enjoying a happy, balanced life with my partner.
One thing both my husband and I were always clear about was our intention to return to India—we just didn’t know when the right time would be. So, we focused on enjoying our work and life in the US while it lasted, knowing that the decision to return would come when it felt right. So, as planned, we moved back last year —an intentional choice to be closer to family at a time they needed us most, and to begin a new chapter, this time on home ground. I’m truly grateful that he made the transition smoother for me with his constant support. And once again, I found myself stepping into a new challenge—voluntarily and wholeheartedly. By now, I guess it’s safe to say: that’s just who I am.
In order for us to move back to India, at least one of us had to quickly find a job—especially since the decision to move was made rather swiftly. After we moved back, it took me about four months to land one. But I wasn’t in a rush. I used that time to reconnect with one of my long-standing passions—art. I created and even sold a few pieces, which not only kept my creativity alive but also gave me a sense of fulfilment.
At the same time, I was intentionally seeking a role that I’d genuinely enjoy waking up to—because I already knew what it felt like to be in a job that didn’t resonate with me. That clarity helped me stay focused on finding something meaningful. I’m currently the General Manager of R&D at PRS Neurosciences
Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?
Today, I serve as the General Manager of R&D at PRS Neurosciences—a company committed to enhancing the functional recovery and quality of life of individuals with neurological disorders through technology-integrated solutions. My role spans several areas: safeguarding the company’s intellectual property, establishing systematic protocols for collecting patient care data, and using that data to guide clinical research. I also help translate research into real-world use cases through the development and deployment of software and devices that make a measurable difference in patients’ lives.
PRS Neurosciences has a strong collaboration with its subsidiary tech startup, NewroKaaya, based in Bangalore, which develops technology tailored to PRS’s clinical and research needs. One of my core responsibilities is to establish a seamless process that integrates technology development with clinical research—ensuring that innovation directly supports the goal of improving functional independence after neurological injury.
This leadership role allows me to bring together all facets of my training and experience—from clinical research and biomedical engineering to neurorehabilitation and systems design. Working under the guidance of Dr. Sharan Srinivasan, I am fortunate to once again have a mentor who leads with integrity and vision. Being part of a like-minded team that shares a passion for impact-driven work is a rare privilege, and I feel deeply grateful to wake up each day excited about the work we do.
What skills are needed for your role? How did you acquire the skills?
It’s a fun, dynamic role that draws on everything I’ve built over the years—creativity, attention to detail, clinical research, experience with people with neurological injuries, and a strong foundation in designing tech solutions for people with disabilities. It also leans heavily on organizational and people management skills—something I had the chance to sharpen during my time in the IT sector. I attribute my current position to the unwavering support of my parents and sister, who shaped my character, and to the many teachers, mentors, seniors, and peers—from school to college and through my years in the US—who each played a meaningful role in building the skills and experiences I carry today. I wouldn’t be in a leadership role today without them.
How does your work benefit society?
Every research project I’ve contributed to—whether big or small—has had one consistent goal: to make people’s lives better in a tangible way. That’s what keeps me going, and honestly, that’s what helps me sleep peacefully at night. Knowing that my work, in some way, contributes to someone’s recovery or dignity or independence—that’s all the motivation I need.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
When I was in the US in my previous job, I took some time to initiate a project where I brought together a couple of my mentors to work closely on a project for a 20-year-old person with a stroke. This project is ongoing, so I cannot speak a lot of details about it. But I really hope what we are building together will help make his life better very soon. We are already seeing signs of the product working and I was glad I had such great mentors who were willing to come together to make such an important work possible. Such work that brings an immense difference in people’s quality of life is what gives me the thrill to keep going!
Your advice to students based on your experience?
Know who you are and what you want to become—not because someone else said so, but because you either have the skill or the willingness to develop it, and because you are genuinely interested and passionate about it. Give it your best, take the necessary steps toward your goal, and be persistent. The universe listens. Stay true to your efforts and be patient in your journey—success will find its way to you.
Future Plans?
As always, I’ll figure it out as I go. For now, I’m just soaking in the moment and genuinely enjoying the work I get to do—grateful for the life I have right now.
I am also an artist. Here is my insta profile