Meet Shrinidhi — 2026 Homecoming Court Member and Briggsie

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Shrinidhi Pola is standing at the base of Beaumont Tower. She wears a white Michigan State crewneck sweatshirt and medium blue jeans. She has long, dark hair
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Shrinidhi Pola is a Neuroscience student whose passion for advocacy, inclusion and patient-centered care reflects the compassion and growth-oriented spirit of the Spartan community.
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Shrinidhi Pola
Shrinidhi Pola. Image by the Alumni Office

Meet Shrinidhi — a compassionate and driven senior from Pleasanton, California, whose journey at Michigan State University has been defined by growth, exploration and a passion for advocacy. A Neuroscience major in Lyman Briggs College and the Honors College, Shrinidhi has embraced every opportunity to expand her perspective and pursue her purpose. She is honored to represent Michigan State University on the 2026 Homecoming Court.

Shrinidhi’s experience at MSU reflects a full-circle transformation. Arriving as a timid out-of-state student, she quickly found a community that encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone and explore new possibilities. Through research, student organizations and education abroad, she has built a strong foundation in both science and service. Her work in a research lab utilizing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, along with her involvement in MSU Pre-SOMA and MSU Deepam, has shaped her academic and personal growth.

One of the experiences that has most influenced Shrinidhi’s journey is her time studying abroad, where she observed medical procedures and gained insight into global healthcare practices. These opportunities have reinforced her belief in the importance of cultural awareness and patient-centered care. As a member of the Osteopathic Medical Scholars Program, she plans to attend Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and pursue a career in pediatric neurology, with a focus on patient education and advocacy.

Shrinidhi is especially passionate about supporting the neurodivergent community, promoting inclusion and advocating for women in medicine. Her involvement with MSU Best Buddies and other organizations has strengthened her commitment to creating spaces where all individuals feel valued and supported.

Her favorite place on campus, the River Trail, offers a quiet space for reflection and balance, representing the personal growth she has experienced throughout her time at MSU.

As a Homecoming Court representative, Shrinidhi is excited to share her story and connect with the Spartan community, especially with students who may be unsure of their place or potential. She hopes to inspire others to pursue their passions with confidence and to embrace every opportunity for growth. 

In a world that prioritizes success and status, it’s easy to lose sight of where it all began. Remember to stay grounded, grateful and humble. Give back to the communities that shaped you into who you are today and be the reason someone else gets the same chance to rise. Go Green! 


Original article written by Anna Ludlow and posted on the MSU Alumni website.

LBC Campaign Priorities

LBC continues to enhance student success through inclusive and interdisciplinary teaching and advising. We aim to raise support for high-impact learning experiences, which deeply engage students and transform lives. By providing personalized support and equitable access to these opportunities, LBC will help all students succeed and prepare for their future careers.

Goal: $6 million

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A student helps teach another student in a chemistry lab

LBC’s faculty are true teacher-scholars who center the student experience while achieving scholarly excellence. Investing in faculty through endowed positions and honorifics strengthens our foundation of excellence and drives our vision to transform what it means to be a scientist. By elevating our faculty’s work, we are shaping a legacy of excellence that will transform education’s future.

Goal: $3.4 million

 

LBC was founded as, and continues to be, a home for interdisciplinarity. We are expanding interdisciplinary research that fosters collaboration and includes diverse experiences and perspectives in local to global discovery and applications. Our research initiatives will drive innovative projects, support student and faculty knowledge production and application, and strengthen MSU’s leadership in academic excellence and global impact.

Goal: $1.2 million

As MSU’s largest residential, degree-granting college, LBC is dedicated to ensuring that everyone sees themselves as a Briggsie and that all who are admitted are provided with what they need to thrive. We’ll expand secondary-school outreach to inspire future scientists, enhance Briggs’ first-year experience with programs in career exploration and leadership development, and improve facilities to recruit, retain and empower diverse talent.

Goal: $1.4 million

LBC continues to enhance student success through inclusive and interdisciplinary teaching and advising. We aim to raise support for high-impact learning experiences, which deeply engage students and transform lives. By providing personalized support and equitable access to these opportunities, LBC will help all students succeed and prepare for their future careers.

Goal: $6 million

Image
A student helps teach another student in a chemistry lab

LBC’s faculty are true teacher-scholars who center the student experience while achieving scholarly excellence. Investing in faculty through endowed positions and honorifics strengthens our foundation of excellence and drives our vision to transform what it means to be a scientist. By elevating our faculty’s work, we are shaping a legacy of excellence that will transform education’s future.

Goal: $3.4 million

 

LBC was founded as, and continues to be, a home for interdisciplinarity. We are expanding interdisciplinary research that fosters collaboration and includes diverse experiences and perspectives in local to global discovery and applications. Our research initiatives will drive innovative projects, support student and faculty knowledge production and application, and strengthen MSU’s leadership in academic excellence and global impact.

Goal: $1.2 million

As MSU’s largest residential, degree-granting college, LBC is dedicated to ensuring that everyone sees themselves as a Briggsie and that all who are admitted are provided with what they need to thrive. We’ll expand secondary-school outreach to inspire future scientists, enhance Briggs’ first-year experience with programs in career exploration and leadership development, and improve facilities to recruit, retain and empower diverse talent.

Goal: $1.4 million