Natasha Sarin, Vinod Balachandran, Named to Washington Post’s Changemakers List

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – Two Indian Americans, Yale Law School professor Natasha Sarin and surgical oncologist Dr. Vinod Balachandran, have been named to The Washington Post’s inaugural ‘Post Next 50’ list, which recognizes emerging changemakers shaping policy and society in 2025.

Sarin, a leading expert in public finance and financial regulation, was honored for her work in rethinking economic policy. A professor at Yale Law School and the Yale School of Management, she previously served as deputy assistant secretary for Economic Policy and as a counselor to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen at the U.S. Treasury Department. During her tenure in government, she observed that policy debates often prioritized cost over long-term societal impact. In response, she co-founded the Budget Lab at Yale, which explores how investments in areas like early childhood support can generate lasting economic benefits. Sarin’s work is expected to play a key role in shaping discussions on wealth inequality and deficit reduction in the coming years.

Balachandran, a surgical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), was recognized for his groundbreaking research in personalized mRNA cancer vaccines. As the founding director of The Olayan Center for Cancer Vaccines, he leads efforts to develop next-generation treatments for one of the deadliest forms of cancer—pancreatic cancer. His team conducted a landmark phase-1 clinical trial demonstrating that personalized mRNA vaccines targeting cancer-specific neoantigens can trigger strong immune responses, potentially delaying cancer recurrence. His work has spurred global interest in mRNA vaccine technology for cancer treatment.

“This recognition highlights the incredible dedication and relentless effort of my lab members and collaborators at MSK. Their passion and commitment are what drive progress toward new therapies for pancreatic and other deadly cancers,” Balachandran said.

Both Sarin and Balachandran exemplify the innovation and leadership that The Washington Post sought to highlight in its inaugural list. Their contributions in economic policy and cancer research are expected to shape public policy and healthcare advancements.