Bespoke Brains in Ivy Lanes.

“My door is always open; the decision to take a step in is yours”. While Dr. P has a seemingly infinite amount of mantras, this has stuck with me the most. When I first sat in Dr. P’s office, as a high schooler, I didn’t think that a research lab was the place for an amateur with no experience. Dr. Pendyala saw past that and told me to start coming in the very next week. Over the years, Dr. Pendyala has always done everything in his power to ensure my success both personally and professionally, helping me find internships, connecting me with other professionals, and keeping the door to his lab open. I am incredibly grateful for his mentorship and unwavering support over the years.

Murali Devanaboyina

As parents, we wanted our high school senior daughter to experience science not just from textbooks, but by working with real scientists. Dr. P’s lab made that possible. She didn’t just find a research lab, she found a place where she felt she belonged and could grow. This experience taught our daughter more than lab techniques. She learned patience when experiments failed, the value of careful data collection, and how to share her work with experienced scientists. We saw her grow with every challenge. Dr. P's mentorship made the greatest difference. Though she was initially hesitant to ask questions, he fostered a welcoming, encouraging environment where she could confidently ask questions, learn from mistakes, and grow. Today, she pursues research with confidence and enthusiasm. We are truly grateful to Dr. P for empowering lasting curiosity and growth.

Being a part of Dr. P’s lab has been a wonderful experience. Working alongside talented labmates and under Dr. P’s mentorship, I have grown not only in my scientific knowledge but also in learning how to navigate failure and success in my work. He has always encouraged me to pursue opportunities like poster conferences early on, guided me on how to become a stronger speaker, and fostered an environment where asking questions is always welcomed. The skills, confidence, and exposure to research that I have gained in his lab have not only helped me in school but are also what I will carry with me beyond the lab.

As parents, we wanted our high school senior daughter to experience science not just from textbooks, but by working with real scientists. Dr. P’s lab made that possible. She didn’t just find a research lab, she found a place where she felt she belonged and could grow. This experience taught our daughter more than lab techniques. She learned patience when experiments failed, the value of careful data collection, and how to share her work with experienced scientists. We saw her grow with every challenge. Dr. P's mentorship made the greatest difference. Though she was initially hesitant to ask questions, he fostered a welcoming, encouraging environment where she could confidently ask questions, learn from mistakes, and grow. Today, she pursues research with confidence and enthusiasm. We are truly grateful to Dr. P for empowering lasting curiosity and growth.

The role of Dr. Pendyala's mentorship in my academic and professional development cannot be overstated. I began working with him in his lab as an early high school student with almost no experience or skills. In many mentorship programs, students are treated as a side note, learning only the bare minimum needed to contribute. From my very first day in Dr. P's lab, I could tell that this experience would be entirely different. He was genuinely devoted to helping me and the other mentees achieve our personal goals. He met with us often, instructed us personally, and encouraged us to remain curious and take initiative. Plenty of research internships begin and end with basic lab techniques, but Dr. Pendyala went above and beyond. He guided us to understand and excel at every level of the scientific process, from developing the idea for a project to writing a manuscript and publishing our work. What began as a summer internship turned into nearly three years working with Dr. Pendyala and his lab, and by the time I left, I had learned and achieved things I could only have dreamed of when I first began. Since then, I've had the opportunity to attend the university and medical school of my dreams, and I could not have done it without Dr. Pendyala's support and mentorship.

After applying to UNMC’s Summer Training in Anesthesiology Research fellowship, I was placed in Dr. Pendyala’s lab. I could not have asked for a better mentor during this time! Dr. Pendyala helped show me just how important resilience is in the scientific field and how overcoming setbacks is truly the essence of a career as a researcher. With the foundational skills my time under Dr. Pendyala instilled in me as well as the early exposure to research techniques, I have been able to independently work on and contribute to projects in my current research labs at an advanced level.

After applying to UNMC’s Summer Training in Anesthesiology Research fellowship, I was placed in Dr. Pendyala’s lab. I could not have asked for a better mentor during this time! Dr. Pendyala helped show me just how important resilience is in the scientific field and how overcoming setbacks is truly the essence of a career as a researcher. With the foundational skills my time under Dr. Pendyala instilled in me as well as the early exposure to research techniques, I have been able to independently work on and contribute to projects in my current research labs at an advanced level.

I can’t say enough about Dr. Pendyala, the support and guidance we received from him throughout the years and helping my son understand what it takes and what to do to become a doctor. From the very beginning, being always available, responsive, and supportive of him. Helping my son understand where to put his energy into and what is the best route to follow for his success. The guidance we have received is not only with expert advice, but also encouragement during some of the most challenging moments. The process of pursuing medicine can feel overwhelming—for both students and families—but Dr. Pendyala made it manageable and gave my son the confidence to keep pushing forward. His dedication, responsiveness, and genuine care truly set them apart. My family will always cherish, and we know this milestone wouldn’t have been possible without his support. I highly recommend Dr. Guru Pendyala to any family navigating this path—he doesn’t just provide a service; he is a trusted partner in your journey.

After applying to UNMC’s Summer Training in Anesthesiology Research fellowship, I was placed in Dr. Pendyala’s lab. I could not have asked for a better mentor during this time! Dr. Pendyala helped show me just how important resilience is in the scientific field and how overcoming setbacks is truly the essence of a career as a researcher. With the foundational skills my time under Dr. Pendyala instilled in me as well as the early exposure to research techniques, I have been able to independently work on and contribute to projects in my current research labs at an advanced level.

Dr. Pendyala is a mentor who genuinely cares about the well-being and success of his mentees. He has provided me with opportunities that have challenged me to learn and grow, while providing guidance when needed. I admire his ability to create an environment where I feel comfortable asking questions, and I appreciate the time and resources he has invested in my growth. His mentorship has played an influential role in my academic development and confidence in my abilities, and I hope to emulate aspects of his approach when mentoring others in the future.

Pranavi Athota

Dr. P is one of the best mentors a student can have. He truly understands the importance of opportunity, and tries his absolute best to provide that for all his mentees. When I reached out to Dr. P about working in his lab, he took the time out of his very busy schedule to sit and talk with me for over an hour about his lab, the value of their work, and how I can contribute to it. In lab he allows student like myself to take initiative and grow as better researchers, scientists, and people while he guides us along the way. No other doctor or professor I have worked with has placed so much importance on student opportunity as Dr. P. He truly wishes the best for his students, and goes above and beyond to ensure that they are successful.