Excerpt from Admissions Update Newsletter - Fall 2002
The Inside Story: People at Bastyr

Nishant Rao Appreciates Herbal Sciences Program's Mix of Science and Creativity

Nishant Rao, a second-year student in the herbal sciences program, first studied herbs with his fiancée Alicia in an undergraduate herbal studies program in Atlanta, Georgia. But they weren't learning as much about the medicinal uses of herbs as they had hoped. So, while still in the program, they researched herbal studies programs in the U.S. and as far away as Germany and New Zealand, looking for a better fit.

Upon finding Bastyr's Web site, Nishant was impressed by what he saw, and expanded his vision to include the study of naturopathic medicine. "Natural medicine sounded fantastic, so we decided to pursue an undergraduate degree in herbal sciences and then consider a graduate degree in naturopathic medicine." Nishant, who is of Indian descent, was completely supported in his decision by his family. "They already leaned toward natural remedies; and my uncle, who was particularly into natural health, was the one who initially mentioned Bastyr to me."

In September 2001, both Nishant and Alicia transferred to Bastyr's undergraduate herbal sciences program. Bastyr's accredited status was an important factor in choosing the school, as was Bastyr's reputation. The fact that the herbal sciences bachelor's completion program fell under the umbrella of a multidisciplinary university was another big plus. "It is the only program we found that offered a little bit of everything," Nishant says. "I feel we will leave the program with all of the knowledge we wanted when we enrolled. We wanted to know everything we could get our hands on about herbs."

Nishant says the program has more than met his expectations. "Just by being here, you expose yourself to so much information. I'm learning about things I never even knew existed."

According to Nishant, faculty member Rowan Hamilton's approach to teaching makes classes as fun as they are informative. "Rowan says, 'Let's play,' so that's what we do with the herbs. The medicine-making classes are especially fun."

The freedom to be creative is important to Nishant, who grew up in the diverse cultures of Kenya, England, France, Kuwait and Sudan. Before discovering herbal science and naturopathic medicine, he dreamed of being everything from a pilot and architect to an engineer and medical doctor. "I realize that art and creativity have to be a part of my life," he says, "and I need to incorporate them in addition to science. Bastyr creates space for people like me."

Nishant points out that he's been learning the scientific fundamentals and much more. "We're talking about the world of herbalism, Ayervedic medicine, Chinese and Western herbal medicine.

We're learning so much that we can teach others regarding what's going on in the herbal industry - the politics, quality of herbs, their energy and so forth."

Now that Nishant has been exposed to the many aspects of herbal science, he and his fiancée are considering their future options. Alicia plans to go into the herbal manufacturing industry, while he plans to enter Bastyr's naturopathic program. "I'm looking forward to learning the clinical aspect that isn't covered in an undergraduate program," he says.

Although the herbal sciences program isn't a clinical one, it is a comprehensive one with a variety of electives and educational opportunities, says Nishant. He recently took advantage of one of those opportunities by completing the summer massage intensive - an optional course in therapeutic massage jointly sponsored by the Brenneke School of Massage. He looks forward to passing the state's licensing exam and working as a massage therapist while continuing his studies.

In his spare time - which he admits he has little of - Nishant works for the mega-sporting goods store REI in downtown Seattle. He also supports Alicia in her cottage candle-making business by helping her sell her candles at art shows on the weekends. When they're not cooking up home-made candles, they're exploring Northwest waterways by kayak.

Between his classes, his job, and his massage and candle-selling activities, one might expect Nishant to be overwhelmed. On the contrary, he's still going strong and is looking forward to completing his final year of the herbal sciences program. "No one else covers the subject the way Bastyr does," he says. "I love it."

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