Kaya Chakrabortty is a Lyman Briggs alum who was just awarded the Miss Universe Japan crown.
“I feel incredibly honored and thrilled to have this platform to further speak up about my passion for health education worldwide,” Chakrabortty said. “With my degree from Michigan State University, I feel even more confident in my ability to teach and inspire others on this global stage.”
She joined the Miss Universe Japan competition because she felt it was finally the right time to pursue a dream.
“During my gap year before medical school, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to challenge myself and grow in new ways,” she said.“With the recent loss of a few loved ones, I felt a renewed sense of purpose to use my abilities to spread the importance of health education worldwide. Competing in Miss Universe Japan was a way to combine my passion for health and education with a platform that can make a real difference.”
Chakrabortty started her journey at Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University with a passion for science, specifically human biology. During the start of her fourth year, Chakrabortty discovered a newfound interest in neuroscience, which led her to pursue an additional degree.
“My journey at MSU was filled with growth, exploration, and the pursuit of knowledge, both academically and personally,” Chakrabortty said.
She chose to study at Lyman Briggs College because it offered an interdisciplinary approach to science that combined rigorous scientific education with an understanding of the societal impacts of science.
“The close-knit community and emphasis on collaboration and critical thinking were exactly what I was looking for in a college experience. It allowed me to explore my passion for human biology while also gaining a broader perspective on the role of science in the world,” Chakrabortty said.
During her time at MSU she was actively involved in several organizations on campus. Chakrabortty served as the President of the Japanese Club, participated in the MMA Club, the Vietnamese Student Association, the CTRL+A dance organization, and APASO. She also attended Neuroscience Club meetings sometimes. Outside of these organizations, she volunteered at Sparrow Hospital and at Haven House Shelter as a food prep volunteer.
“The most significant lessons I took from Lyman Briggs College into the Miss Universe Japan competition were resilience, adaptability and the importance of a holistic approach to problem-solving,” Chakrabortty said.
At MSU, she learned to approach challenges with a scientific mindset—analyzing problems from multiple perspectives, being curious and always being willing to learn. These lessons also aided her during the competition, helping her stay focused and using techniques to overcome obstacles.
“I want to emphasize that achieving this title is a testament to the power of taking the first step toward your dreams,” she said. “I believe that the only thing stopping people from reaching their goals is the fear of starting. My journey to becoming Miss Universe Japan began with a simple application, and it has led to an incredible opportunity to make a difference on a global scale. I hope to inspire others to take that first step, no matter how daunting it may seem.”