Sangeeta Gad received her Master of Science degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Bombay in 1970. After teaching at a junior college in India for one year she arrived in Oklahoma City and started teaching Mathematics. During her tenure there she became aware of the lack of students' motivation to learn Mathematics and other STEM subjects; she dedicated herself to making Mathematics more interesting, relevant and engaging. She relocated to Houston and joined the UHD in the early 1980s.
Under-prepared students in Mathematics continued to be a motivating factor, and Sangeeta became passionate about connecting with and motivating students in introductory Mathematics courses at UHD.
UHD implemented the Academic Support Center in the late 1980s to supplement freshmen level Mathematics courses. Sangeeta was chosen to direct it in 1992. She spearheaded the early adoption of technology in preparing tutors and in engaging students using the Center. She staffed the Center with both faculty and peer tutors. Over 18 years, Sangeeta has mentored over 100 tutors. These tutors became better students of Mathematics while they helped others, with over 90% of them having pursued STEM degrees, and 50% of them becoming Mathematics teachers or faculty at higher education institutes.
In 1990 UHD adopted Houston PREP program to address the lack of STEM interest in the higher education and industry. Sangeeta took over directing Houston PREP in 1993. By obtaining additional funding and recruiting promising students through meetings with local school officials, she gradually increased the annual enrollment from 30 students to the current enrollment of 300. Over 4000 students have participated in this program, 99% going to higher education and 47% pursuing STEM careers.
She was Co-PI on many NSF, NASA grants to support undergraduate students, especially girls at UHD. She has mentored many students guiding them to internships, graduate schools and industry jobs
