Dr. Rugmani received her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biochemistry from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She subsequently completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the UT Health Science Center and the University of Mississippi, where she investigated the role of matrix metalloproteinases in cardiac remodeling. Following her fellowship, Dr. Rugmani joined Merck as a Senior Scientist, where she focused on the identification of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of heart failure. Her contributions in drug discovery led to the advancement of several targets from the validation stage to the preclinical phase.
In 2021, Dr. Rugmani transitioned to the Merck Medical Affairs team, assuming the role of Regional Medical Scientific Director (MSL) for the Pacific Northwest region. Her tenure in this role significantly deepened her understanding of clinical cardiology. In 2023, Dr. Rugmani joined AstraZeneca Medical Affairs, where she currently serves as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) supporting the Amyloidosis therapeutic area in the New England region.
