May 12, 2023
The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at the University of Louisville is abuzz with excitement as graduation approaches. This year, Neel Patel is the 2023 outstanding student and banner bearer, one of the highest honors bestowed to students at UofL. Patel will graduate this May with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance, with a track in Exercise Science and a Pre-Medicine track.
As a transfer student and the first in his family to attend college, Patel was selected for this honor because of his academic performance and service to the university and community through research and scholarship. John Caruso, Patel's mentor and nominator, praised his "diligence, bright mind, inquisitive nature, and unwavering commitment to helping others" in his nomination.
Patel’s journey to graduation has been a remarkable one. He grew up in a small town and his family was the only Indian family in their community. Patel was also an athlete in high school and originally chose to attend Berea College on a soccer scholarship. However, his view shifted when he was visiting some friends at UofL during his freshman year of college.
“We were leaving the SAC and passed the Belknap Academic Building at sunset,” said Patel. “The new building enlightened me and showed me that I could potentially attend a bigger, more modern university with more opportunities.”
When the pandemic hit in 2020, Patel stayed with his family, who had recently moved to Louisville. During that time, he realized that there were opportunities in the city that were only available to him as a UofL student.
“I realized that there are some opportunities that are only available in a city, like being a medical scribe in a hospital,” said Patel. “I wanted to be in that environment that offered me those opportunities.”
Patel transferred to UofL as a sophomore in 2020 and has since become an incredibly active student. During his time at UofL, Patel has been Vice President and Cultural Chair of the UofL Indian Student Association, volunteered as a Medical Scribe for local UofL physicians, and has become heavily involved in research through his mentor, John Caruso.
Caruso, a Professor in the Department of Health & Sport Sciences (HSS), praised Patel's academic strength and excellent undergraduate work. “Neel is a two-time recipient of undergraduate research fellowships from The Kentucky Space Grant Consortium and has coauthored 5 peer-reviewed science-based articles, 4 presentations and 3 abstracts,” said Caruso. “Neel has made and/or coauthored research presentations in Greenville South Carolina, Lexington Kentucky, Paris France, and Galveston Texas. More scholarship productivity from Neel is forthcoming.”
Patel's unique combination of a pre-med track and exercise science specialization led him to seek out the faculty in his department. "Honestly, I think the CEHD has benefited me," said Patel. "The faculty and staff in HSS have helped me tremendously in figuring out logistics for my grants, turning me in the right direction, or even just welcoming me."
Patel will graduate on May 13 at 3:00 pm at the KFC Yum! Center. He plans to take a gap year before applying to medical school. During that time, Patel plans to work, travel, and spend time with his family and friends.
Interested in a degree in Health and Sport Sciences? Check out their department page for more information.
About the College of Education and Human Development:
Founded in 1968, the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is a vibrant community that prepares students for leadership in a variety of metropolitan settings including schools, public and private corporations, and governmental agencies.
CEHD embraces the University's mission to advance the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our diverse communities and citizens. Our commitment to student success is unparalleled as we promote the highest levels of learning and social, emotional, and physical health and well-being for all children, individuals, and families.
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