Harshil Bhavsar-2023

Harshil Bhavsar

Major: Neuroscience

Dual Degree: Biochemistry

GPA: 4.0

THESIS TOPIC

Investigating chaperone-prion interactions of LGMDD1 homologous mutations in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PERSONAL STATEMENT

There’s no doubt that the “Lafayette Ideal” celebrates the success of individuals who are changemakers. How we measure success is a bit more open ended. Don’t get me wrong, awards provide tremendous satisfaction, but recently, I’ve learned to associate my success with the impact I have on others in my community. To me, the Lafayette Ideal leaves their mark by coupling service with mentorship just like I have at Lafayette.

The success I’ve come to value has stemmed from my strong roots and identity as a first-generation college student. As a past College Advising Corps (CAC) student, I’m thankful to now be an ambassador for the program and empower other first-generation students when they face self-doubt. My desire to improve educational access led me to volunteer at Generation Next where I’ve consistently mentored first-generation students and watched them thrive into confident, college-bound seniors. Using personal life lessons, I helped them realize that their upbringing does not define who they have the potential to become, but rather, that they have the power to craft their own stories. Through this process, I developed a deep sense of pride knowing that I played a small inspirational role in their personal success.

My passion for service and mentorship extends into my everyday life in my many roles as a student, friend, and engaged community member. Altogether, my devotion to issues such as educational access and STEM inclusivity have made me a stronger leader and campus advocate while redefining my views on my own success. Thank you to Lafayette for providing me opportunities to grow as a leader, but more importantly, I hope that my efforts have been impactful enough to ignite a similar sense of success in the next generation of Lafayette students as they transform our community for the better!

OTHER INFORMATION

The definition I used to describe success above also relates to my career aspirations. Oftentimes when I’m describing to others that I plan to matriculate to an MD/PhD program, I get very similar reactions ranging from motivational to discouraging. For me, pursuing this career path is not a loss of my twenties and thirties to formal training. Instead, it’s the cultivation of knowledge and skills that are going to equip me to become a successful physician-scientist. Looking down the line, I want to be a principal investigator of a lab and study basic and translational science to uncover novel findings that could one day save lives. Science doesn’t exist in a void to me. It actually impacts real people and real health issues faced by millions around the world. The intersection of public health and wet lab research is the bench to bedside philosophy that I want to embody as an aspiring physician-scientist which originates from my personal definition of success. The expertise gained from both degrees will make me a devoted scientist but also a well-informed clinician who is able to treat patients in a way that leaves a lasting impact. The success I strive for in my professional goals encompasses the Lafayette Ideal to make change that lasts multiple lifetimes, and for me, this is going to be through impactful scientific research aimed at supporting or even saving the patients I see in the clinic.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITY/AWARD

Marquis Scholarship-4 years

I was awarded a half-tuition scholarship upon acceptance to Lafayette College. As described by admissions, recipients of Marquis & Lafayette Awards have intellectual energy, empathy, idealism and action-orientation in a fashion that honors Le Marquis de Lafayette.

Honors Thesis-1 year

I am currently completing an Honors Thesis under Dr. Justin Hines in the Chemistry department.  I study protein misfolding mechanisms of the human protein DNAJB6 which has been identified to cause muscular dystrophy when mutated. Specifically, I am investigating how disease-causing mutations in DNAJB6 impair the protein machinery required to propagate amyloid based prions in a yeast model. Prions are self-propagating, aggregate forms of misfolded proteins that can take up an amyloid conformation similar to what we see in muscular dystrophy and other common neurological disorders. DNAJB6 is homologous to the yeast protein Sis1 so my thesis focuses on understanding how homologous muscular dystrophy causing mutations in Sis1 affect the ability to propagate and even cure aggregated amyloid -based prions.

The William Rappolt ’67 and Walter Oechsle ’57 Neuroscience Prize-1 year

This neuroscience prize is awarded to an outstanding graduating senior in Neuroscience who exemplifies exceptional merit in the classroom and laboratory, as well as service to the major, college, and community.

Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS) Full Travel Award-1 year

In 2022, I received a full travel award including flight, hotel, and registration to present my research titled “Characterizing the Hypothalamic Regions and Cell Types Targeted by Amyloid-Beta in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease”. The mission of ABRCMS is to support students from diverse and historically minoritized backgrounds as they pursue a career as a scientist.

Weill Cornell Medicine: Gateways to the Laboratory Summer Program Researcher-2 years

The Gateways to the Laboratory Summer Program recruits undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds and motivates them to pursue careers as a physician-scientist. This program was a 10-week in-person experience and I was fortunate enough to participate in this program for two summers in the lab of Dr. Makoto Ishii. In 2022, I worked on a project centered around investigating hypothalamic dysfunction and metabolic alterations in Alzheimer’s disease. Specifically, I ran PCR, genotyping assays, RT-PCR, performed RNA extractions, iDISCO+ data analysis, and learned about phosphorylated ribosomal capture to characterize cell types in the hypothalamus that are differentially affected in 3-month Tg2576 mice. I assisted with mice dissections, presented in a lab journal club, and even shadowed Dr. Ishii as well as other clinicians at Weill Cornell New York Presbyterian Hospital. During the virtual 2021 program, I delineated the mammillary bodies in patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) using software called MRIcron to determine if the region experiences atrophy as AD worsens. I also studied hypothalamic involvement and neural connectivity in preclinical AD. Both summers concluded with me presenting my research projects at the Leadership Alliance National Symposium.

American Chemical Society (ACS) Conference Poster Presentation-1 year

I attended the ACS conference in 2022 after being selected to present a poster on my independent study research with Dr. Hines titled “Elucidating the prion-chaperone interaction network in yeast: prion-specific chaperone functions both promote and limit amyloid diversity”.

Experimental Biology (EB) Conference – American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)-1 year

I attended the EB/ASBMB conference in 2022 after being selected to present a poster on my independent study research with Dr. Hines titled “Domain Analysis of Arabidopsis Thaliana Sis1 Orthologs in Yeast Prion Propagation”.

Peper Tutor and Supplemental Instructor (SI) for Academic Resource Hub-3 years

I have worked closely with the academic resource hub for 2 years as a peer tutor providing one-on-one support for students in general chemistry 1 and 2, general biology1 and 2, intro to psychology, psychopharmacology, and neurobiology. I am currently serving as the supplemental instruction leader for General Chemistry 1 where I help ensure mastery of course materials by providing additional practice problems, concept clarification, and overall strengthening of general chemistry skills required for success in upper level courses.

Eugene P. Chase Phi Beta Kappa Prize-1 year

This honor is awarded to a sophomore who has demonstrated scholarship as a first-year student.

2021 STEM Star-1 year

In honor of National STEM Day, I was selected as one of ten students in STEM to be highlighted for my achievements and unwavering commitment to learning and teaching.

 

CAMPUS SERVICE ACTIVITY/AWARD

Resident Advisor (RA)-2 years

During my junior year, I served as the RA for a first year student community. This current year, I am serving as an RA for an upper level community. As an RA, I’ve been involved with crisis management and community building by implementing programs for residents and performing check-ins. Especially for the first year community, I’ve helped my residents transition to college and have supported them by providing meaningful resources and opportunities to become engaged in everything Lafayette has to offer.

Hanson Center for Inclusive STEM Education: Student Project Coordinator-1 year

Last year, I approached the Hanson Center Director, Dr. Wendy Hill, about how to be involved with the Hanson Center, and from that conversation, I helped open up the first student leadership position for the center. As the student project coordinator, I’ve worked closely with Dr. Hill in planning events that promote inclusivity in STEM and have focused most of my work in spearheading the formation of RAISE (Representatives to Advance Inclusive STEM Education). RAISE is composed of 10 student leaders from campus recognized inclusive STEM groups. As the coordinator for this group, I oversee progress of our RAISE semester wide initiatives. This semester I am working with RAISE to host Lafayette’s first ever inclusive STEM retreat featuring networking opportunities, workshops centered around inclusion in STEM and professional development, research poster sessions, and rich conversations between participants of all backgrounds!

Lafayette College Emergency Medical Services (LafEMS)-3 years

I joined LafEMS my first semester without having any prior certification. I soon became EMT certified during the summer into my sophomore year after realizing I wanted to be more involved with patient care on the ambulance. For the next two years, I served as the secretary for the organization and also served 12 hour monthly ride time requirements at Easton Emergency Squad. Furthermore, I planned and helped lead trainings that ranged from how to talk to patients and use EMS equipment to understanding the physiology behind medical emergencies.

South Asian Students Association (SASA)-4 years

As a 4 year member of SASA, I’ve worked to cultivate a strong sense of community amongst students of South Asian descent through cultural holiday celebrations and general meetings. I have served as the treasurer for SASA for the past two years and have managed the budget for group events such as Diwali, formal, and Holi.

Marquis Scholars and Fellows (MSF)-4 years

I’ve served on the MSF board for over two years as the events and outreach co-chair and a member of the dynamic assessment experience committee. As a board member of MSF, I organized events to foster community among like-minded Marquis Scholars and Fellows such as Marquis meet ups and an annual formal. While on the DAE committee, I worked closely with Admissions to assist them in welcoming prospective students to dynamic assessment experience day and helping select scholarship recipients by shepherding students through a day long program of interviews and group projects.

Leadership and Enrichment Academy for Diverse Emerging Researchers and Scientists (LEADERS)-4 years

I’m a member of LEADERS – a professional development and social support organization that celebrates diversity in STEM. I’ve participated in various conversations aimed at building community, learning how to “level up” academically/professionally, and I even co-presented a workshop on creating a mentor map with Dr. Khadijah Mitchell. Through LEADERS, I have also been able to mentor underclassmen about course selection, major requirements, career paths, and summer internship opportunities.

Neuroscience Resource Team (NRT) Mentor-2 years

I was selected as one of 10 students to be a mentor for the new NRT initiative. As a mentor, I expose first year students to opportunities offered by the neuroscience major such as LEARN scholars and help them navigate the neuroscience major and itsrequirements. I hold office hours and participate in informal networking opportunities with underclassmen who are looking for advice regarding course registration, course content, or summer internships.

Ambassador of Lafayette: Senior Interviewer-.5 years

As a senior interviewer on the Admissions team, I  interviewed prospective students and provided them with resources and insight into Lafayette College. I interviewed close to six students a week, connected with them afterwards via email, and submitted write ups of each interview to Admissions that will be referenced when deciding whether or not to admit the applicant.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Making our Society an Inclusive Community (MOSAIC): Generation Next-4 years

Generation Next (Gen Next) is a MOSAIC program that mentors future first generation college students at Easton Area High School. I initially started volunteering at Gen Next my freshman year and soon transitioned into the program coordinator role for the next three years. I’ve recruited volunteers to this weekly program and have created workshops and activities about writing a strong personal statement, adjusting to college, finding resources on campus, advocating for yourself, and what it means to be a first gen student in college. As part of the program coordinator role, I also host education and reflection events for my volunteers that focus on their experiences during the program and how we can be effective mentors for an underrepresented group of students.

Director of the Educational Access and Equity Team-1 year

I lead weekly team meetings consisting of eight other program coordinators and oversee the alignment of weekly service programs with the Social Change Model while collaborating with LANDIS Center professional staff. I work with other members of the senior leadership team to promote LANDIS and MOSAIC events, cultivate community amongst volunteers, and support program coordinators in their endeavors to recruit volunteers and manage program planning. I also initiate and implement major team events centered around educational access and equity such as disability awareness week and homelessness awareness week every semester.

Pre-Orientation Service Program (POSP) – KIC Staff-1 year

I was on staff for POSP in 2020 during the pandemic. Even though this was a virtual experience, I helped lead a selected group of incoming first year students through community building exercises and engaged in one-on-one mentoring as well. I emphasized the paths to becoming an active citizen and offered perspective on what service looks like on campus and across the broader Lafayette-Easton community.

Lafayette x Lehigh Campus Pod Leader for College Point-2 years

College Point is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide free college advising to underrepresented and low income high school students. As a Campus Pod Leader, I fostered a community with incoming College Point first year students at Lafayette and Lehigh by guiding them through the transition process and organizing meetings and events for support. We had casual conversations about navigating college as a first-generation college student that continued into the semester.

College Advising Corps (CAC) Ambassador-2 years

As a previous high school student involved with the CAC, I was able to give back to the organization as an ambassador by sharing my own experiences and path as a first -generation student at a liberal arts school. I virtually connected with high school students interested in Lafayette, liberal arts schools, the pre-med track, and even participated in student panels and workshops meant to provide support to low-income or underrepresented high school students when deciding what colleges to look at.

Philanthropy Chair for Chi Phi Rho-1 year

I served on the executive board of Chi Phi as the Philanthropy chair and planned events to support both local and national relief efforts. I organized Dog Day in Fall 2021 to raise money for the Lehigh County Humane Society and was able to donate close to $1600 to help minimize animal cruelty and homelessness in our community. I also brought members to Light the Night hosted by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help with event set up/clean up, logistics, and support individuals at various stages of their treatment process. Furthermore, I co-sponsored a Kan Jam tournament to raise funds for GiveIndia to support the Covid relief efforts during their incredibly severe Covid outbreak occuring at that time.

ATHLETIC ACTIVITY/AWARD

Aflicktion Club Ultimate Frisbee-1 year

I participated in Lafayette’s club ultimate frisbee team, Aflicktion, and attended weekly practices and scrimmages.

SPECIAL INTEREST ACTIVITY/AWARD

New Jersey Substitute Teaching Certification-2 years

During the interim periods or other breaks, I provide substitute teaching instruction in the fine arts, social sciences, world language, English, math, and science departments. I most frequently assist in math and science with preferred courses being AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Physics 1, and AP Calculus. I help students with classwork and work closely with the teacher to either advance the current topic of learning or provide reinforcement on a given activity.

Kaplan MCAT Scholarship from Health Profession-Spring 2023

I was awarded a free Kaplan MCAT course by Health Professions to support me as I prepare for the medical school entrance exam.

Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) First Generation Honor Society-2 years

I was inducted into the Lafayette Chapter of Tri-Alpha in Spring 2021 and have remained a member.

Crisis Text Line Counselor-2 years

I went through formal crisis management training to become a volunteer for Crisis Text Line, a free 24/7 platform for individuals in crisis. As a counselor, I engage in active and reflective listening, collaborative problem solving, safety planning, and empathetic conversations to assist individuals during a time of need.

Dean’s List-4 years

I received Dean’s List every semester