user profile avatar

Diya Patel

1,015

Bold Points

1x

Nominee

1x

Finalist

Bio

I aspire to be a doctor and am passionate about biochemistry, molecular biology, and medical anthropology. I enjoy learning about anesthesiology and gastroenterology.

Education

Maclay School

High School
2021 - 2025

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Majors of interest:

    • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
    • Anthropology
  • Planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Medicine

    • Dream career goals:

      Doctor

      Sports

      Swimming

      Varsity
      2018 – Present6 years

      Research

      • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology

        QuarryBio — Scientist
        2022 – Present
      Student Life Photography Scholarship
      “The Office” Obsessed! Fan Scholarship
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      Spider-Man Showdown Scholarship
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      Netflix and Scholarships!
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      Lotus Scholarship
      One day, I was at the vet’s office with a friend and overheard some technicians discussing how they wished they had a way to quickly check whether a sick dog was internally bleeding. “This device could benefit many patients at the hospital too!” I thought excitedly. The current industry standard is inaccurate, often unnecessarily causing patients to be forced to pay for more expensive, invasive tests. After weeks of researching and experimenting with seemingly useless chemistry, I found a way to detect occult blood. The vet’s office was happy to give me stool samples, so I performed the diagnostic test on dog stool for months, rushing to the lab whenever I had some spare time after school. Once I had a prototype for the test and reproducible results, I was able to distribute it to vet clinics in my town–they were ecstatic! I am currently in the process of executing human clinical testing for the device. The experiences I've had with patients inspired me to use my love for science to create this diagnostic tool which helps screen for internal bleeding and is much cheaper than the industry standard. It will help underserved individuals, such as the patients I've talked to. Through my patient interactions and research in biochemistry, I've realized that I want to combine my passion for science with my desire to advocate for better patient care by going into healthcare. Volunteering has augmented my aspiration to pursue further education to achieve my goals of making connections with my future patients and helping underserved communities. To me, success is no longer measured by the amount of A+’s I receive or how many golden trophies are on my shelves. Instead, it depends on my ability to make a truly positive impact on people’s lives by advocating for their voices.
      Sabrina Carpenter Superfan Scholarship
      When I first read “Gold Leaves” by G.K. Chesterton during my sophomore year of high school, the last stanza captivated me: “In youth, I sought the golden flower hidden…But I am come to autumn when all the leaves are gold.” As I pick up an award, a gold Science Olympiad trophy that gleams in the light, I begin to reminisce about an experience I had volunteering at the local hospital. I had always focused more on winning competitions, striving to attain golden medals, but I have come to realize the connections and memories I have made with people are far more valuable than any awards. I initially wanted to volunteer at the hospital simply because it would be another experience to collect for my resume. My motives changed, however, after a breakthrough with a patient who refused to talk to most people–including her nurses and doctors. Eventually, she told me she immigrated from Guatemala and was embarrassed by her accent: “I don’t think I can ever pay for this ‘scopy”, she said, shakily. Looking at myself in the reflection of the shiny gold trophy, I think about my future place in the medical world and my calling to help people. With the medal back on the shelf, I am excited to embark on the next chapter of my life in college, making connections and growing as both a scientist and a leader. After all, it is now autumn.
      Grandmaster Nam K Hyong Scholarship
      When I first read “Gold Leaves” by G.K. Chesterton during my sophomore year of high school, the last stanza captivated me: “In youth, I sought the golden flower hidden…But I am come to autumn when all the leaves are gold.” As I pick up one of these awards, a gold Science Olympiad trophy that gleams in the light, I begin to reminisce about an experience I had volunteering at the local hospital. I had always focused more on winning competitions, striving to attain golden medals, but I have come to realize the connections and memories I have made with people are far more valuable than any awards. I initially wanted to volunteer at the hospital simply because it would be another experience to collect for my resume. My motives changed, however, after a breakthrough with a patient who refused to talk to most people–including her nurses and doctors. Eventually, she told me she immigrated from Guatemala and was embarrassed by her accent: “I don’t think I can ever pay for this ‘scopy”, she said, shakily. I continued to converse with patients and hear even more of their stories. Over time, the Guatemalan patient began to talk to her nurses more freely, as my attention to her emotional needs helped her open up. During a time in which most visitors focused on patients’ physical wellbeing, I improved patients’ mental health by listening and talking to them. The connections I have made with patients have helped me realize the importance of listening to and valuing everyone’s voices, no matter their situation or background. After spending time with patients who needed a voice, I wanted to find a way to make a positive difference in their lives. An opportunity to do so arose soon after. I was at the vet’s office with a friend and overheard some vet technicians talking about how they wished they had a way to quickly check whether a sick dog was internally bleeding. “This device could benefit so many of my patients at the hospital too!” I thought excitedly. The current industry standard is inaccurate, often unnecessarily causing patients to be forced to pay for more expensive, invasive tests. After weeks of researching and experimenting with seemingly useless chemistry, I found a way to detect occult blood. The vet’s office was happy to give me stool samples, so I performed the diagnostic test on dog stool for months, rushing to the lab whenever I had some spare time after school or on school breaks. Once I had a prototype for the test and reproducible results, I was able to distribute it to multiple vet clinics in my town–they were ecstatic! I am currently deep into the process of executing human clinical testing for the device. The experiences I have had with patients inspired me to use my love for science to create this diagnostic tool which helps screen for internal bleeding and is less than half the price of the industry standard. It will help underserved individuals, such as the Guatemalan patient I talked to. Through my patient interactions and research in biochemistry, I have realized that I want to combine my passion for science with my desire to advocate for better patient care by going into healthcare. Volunteering has augmented my aspiration to pursue further education to achieve my goals of making connections with my future patients and helping underserved communities. To me, success is no longer measured by the amount of A+’s I receive or how many golden trophies are on my shelves. Instead, it depends on my ability to make a truly positive impact on people’s lives by advocating for their voices. I will greatly improve the world of medicine with my innovative ideas, such as this device. I am excited to hopefully be able to revolutionize the medical world. I believe that my passion for science will help me achieve my dreams. I would like to pursue a career in gastroenterology, so I can further my research. I have an exceptional drive and I am willing to prioritize my career over many other things. I would like to keep creating and inventing new devices so that I am able to change the standard of care in the medical field. I want to advocate for my future patients, by fighting for a better standard of patient care. I believe this will truly improve the lives of millions in the U.S. and rest of the world. Looking at myself in the reflection of the shiny gold trophy, I think about my future place in the medical world and my calling to help people. With the medal back on the shelf, I am excited to embark on the next chapter of my life in college, making connections and growing as both a scientist and a leader. After all, it is now autumn.
      Rory J. and Kathryn A. Blanchard Allied Health Scholarship
      I initially wanted to volunteer at the hospital simply because it would be another experience to collect for my resume. My motives changed, however, after a breakthrough with a patient who refused to talk to most people–including her nurses and doctors. Eventually, she told me she immigrated from Guatemala and was embarrassed by her accent: “I don’t think I can ever pay for this ‘scopy”, she said, shakily. I continued to converse with patients and hear even more of their stories. Over time, the Guatemalan patient began to talk to her nurses more freely, as my attention to her emotional needs helped her open up. During a time in which most visitors focused on patients’ physical wellbeing, I improved patients’ mental health by listening and talking to them. The connections I have made with patients have helped me realize the importance of listening to and valuing everyone’s voices, no matter their situation or background. After spending time with patients who needed a voice, I wanted to find a way to make a positive difference in their lives. An opportunity to do so arose soon after. I was at the vet’s office with a friend and overheard some vet technicians talking about how they wished they had a way to quickly check whether a sick dog was internally bleeding. “This device could benefit so many of my patients at the hospital too!” I thought excitedly. The current industry standard is inaccurate, often unnecessarily causing patients to be forced to pay for more expensive, invasive tests. After weeks of researching and experimenting with seemingly useless chemistry, I found a way to detect occult blood. The vet’s office was happy to give me stool samples, so I performed the diagnostic test on dog stool for months, rushing to the lab whenever I had some spare time after school or on school breaks. Once I had a prototype for the test and reproducible results, I was able to distribute it to multiple vet clinics in my town–they were ecstatic! I am currently deep into the process of executing human clinical testing for the device. The experiences I have had with patients inspired me to use my love for science to create this diagnostic tool which helps screen for internal bleeding and is less than half the price of the industry standard. It will help underserved individuals, such as the Guatemalan patient I talked to. Through my patient interactions and research in biochemistry, I have realized that I want to combine my passion for science with my desire to advocate for better patient care by going into healthcare. Volunteering has augmented my aspiration to pursue further education to achieve my goals of making connections with my future patients and helping underserved communities. To me, success is no longer measured by the amount of A+’s I receive or how many golden trophies are on my shelves. Instead, it depends on my ability to make a truly positive impact on people’s lives by advocating for their voices. Looking at myself in the reflection of the shiny gold trophy, I think about my future place in the medical world and my calling to help people. With the medal back on the shelf, I am excited to embark on the next chapter of my life in college, making connections and growing as both a scientist and a leader. After all, it is now autumn.
      Sparkle and Succeed Scholarship
      I initially wanted to volunteer at the hospital simply because it would be another experience to collect for my resume. My motives changed, however, after a breakthrough with a patient who refused to talk to most people–including her nurses and doctors. Eventually, she told me she immigrated from Guatemala and was embarrassed by her accent: “I don’t think I can ever pay for this ‘scopy”, she said, shakily. I continued to converse with patients and hear even more of their stories. Over time, the Guatemalan patient began to talk to her nurses more freely, as my attention to her emotional needs helped her open up. During a time in which most visitors focused on patients’ physical wellbeing, I improved patients’ mental health by listening and talking to them. The connections I have made with patients have helped me realize the importance of listening to and valuing everyone’s voices, no matter their situation or background. After spending time with patients who needed a voice, I wanted to find a way to make a positive difference in their lives. An opportunity to do so arose soon after. I was at the vet’s office with a friend and overheard some vet technicians talking about how they wished they had a way to quickly check whether a sick dog was internally bleeding. “This device could benefit so many of my patients at the hospital too!” I thought excitedly. The current industry standard is inaccurate, often unnecessarily causing patients to be forced to pay for more expensive, invasive tests. After weeks of researching and experimenting with seemingly useless chemistry, I found a way to detect occult blood. The vet’s office was happy to give me stool samples, so I performed the diagnostic test on dog stool for months, rushing to the lab whenever I had some spare time after school or on school breaks. Once I had a prototype for the test and reproducible results, I was able to distribute it to multiple vet clinics in my town–they were ecstatic! I am currently deep into the process of executing human clinical testing for the device. The experiences I have had with patients inspired me to use my love for science to create this diagnostic tool which helps screen for internal bleeding and is less than half the price of the industry standard. It will help underserved individuals, such as the Guatemalan patient I talked to. Through my patient interactions and research in biochemistry, I have realized that I want to combine my passion for science with my desire to advocate for better patient care by going into healthcare. Volunteering has augmented my aspiration to pursue further education to achieve my goals of making connections with my future patients and helping underserved communities. To me, success is no longer measured by the amount of A+’s I receive or how many golden trophies are on my shelves. Instead, it depends on my ability to make a truly positive impact on people’s lives by advocating for their voices. Looking at myself in the reflection of the shiny gold trophy, I think about my future place in the medical world and my calling to help people. With the medal back on the shelf, I am excited to embark on the next chapter of my life in college, making connections and growing as both a scientist and a leader. After all, it is now autumn.
      North Star Dreamers Memorial Scholarship
      I initially wanted to volunteer at the hospital simply because it would be another experience to collect for my resume. My motives changed, however, after a breakthrough with a patient who refused to talk to most people–including her nurses and doctors. Eventually, she told me she immigrated from Guatemala and was embarrassed by her accent: “I don’t think I can ever pay for this ‘scopy”, she said, shakily. I continued to converse with patients and hear even more of their stories. Over time, the Guatemalan patient began to talk to her nurses more freely, as my attention to her emotional needs helped her open up. During a time in which most visitors focused on patients’ physical wellbeing, I improved patients’ mental health by listening and talking to them. The connections I have made with patients have helped me realize the importance of listening to and valuing everyone’s voices, no matter their situation or background. After spending time with patients who needed a voice, I wanted to find a way to make a positive difference in their lives. An opportunity to do so arose soon after. I was at the vet’s office with a friend and overheard some vet technicians talking about how they wished they had a way to quickly check whether a sick dog was internally bleeding. “This device could benefit so many of my patients at the hospital too!” I thought excitedly. The current industry standard is inaccurate, often unnecessarily causing patients to be forced to pay for more expensive, invasive tests. After weeks of researching and experimenting with seemingly useless chemistry, I found a way to detect occult blood. The vet’s office was happy to give me stool samples, so I performed the diagnostic test on dog stool for months, rushing to the lab whenever I had some spare time after school or on school breaks. Once I had a prototype for the test and reproducible results, I was able to distribute it to multiple vet clinics in my town–they were ecstatic! I am currently deep into the process of executing human clinical testing for the device. The experiences I have had with patients inspired me to use my love for science to create this diagnostic tool which helps screen for internal bleeding and is less than half the price of the industry standard. It will help underserved individuals, such as the Guatemalan patient I talked to. Through my patient interactions and research in biochemistry, I have realized that I want to combine my passion for science with my desire to advocate for better patient care by going into healthcare. Volunteering has augmented my aspiration to pursue further education to achieve my goals of making connections with my future patients and helping underserved communities. To me, success is no longer measured by the amount of A+’s I receive or how many golden trophies are on my shelves. Instead, it depends on my ability to make a truly positive impact on people’s lives by advocating for their voices. This scholarship will help me achieve my goals of improving people's lives. Looking at myself in the reflection of the shiny gold trophy, I think about my future place in the medical world and my calling to help people. With the medal back on the shelf, I am excited to embark on the next chapter of my life in college, making connections and growing as both a scientist and a leader. After all, it is now autumn.
      Alexander de Guia Memorial Scholarship
      I initially wanted to volunteer at the hospital simply because it would be another experience to collect for my resume. My motives changed, however, after a breakthrough with a patient who refused to talk to most people–including her nurses and doctors. Eventually, she told me she immigrated from Guatemala and was embarrassed by her accent: “I don’t think I can ever pay for this ‘scopy”, she said, shakily. I continued to converse with patients and hear even more of their stories. Over time, the Guatemalan patient began to talk to her nurses more freely, as my attention to her emotional needs helped her open up. During a time in which most visitors focused on patients’ physical wellbeing, I improved patients’ mental health by listening and talking to them. The connections I have made with patients have helped me realize the importance of listening to and valuing everyone’s voices, no matter their situation or background. After spending time with patients who needed a voice, I wanted to find a way to make a positive difference in their lives. An opportunity to do so arose soon after. I was at the vet’s office with a friend and overheard some vet technicians talking about how they wished they had a way to quickly check whether a sick dog was internally bleeding. “This device could benefit so many of my patients at the hospital too!” I thought excitedly. The current industry standard is inaccurate, often unnecessarily causing patients to be forced to pay for more expensive, invasive tests. After weeks of researching and experimenting with seemingly useless chemistry, I found a way to detect occult blood. The vet’s office was happy to give me stool samples, so I performed the diagnostic test on dog stool for months, rushing to the lab whenever I had some spare time after school or on school breaks. Once I had a prototype for the test and reproducible results, I was able to distribute it to multiple vet clinics in my town–they were ecstatic! I am currently deep into the process of executing human clinical testing for the device. The experiences I have had with patients inspired me to use my love for science to create this diagnostic tool which helps screen for internal bleeding and is less than half the price of the industry standard. It will help underserved individuals, such as the Guatemalan patient I talked to. Through my patient interactions and research in biochemistry, I have realized that I want to combine my passion for science with my desire to advocate for better patient care by going into healthcare. Volunteering has augmented my aspiration to pursue further education to achieve my goals of making connections with my future patients and helping underserved communities. To me, success is no longer measured by the amount of A+’s I receive or how many golden trophies are on my shelves. Instead, it depends on my ability to make a truly positive impact on people’s lives by advocating for their voices. Looking at myself in the reflection of the shiny gold trophy, I think about my future place in the medical world and my calling to help people. With the medal back on the shelf, I am excited to embark on the next chapter of my life in college, making connections and growing as both a scientist and a leader. After all, it is now autumn.
      BIPOC Scholars in STEM
      I initially wanted to volunteer at the hospital simply because it would be another experience to collect for my resume. My motives changed, however, after a breakthrough with a patient who refused to talk to most people–including her nurses and doctors. Eventually, she told me she immigrated from Guatemala and was embarrassed by her accent: “I don’t think I can ever pay for this ‘scopy”, she said, shakily. I continued to converse with patients and hear even more of their stories. Over time, the Guatemalan patient began to talk to her nurses more freely, as my attention to her emotional needs helped her open up. During a time in which most visitors focused on patients’ physical wellbeing, I improved patients’ mental health by listening and talking to them. The connections I have made with patients have helped me realize the importance of listening to and valuing everyone’s voices, no matter their situation or background. After spending time with patients who needed a voice, I wanted to find a way to make a positive difference in their lives. An opportunity to do so arose soon after. I was at the vet’s office with a friend and overheard some vet technicians talking about how they wished they had a way to quickly check whether a sick dog was internally bleeding. “This device could benefit so many of my patients at the hospital too!” I thought excitedly. The current industry standard is inaccurate, often unnecessarily causing patients to be forced to pay for more expensive, invasive tests. After weeks of researching and experimenting with seemingly useless chemistry, I found a way to detect occult blood. The vet’s office was happy to give me stool samples, so I performed the diagnostic test on dog stool for months, rushing to the lab whenever I had some spare time after school or on school breaks. Once I had a prototype for the test and reproducible results, I was able to distribute it to multiple vet clinics in my town–they were ecstatic! I am currently deep into the process of executing human clinical testing for the device. The experiences I have had with patients inspired me to use my love for science to create this diagnostic tool which helps screen for internal bleeding and is less than half the price of the industry standard. It will help underserved individuals, such as the Guatemalan patient I talked to. Through my patient interactions and research in biochemistry, I have realized that I want to combine my passion for science with my desire to advocate for better patient care by going into healthcare. Volunteering has augmented my aspiration to pursue further education to achieve my goals of making connections with my future patients and helping underserved communities. To me, success is no longer measured by the amount of A+’s I receive or how many golden trophies are on my shelves. Instead, it depends on my ability to make a truly positive impact on people’s lives by advocating for their voices. Looking at myself in the reflection of the shiny gold trophy, I think about my future place in the medical world and my calling to help people. With the medal back on the shelf, I am excited to embark on the next chapter of my life in college, making connections and growing as both a scientist and a leader. After all, it is now autumn.
      Lindsey Vonn ‘GREAT Starts With GRIT’ Scholarship
      I initially wanted to volunteer at the hospital simply because it would be another experience to collect for my resume. My motives changed, however, after a breakthrough with a patient who refused to talk to most people–including her nurses and doctors. Eventually, she told me she immigrated from Guatemala and was embarrassed by her accent: “I don’t think I can ever pay for this ‘scopy”, she said, shakily. I continued to converse with patients and hear even more of their stories. Over time, the Guatemalan patient began to talk to her nurses more freely, as my attention to her emotional needs helped her open up. During a time in which most visitors focused on patients’ physical wellbeing, I improved patients’ mental health by listening and talking to them. The connections I have made with patients have helped me realize the importance of listening to and valuing everyone’s voices, no matter their situation or background. After spending time with patients who needed a voice, I wanted to find a way to make a positive difference in their lives. An opportunity to do so arose soon after. I was at the vet’s office with a friend and overheard some vet technicians talking about how they wished they had a way to quickly check whether a sick dog was internally bleeding. “This device could benefit so many of my patients at the hospital too!” I thought excitedly. The current industry standard is inaccurate, often unnecessarily causing patients to be forced to pay for more expensive, invasive tests. After weeks of researching and experimenting with seemingly useless chemistry, I found a way to detect occult blood. The vet’s office was happy to give me stool samples, so I performed the diagnostic test on dog stool for months, rushing to the lab whenever I had some spare time after school or on school breaks. Once I had a prototype for the test and reproducible results, I was able to distribute it to multiple vet clinics in my town–they were ecstatic! I am currently deep into the process of executing human clinical testing for the device. The experiences I have had with patients inspired me to use my love for science to create this diagnostic tool which helps screen for internal bleeding and is less than half the price of the industry standard. It will help underserved individuals, such as the Guatemalan patient I talked to. Through my patient interactions and research in biochemistry, I have realized that I want to combine my passion for science with my desire to advocate for better patient care by going into healthcare. Volunteering has augmented my aspiration to pursue further education to achieve my goals of making connections with my future patients and helping underserved communities. To me, success is no longer measured by the amount of A+’s I receive or how many golden trophies are on my shelves. Instead, it depends on my ability to make a truly positive impact on people’s lives by advocating for their voices. Looking at myself in the reflection of the shiny gold trophy, I think about my future place in the medical world and my calling to help people. With the medal back on the shelf, I am excited to embark on the next chapter of my life in college, making connections and growing as both a scientist and a leader. After all, it is now autumn.
      Sean Carroll's Mindscape Big Picture Scholarship
      When I first read “Gold Leaves” by G.K. Chesterton during my sophomore year of high school, the last stanza captivated me: “In youth, I sought the golden flower hidden…But I am come to autumn when all the leaves are gold.” As I pick up an award, a gold Science Olympiad trophy that gleams in the light, I begin to reminisce about an experience I had volunteering at the local hospital. I had always focused more on winning competitions, striving to attain golden medals, but I have come to realize the connections and memories I have made with people are far more valuable than any awards. I initially wanted to volunteer at the hospital simply because it would be another experience to collect for my resume. My motives changed, however, after a breakthrough with a patient who refused to talk to most people–including her nurses and doctors. Eventually, she told me she immigrated from Guatemala and was embarrassed by her accent: “I don’t think I can ever pay for this ‘scopy”, she said, shakily. I continued to converse with patients and hear even more of their stories. Over time, the Guatemalan patient began to talk to her nurses more freely, as my attention to her emotional needs helped her open up. During a time in which most visitors focused on patients’ physical wellbeing, I improved patients’ mental health by listening and talking to them. The connections I have made with patients have helped me realize the importance of listening to and valuing everyone’s voices, no matter their situation or background. After spending time with patients who needed a voice, I wanted to find a way to make a positive difference in their lives. An opportunity to do so arose soon after. I was at the vet’s office with a friend and overheard some vet technicians talking about how they wished they had a way to quickly check whether a sick dog was internally bleeding. “This device could benefit so many of my patients at the hospital too!” I thought excitedly. The current industry standard is inaccurate, often unnecessarily causing patients to be forced to pay for more expensive, invasive tests. After weeks of researching and experimenting with seemingly useless chemistry, I found a way to detect occult blood. The vet’s office was happy to give me stool samples, so I performed the diagnostic test on dog stool for months, rushing to the lab whenever I had some spare time after school or on school breaks. Once I had a prototype for the test and reproducible results, I was able to distribute it to multiple vet clinics in my town–they were ecstatic! I am currently deep into the process of executing human clinical testing for the device. The experiences I have had with patients inspired me to use my love for science to create this diagnostic tool which helps screen for internal bleeding and is less than half the price of the industry standard. It will help underserved individuals, such as the Guatemalan patient I talked to. Through my patient interactions and research in biochemistry, I have realized that I want to combine my passion for science with my desire to advocate for better patient care by going into healthcare. Volunteering has augmented my aspiration to pursue further education to achieve my goals of making connections with my future patients and helping underserved communities. To me, success is no longer measured by the amount of A+’s I receive or how many golden trophies are on my shelves. Instead, it depends on my ability to make a truly positive impact on people’s lives by advocating for their voices. Looking at myself in the reflection of the shiny gold trophy, I think about my future place in the medical world and my calling to help people. With the medal back on the shelf, I am excited to embark on the next chapter of my life in college, making connections and growing as both a scientist and a leader. After all, it is now autumn.