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Rishi Topiwala

815

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

Hello, I'm Rishi Topiwala, a first-year student at the University of Michigan, studying Public Health. I aspire to merge my academic pursuits with a passion for global healthcare change. I'm fascinated by the complexities of the human body, which drives my goals in genetics, nutritional sciences, and mental health advocation. Intrigued by biostatistics and epidemiology, I aim to analyze health trends for entire populations, viewing healthcare challenges through a global lens. Outside academics, I find joy in dance, celebrating my cultural roots with the Michigan Wolveraas. Actively seeking research opportunities aligning with my passions, I aim to deepen my understanding and contribute to evidence-based healthcare interventions. With a blend of curiosity, global perspective, and passionate advocacy for change, I am eager to continue my journey toward a meaningful impact on the world.

Education

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Bachelor's degree program
2023 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Nutrition Sciences
    • Genetics
    • Business/Managerial Economics
    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
    • Public Health

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Public Health
    • Genetics
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Hospital & Health Care

    • Dream career goals:

      Healthcare practitioner

      Sports

      Tennis

      Varsity
      2019 – 20234 years

      Awards

      • KLAA Scholar Athlete
      • Salem High School Athletic Award

      Research

      • Natural Sciences

        University of Michigans' Life Sciences Institute Natural Products Discovery Core — Laboratory Assistant
        2022 – 2022

      Arts

      • Michigan Wolveraas

        Dance
        DTX Dandiya, Maryland Masti, Dola Re Dandiya
        2023 – Present
      • PCEP Tamasha

        Dance
        Desi Tashan 2022, Desi Tashan 2023
        2020 – 2023

      Future Interests

      Volunteering

      Philanthropy

      Entrepreneurship

      John Young 'Pursue Your Passion' Scholarship
      Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of Alzheimer's disease on both of my grandmothers. Their struggles, marked by repetitive questions, misplaced belongings, and forgetfulness, left an indelible mark on my heart. As I watched my grandmothers navigate through the fog of memory loss, I felt a stirring within me—an undeniable call to pursue a healthcare career. Every visit to my grandparents’ homes was a reminder of the cruel grip Alzheimer's had on their lives. When I would pick them up for dinner, a doctor's appointment, or just to bring them to our house, my grandmother would repeatedly ask if she had locked the door to her apartment. Each time, I reassured her, but her anxiety never seemed to ease. The disease had stolen her sense of security, leaving her trapped in a constant state of worry. My brother's piano classes were another trigger for her anxious questions. Whenever he left for his lessons, she would fret incessantly, asking over and over where he had gone and if he was alright. Her concern for his safety, though touching, was also heartbreaking. It was as if Alzheimer's had transformed her once calm demeanor into a storm of perpetual unease. She was always thinking and worrying about something as if her mind was a ship in a storm, unable to find the safety of peace. Initially, the realm of medicine seemed distant and uninviting to me. However, my perspective shifted dramatically during my high school years when I enrolled in a biology course. Diving into the intricate workings of the human body, I found myself captivated by the complexity and elegance of its design. Each lesson illuminated the great interconnectedness of our physiological systems, sparking a newfound passion within me. As I reflect on my heritage, I cannot ignore the profound influence it has had on my career aspirations. Witnessing the toll of Alzheimer's on my grandmothers instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and a desire to alleviate the suffering of others. Their experiences serve as a constant reminder of the importance of compassionate care and the need for advancements in medical research and treatment. In pursuing a career in healthcare, I am driven by a dual sense of purpose—to honor the memory of my grandmothers by advocating for those affected by Alzheimer's and to contribute to the broader mission of healing and wellness. Through education and compassionate care, I aim to empower individuals and communities to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. In essence, my journey toward a healthcare career is not just a professional pursuit; it is a deeply personal commitment rooted in empathy, compassion, and a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
      Thomas and May Mathew Educational Scholarship
      Winner
      Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of Alzheimer's disease on both of my grandmothers. Their struggles, marked by repetitive questions, misplaced belongings, and forgetfulness, left an indelible mark on my heart. As I watched my grandmothers navigate through the fog of memory loss, I felt a stirring within me—an undeniable call to pursue a healthcare career. Initially, the realm of medicine seemed distant and uninviting to me. However, my perspective shifted dramatically during my high school years when I enrolled in a biology course. Delving into the intricate workings of the human body, I found myself captivated by the complexity and elegance of its design. Each lesson illuminated the profound interconnectedness of our physiological systems, sparking a newfound passion within me. As I reflect on my heritage, I cannot ignore the profound influence it has had on my career aspirations. Witnessing the toll of Alzheimer's on my grandmothers instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and a desire to alleviate the suffering of others. Their experiences serve as a constant reminder of the importance of compassionate care and the need for advancements in medical research and treatment. In pursuing a career in healthcare, I am driven by a dual sense of purpose—to honor the memory of my grandmothers by advocating for those affected by Alzheimer's and to contribute to the broader mission of healing and wellness. Through education and compassionate care, I aim to empower individuals and communities to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. In essence, my journey toward a healthcare career is not just a professional pursuit; it is a deeply personal commitment rooted in empathy, compassion, and a desire to make a positive impact on the world.