Geethika Velaga

An encapsulating journey of opportunity

UHP allowed me to pursue countless opportunities throughout my college experience and enhance my research and critical thinking skills. The different experiences I've partaken in helped me grow as a scholar, pushing me to think beyond the unconventional and understand the significance of the outcomes of different projects and goals. The UHP community allowed me to work with an interdisciplinary group of students and faculty whose continuous encouragement and support always pushes me to do my best. As a part of UHP, I've had the opportunity to strengthen my leadership skills and emerge more confident as I continue to grow both personally and professionally.

I would tell myself to never allow an opportunity to pass by because you never know where it could lead you to. As a first year, I would encourage myself to stay curious and be open to learning new things and accepting criticism, and to not be hesitant to ask questions. Also, I would emphasize the importance of being flexible and open-minded, while also giving yourself grace and acknowledge that while you may not know everything in the moment, you are willing to learn and adapt quickly.

The honors experience that had the biggest impact on me would be the Biomedical Research and Mentoring Program (RaMP), which has allowed me to work as a student researcher in the Cornwall/Goh Lab at Cincinnati Children's. As part of the experience, I was able to strengthen valuable skills in time management, efficiency, and staying detail-oriented. My lab mentor and PI have continuously supported me in my research work and their critiques and feedback have only allowed me to become a stronger and well-rounded researcher. Being able to connect to a lab such as the one I am in now has provided me with countless opportunities, allowing me to present at poster sessions, a national conference, and even to fellow peers at a research showcase. I'm hoping to continue my research experience throughout the remaining of my two years at UC and stay connected to the research network and environment.

I'm most looking forward to continuing presentations for UHP and staying connected with the UHP community and my peers and faculty. I am also very excited to work with the new leadership team in designing a collaborative and enriching ambassador experience for everyone in the program. I am also looking forward to offering a student perspective of the honors program to prospective students and speaking with families in terms of what UHP has to offer.