MACON, Ga. — Mercer University sophomores Uji Patel and Arya Prajapati were selected for the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation’s Sullivan Fellows program, which aims to cultivate leaders committed to positive social change.
The program, open to any rising sophomore from a college campus, provides fellows with a unique opportunity to engage in immersive experiences, rigorous coursework and community-based projects focused on addressing pressing societal challenges. Sullivan Fellows participate in a three-year program that teaches them how to become leaders and changemakers alongside a cohort of like-minded students from colleges across the South.
Patel, from Tifton, is a biochemistry and molecular biology major with minors in global health, psychology and biomedical physics. She plans to attend medical school and hopes to continue finding ways to bridge research and service, making a meaningful difference in people’s lives when they need it most.
“I’m incredibly honored to have been nominated by Mercer and selected for the Sullivan Fellowship,” said Patel. “I’m so grateful that the University is supporting my participation. I’m excited to grow through this opportunity and find new ways to make a positive impact.”
At Mercer, Patel is a Presidential Scholar in the Honors Program and was honored with the Spright Dowell Award. She serves on the executive boards of MerServe, MU Miracle and the Global Health Association and works as a biology teaching assistant. She is also involved in two student-led initiatives — one that raises addiction awareness among middle schoolers in the Macon-Bibb community and another that works to make campus a more welcoming and supportive space for commuters. She is also conducting neuroscience research focusing on addiction and motivation.
“Uji is an excellent example of a Mercerian who intends to change the world, and participating in the Sullivan Fellows program will provide her with development opportunities and a network of support that will help her achieve her goals,” said Dr. David A. Davis, director of University Honors.
Prajapati, a neuroscience major with a minor in chemistry from Columbus, plans to attend medical school and said he hopes to continue combining community service, research and health care outreach to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Lauren Shinholster, Dr. Davis, and Dr. Kloepper for believing in me and nominating me for this opportunity,” said Prajapati. “Their confidence in both me and my Visionary Student Panel project, Beyond the Influence, has been incredibly motivating. I’m excited to continue growing this initiative through the fellowship and to make the most of the support and mentorship Mercer has provided.”
At Mercer, Prajapati is a member of the Phi Eta Sigma honor society, volunteers with MU Miracle as a miracle maker and is an officer in the Student National Medical Association-Minority Association of Premed Students, Mercer Masala and the American Chemical Society.
Dr. Jennifer Crawford, associate director of the Center for Career and Professional Development and former chemistry lecturer, taught Prajapati as a student in her General Chemistry I and II courses. “(Prajapati) worked hard in class but also provided an enthusiasm that led him to work well with and motivate other students,” said Dr. Crawford. “Arya was always asking questions, and I believe that curiosity will be an asset for him as he develops over the next three years as a Sullivan Fellow.”
