Supported by the G. Wayne Clough Tech Promise Scholarship, pre-health biomedical engineering major Bobby Patel is learning how to create a future with better health outcomes for children.
The need-based Tech Promise Scholarship provides an opportunity to pursue a debt-free Georgia Tech degree for qualifying Georgia residents.
Pursuit of Progress and Service
Hailing from Carrollton, Georgia, Patel’s primary focus is simple: helping people. From an early age, she has described her interest in medicine as one that stemmed from her commitment to give back and the belief that no one should live in fear of not having access to healthcare.
“I’ve always wanted a career where I’m able to help people, and health is obviously an important thing for everyone,” she said. “People should be able to have access to good healthcare. I want to be part of expanding that access.”
Patel had long set her sights on the Institute for its strong academic programming in her areas of interest, but she wasn’t sure if college was financially feasible. She was prepared to work her way through, as she did not want to take out loans, but knew this would likely require breaks in her education.
As she weighed admission offers from Tech and another university and how to pay for them, a call came through — she was selected to receive the Tech Promise Scholarship. From there, it was an easy decision: she chose Tech.
Building a Better Tomorrow With Tech Promise
Since arriving on campus, Patel has focused her interests specifically on pediatric work, another choice driven by wanting to help those who need it most.
“In my design classes, I learned that pediatric medicine often uses less researched devices. Sometimes it’s just the adult version of the device sized down,” said Patel. “But there are many cases where children need something designed entirely separate.”
Without a financial burden on her shoulders, Patel can fully immerse herself in her undergraduate experience and explore her career interests further.
She worked in a research lab focused on the use of electrical signals to treat brain tumor cells largely affecting children. Patel also studied abroad in Europe, where she visited over 10 countries and toured European materials science research labs. And over the summer, Patel shadowed a pediatric gastroenterologist.
None of Patel’s experiences have been what she initially imagined her time in college to be. All of it was made possible through Tech Promise.
“I thank Tech Promise every day for what I’m able to do,” said Patel. “To not be burdened with the anxiety of the financial aspects of college and focus on my studies — I don’t even know how to put it into words.”
Since Tech Promise gave so much to her, Patel is passionate about giving back to the program. She is on the executive board of the Tech Promise Scholar Ambassadors and has served as a mentor to other scholars.
Academically, Patel hopes to continue building medical experience while exploring the biomedical engineering industry to continue her love for design. Ultimately, she knows she’ll find where she can make the most impact for others.
To be considered for Tech Promise, students must complete financial aid forms annually, including the GT App and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. These forms become available on Oct. 1 each year. Students who apply for first-year admission must submit their applications by Jan. 31 for consideration for Georgia Tech financial aid.
Contribute Today to Transform Tomorrow
Experiences like Bobby’s are made possible by contributions to Transforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech. Thanks to the support of alumni and friends, this comprehensive campaign is bringing unparalleled advancements to the Institute and building a foundation to support our students, advance our research and innovation, enhance our campus and our community, and expand our impact at home and around the world. To learn more and support the campaign, visit https://transformingtomorrow.gatech.edu/
