Macon, Georgia, USA: Two Mercer University sophomores, Uji Patel and Arya Prajapati, both of Indian descent, have been selected as Sullivan Fellows by the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation, the university announced on October 22. The fellowship recognises college students across the southern United States who demonstrate strong leadership qualities and a commitment to community betterment.
This three-year fellowship provides immersive learning opportunities, community service projects, and leadership development programs that focus on tackling key social challenges.
Uji Patel, a biochemistry and molecular biology major from Tifton, Georgia, is also pursuing minors in global health, psychology, and biomedical physics. She aspires to attend medical school and aims to connect scientific research with meaningful community service.
“I feel truly honored to have been nominated by Mercer and selected for this fellowship,” Patel shared. “I’m thankful for the university’s support and excited to use this experience to make a lasting, positive impact.”
Patel is a Presidential Scholar in the Honours Program and a recipient of 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. Her current neuroscience research explores the relationship between addiction and motivation, and she participates in outreach programs promoting addiction awareness in local schools.
“Uji truly represents the spirit of a Mercer student determined to change the world,” said Dr David A. Davis, Director of University Honours. “Through the Sullivan Fellows program, she’ll gain leadership experience and a network that will help her fulfil her goals.”
Meanwhile, Arya Prajapati, a neuroscience major with a chemistry minor from Columbus, Georgia, also plans to pursue medical school. He noted that the fellowship aligns closely with his ambition to merge research, community service, and healthcare outreach.
“I’m deeply grateful to Lauren Shinholster, Dr Davis, and Dr Kloepper for believing in me and nominating me,” Prajapati said. “Their support for my project, Beyond the Influence, has inspired me to continue expanding it through the Sullivan Fellowship.”
Prajapati is a member of Phi Eta Sigma and active in student organisations such as MU Miracle, Mercer Masala, the American Chemical Society, and the Student National Medical Association–Minority Association of Premed Students (SNMA-MAPS).
Dr Jennifer Crawford, Associate Director of the Centre for Career and Professional Development, who taught him in General Chemistry I and II, praised his dedication. “Arya worked hard and showed a natural enthusiasm that motivated his classmates,” she said. “His curiosity will serve him well as he develops as a Sullivan Fellow in the coming years.”
