Established in 1986 by the U.S. Congress, the Goldwater Scholarship provides support for highly qualified undergraduates who plan to pursue a PhD and research career in STEM fields. It provides $7,500 for students in support of their junior and/or senior year of study.
Congratulations to BME student Tirth Patel, one of three U-M students who have been awarded the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship. Established in 1986 by the U.S. Congress, the Goldwater Scholarship provides support for highly qualified undergraduates who plan to pursue a PhD and research career in STEM fields. It provides $7,500 for students in support of their junior and/or senior year of study.
Tirth’s research is focused on optimizing Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor Alpha inhibition therapy in pediatric High-Grade Gliomas (pHGGs). His findings highlight the importance of understanding the mechanisms of tumor response and resistance to targeted therapies, paving the way for improved treatment outcomes for this challenging disease. Through his Biomedical Engineering major, Tirth has developed a keen understanding of how engineering techniques can be tailored to enhance diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies, positioning him uniquely at the intersection of innovation and patient care. Tirth believes that his background in Biomedical Engineering has enabled him to explore the relationship between technology and medicine, emphasizing the role of engineering solutions in addressing complex healthcare challenges.
He is dedicated to pursuing an M.D./Ph.D. with a focus on neuro-oncology and biomedical engineering. He states, “as a future physician-scientist, my ambition is to delve into the development of targeted therapies for brain tumors, leveraging my background in biomedical engineering to innovate on treatment modalities.” This path aligns with his passion for both patient care and research, as he aims to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications to advance the treatment of brain tumors and ultimately improve patient outcomes through precision medicine.
He applied for the Goldwater Scholarship to support his aspirations in advancing research, and notes that the award recognizes his commitment and provides essential funding that will enable him to concentrate more fully on his academic and research endeavors. He added that the application and nomination process was a journey of self-reflection and vision for his future, compelling him to articulate his research experiences and aspirations with clarity, which deepened his understanding of the impact he aspires to in his field. To future applicants, Tirth says, “embrace this process as an opportunity to reflect on your passion and achievements. This is a great opportunity for you to acknowledge your journey and envision your future contributions. The insight I’ve gained is invaluable, it is not just about winning the award but about understanding your role in the broader scientific community and the tangible difference you aim to make in the world.”
Tirth would like to thank his research mentors, including Dr. Carl Koschmann, Dr. Anish Tuteja, Dr. Paul Price, Dr. Geeta Mehta, Dr. Muneesh Tiwari, Kallen Schwark, and David Speer. He is grateful to them for their mentorship and supporting his interests in research and medicine. Furthermore, Patel is deeply thankful to his family and friends for emotionally supporting him through his journey.