Hi Everyone, I’m Abhi and I am partaking in the Brackenridge Research Fellowship. I am a rising senior studying neuroscience on the pre-med track. My project revolves around Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS), studying brain metastases originating from the nasopharynx region (NPC, an area between the nose and throat). GKRS is an invasive surgical technique involving many individual Gamma Rays to precisely target tumors and limit their progression. I believe GKRS is important due to its ability to improve patient outcomes and morbidity following treatment as opposed to surgical resection and whole brain radiation. The latter 2 treatments have a relatively high risk of infection and adverse radiation effects, respectively, which is not present with Gamma Knife due to the lack of incisions and overall low doses of radiation to the entire brain. Additionally, studying brain metastases from NPC allows for me to aid in the development of surgical protocols and standards for patients who develop these specific tumors.

My current professional goal is to become a doctor. I am not pursuing an MD/PhD, but I believe that research plays an important role in all healthcare fields, and thus hope to aid in clinical research efforts and the development of medical technology. Currently, my academic goals are to apply to national scholarships/fellowships and/or master’s programs for my gap year to help me become a stronger medical school candidate.

Outside of classes, I am an avid powerlifter and volunteer at multiple places around Pittsburgh such as the branch hospitals, animal shelters, and as an online crisis counselor.