About | CV | Presentations | Leadership | Service | Contact | Outdoors | Undergraduate | X: @vivekkpatel2028

Undergraduate

My undergraduate years at the University of California, Riverside (2019–2023).

Education

• B.S. Biology, University of California, Riverside, College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, 2019–2023 — High Honors (Magna Cum Laude); 3.92 cumulative GPA, 3.93 upper-division GPA

Awards and Honors

• Outstanding Service Award, Associated Students of UCR
• Senator of the Year Award, Associated Students of UCR

Research & Teaching

Dynamic Genome Undergraduate TA, UCR College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Sept 2021 – Jun 2022 · Riverside

• Taught undergraduates PCR, gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformations, DNA extraction, and bioinformatics tools such as BLAST and MUSCLE.

Research Assistant, Huffman Lab, UCR
Jul 2020 – Jun 2023 · Riverside

• Designed and executed a research project investigating the effects of alcohol on brain biology and behavior in mice at various life stages.
• Conducted behavioral assays and Nissl staining to analyze neurobiological changes.
• Used R for statistical data analysis.
• Collaborated with researchers and led a team of undergraduates.

Field Assistant, Hoddle Lab, UCR
Sept 2021 – May 2022 · Riverside

• Assisted Dr. Milosavljevic and Dr. Irvin on biological control of citrus pests, notably the Asian Citrus Psyllid.
• Recorded ant populations, deployed and retrieved sticky traps, identified species, and maintained insect/plant colonies at UCR's Insectary and Quarantine Facility.

Leadership

Founder President, Friends of Médecins Sans Frontières at UCR
Feb 2021 – Jun 2023 · Riverside

• Led awareness campaigns on health inequities, community service projects, and fundraising for MSF.
• Established a volunteer program with the Community Hospital of San Bernardino.
• Organized emergency preparedness workshops with FEMA and the City of Riverside.
• Forming a non-profit arm under FoMSF to fundraise for cancer treatment and research.

CNAS Senator, Associated Students of UCR
Sept 2021 – Jun 2023 · Riverside

• Passed legislation to increase inclusivity and diversity in STEM fields at UCR.
• Organized research workshops, fairs, and Town Hall events.
• Organized food distributions, blood drives, and community resource fairs.

Community Service Committee Chair, Associated Students of UCR
May 2022 – Jun 2023 · Riverside

• Organized food distributions, blood drives, food-making events, and community resource fairs with student organizations.

Voting Member, Student Health Advising Committee
Sept 2022 – Jun 2023 · Riverside

• Bridged students with Student Health Services and CAPS.
• Advocated for UCSHIP students, including more accessible dental coverage.
• Educated students on UCSHIP services through collaborative events.

Treasurer, Future Physician Society at UCR
Mar 2022 – Jun 2023 · Riverside

• Created annual budgets and secured student government funds.
• Led the finance and fundraising committee, securing donations, grants, and sponsorships.

Service

Campus Safety Escort Service, UCR
Feb 2022 – Jun 2023 · Riverside

• Escorted UCR students, staff, and faculty to on-campus destinations.
• Worked with UCR Administration to reboot CSES after the pandemic and secure funding.
• Served as Dispatcher, Escort, and Cart Driver; trained newer volunteers.

Vaccine Clinic Volunteer, Loma Linda University Health
Mar 2021 – Jun 2021 · Loma Linda

• Screened patients for COVID-19 symptoms, managed patient flow and check-in, provided vaccine education, and supported vaccination logistics.

© 2026 Vivek Patel · Draft · Home