As a freshman biology major, Nidhi Patel began her KU journey with a path in mind. What she didn't anticipate, however, was that she would find a perfectly complementary second major in English. Now, having recently been accepted into KU's School of Medicine, she's making her dreams a reality by continuing her education, and applying lessons learned with the goal of making the world a better place.

Hometown: Santa Monica, CA

What are your research interests and why did you choose them? Was there a moment when you decided this is what you wanted to study? What was that journey like?

Where are you from? And why did you decide to come to KU?

What are your research interests and why did you choose them? Was there a moment when you decided this is what you wanted to study? What was that journey like?

Where are you from? And why did you decide to come to KU?

I’m from Overland Park, Kansas. I decided to come to KU because I attended a summer camp here with Duke TiP in middle school, and I absolutely fell in love with campus. It’s also a nice mix of just close enough to home, but just far enough, too.

Program of study and year: 3^rd year Ph.D. Student in Theatre

Hometown: Kansas City, MO

After her professor, Bob Hurst, recommended she apply for a position working on his documentary, third-year film & media studies student Bailey Dickman found herself on location in Garden City, Kan. There, she and the rest of the film crew worked together to put a spotlight on the city and its diverse populace. Learn more about her hands-on experience working side-by-side with the College’s faculty.

What is the formula that catalyzes bright sparks to win fountains of scholarships and discoveries that make our world a better place to live? Hard work, for sure. But the fundamental element is people. It's all about having a supportive friendship group to help you laugh and to collaborate with when confronting challenging questions. Also, it's about professors, those people who go above and beyond to give you opportunities to do hands-on research. How do we know this? Because we've met Emily Boyd, Joseph Loomis, Cara Davis, and Zachary Wood, four KU chemistry majors who scooped up countless prestigious awards last year.

Hometown: Tonganoxie, Kansas 

Major(s) / Minor(s): Communication Studies / Journalism 

Internship title and organization:  Social Media and PR intern for the Kansas City T-Bones 

What were your responsibilities during the internship? I was responsible for running the team Snapchat account, and I helped out with the other social media accounts. I was also responsible for helping out with promotions and really just assisting my boss in any way she needed. 

Program of study and year:​ Ph.D. candidate - Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology – 3​rd​ year 

Hometown:​ Dammam City, Saudi Arabia 

Hometown: Komárom, Hungary 

Major(s) / Minor(s): Major is Communication Studies, minors are French and Business. 

The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Online degree completion program offers challenge, support, and community. You’ll earn a liberal arts and sciences degree, giving you the flexibility to take your career in endless directions. You’ll have support throughout your online coursework from dedicated professors and staff. And you’ll join the community of Jayhawk graduates who are making a difference around the world. Meet some recent graduates and see how a degree from the College Online made a difference for them!