Yashashvi Bharatkumar Patel with Jacob Czelusta.
Yashashvi Bharatkumar Patel is the recipient of the September 2026 Honors Student of the Month Award.
Yashashvi is majoring in Molecular Genetics with a minor in Chemistry. She is an international student originally from Chikhli, Gujarat, India (Village: Khambhada), was nominated for this award by Jacob Czelusta, the assistant director of International Student Services, in recognition of both her stellar academic achievements and her robust engagement as a student leader.
Yashashvi has achieved a high cumulative GPA of 3.96 in a demanding major. She has done so while serving as a Resident Assistant in Disney Hall and while serving on three different student club e-boards. She is Vice President of the Tri-Beta National Biological Honors Society; Treasurer of the Biology Club, and Treasurer of the International Student Club.
Fredonia has given me the opportunity to find my direction, grow as a student and person, and feel like I am part of a community that supports me.” - Yashashvi Bharatkumar Patel
In his nomination, Mr. Czelusta singled out Yashashvi’s commitment to supporting other international students and her instrumental efforts to help get the club formed and recognized by Student Association. He writes, “I've witnessed her leadership during e-board meetings, where she presents good ideas, and volunteers to see her ideas through. She has also given her personal time to help newly arrived international students from India. She has guided them, made herself available to them, and presented Fredonia in a positive light. Indeed, Ms. Patel is among the strongest of our international UG students based on academic achievement and campus involvement. Again, she is building momentum as a star student — and doing so despite all the barriers that are present for international students.”
Since Fall 2025, Yashashvi has also been working in the research lab of Molecular Genetics faculty member, Dr. Scott Ferguson, where she studies the developmental biology of Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies) in order to understand cancer. She described her undergraduate research as “an amazing hands-on learning experience that has allowed me to develop laboratory skills and explore my interest in research in molecular genetics.”
Through Dr. Ferguson’s mentorship and the “time, trust, and guidance he has invested in me,” Yashashvi has had opportunities, including summer research, “to explore my interest and grow as a scientist.” After graduation in May 2028, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in molecular biology and then build a career in research and development.
A graduate of Shree Swaminarayan International Gunatit Vidhyadham, Chikhli, Gujarat, India, Yashasvi enjoys “being part of the Honors Program because it gives me opportunities to explore subjects outside my major through engaging classes that challenges me to think in new ways. I also value the connections the program helps me build and the supportive community it creates. To me, Honors is just not about academics, it is about continuing to grow, learning from others, and challenge myself beyond field of my study.”
Yashashvi also recognizes the value of Fredonia’s small but tightly knit community, writing, “I really appreciate the support I get from faculty and staff, and how easy it is to build connections with people here. Fredonia has given me the opportunity to find my direction, grow as a student and person, and feel like I am part of a community that supports me.”
Her advice to current Honors students is to “take advantage of the opportunities Honors and Fredonia has to offer, even if they are outside of your comfort zone. Some of the best growth happens when you try something new. Don't be afraid to ask questions, get involved and make the most of your time at Fredonia.”
