Diya Patel

About Diya Patel

Hello, I am a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Pittsburgh pursuing a Pre-Optometry track with a double major in Biological Sciences and Psychology, a minor in Chemistry, and a certificate in the Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. I aspire to become a Neuro-Optometrist with a specialization in Ocular Disease.My academic interests are complemented by a strong commitment to research and service. I currently conduct undergraduate research in the Retinal Development Laboratory at the UPMC Mercy Vision Institute, and I serve as a Research Assistant at the Sleep & Behavioral Neuroscience Center at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital. These roles have deepened my understanding of both visual system development and behavioral neuroscience, strengthening my desire to bridge clinical care with research innovation.Outside the lab, I am an active hospital volunteer at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside Hospital, where I support patient care and hospital operations. On campus, I have taken on multiple leadership roles: I currently serve as the Outreach Chair for Asha for Education, a nonprofit focused on catalyzing socio-economic change in India through education, and as the Secretary/Director of PR of the Health Link Society at Pitt connecting pre-health students of all backgrounds. I served as the Freshman Fundraising Chair for Pitt Mastana, a competitive Bollywood Fusion dance team, and as the Freshman Vision Committee Chair for Global Medical Brigades. Additionally, I was an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for the First Approaches to Research course, where I mentored students in the fundamentals of research methodology. Currently, I am an Undergraduate Teaching assistant for the BIOSC Biochemistry course at Pitt.I am deeply passionate about healthcare, biological research, and community service. Through each of these experiences, I strive to contribute meaningfully to my community while preparing for a future in optometry that integrates patient care, scientific research, and public service.

Experience

1. Western Psychiatric Sbnc Clincial Research Assistant Iii

   UPMC

   Jan 2025 — Present · Pittsburgh, PA, US

   Research Assistant at the Sleep and Behavioral Neuroscience Center Laboratory at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital.• Wire up patients with electrodes on head, face, torso, and legs for the polysomnogram to record physiological signals during sleep.• Assist polysomnographic technologists in acquiring accurate readings of electrophysiological data using an EEG.• Monitor data acquisition devices.• Collect and label urine/saliva samples and check the vital signs of patients/participants.

Education

• University of Pittsburgh

  Bachelor of Science

• Spotswood High School

  High School Diploma