When Kai Godhwani arrived at Northeastern University, he was drawn to the natural world through marine biology and to creative expression through art. Now, as a selected undergraduate student speaker for the 2026 College of Science Celebration, he reflects on a journey shaped by curiosity, communication, and the courage to try something new.
“Being selected as a COS undergraduate student speaker is a huge honor,” Godhwani says. “It’s not only an opportunity to reflect on my own experience, but to represent a diverse and driven group of students who are all approaching science in their own unique way.”
As he prepares to take the stage, he hopes to give something back to the community that shaped his. “I hope that when I take that stage, I can give something back, even just one idea or perspective that stays with someone long after the celebration ends.”
Finding His Voice in Science
Throughout his time at Northeastern, Godhwani found that growth came not only from what he learned, but how he shared it.
“I’ve grown especially in my communication and public speaking,” he explains. “Through coursework, research meetings, and presentations, I’ve become much more confident in how I communicate complex ideas clearly to different audiences.”
From guest lecturing college students on ecology to teaching middle schoolers about microplastics, he learned to adapt his approach depending on who he was speaking to.
“This growth has changed not just how I approach science, but how I connect with people,” he says.
Making an Impact Through Teaching
Godhwani points to his role as an ecology laboratory teaching assistant as one of his proudest accomplishments.
“Teaching pushed me to truly understand the material at a deeper level,” he says. “More importantly, it gave me the opportunity to make a real impact on other students.”
He recalls moments when students began to see themselves differently as learners.
“There is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone get genuinely excited about learning something new and watching their confidence grow as a scientist,” he says.
Creativity, Challenge, and Growth
Some of Godhwani’s most meaningful growth came from stepping outside of his comfort zone, particularly in his art minor.
He recalls Painting Basics with Professor Mira Cantor as one of his most challenging experiences.
“As someone who tends toward perfectionism, painting felt intimidating because there is no erasing,” he says. “But I learned to let go of that mindset and embrace the process.”
That shift extended far beyond the studio.
“Adapting, layering, and transforming mistakes into something new changed how I approach challenges in other areas of my life,” he explains.
Moments and Connections That Last
Many of Godhwani’s favorite memories are tied to the people and experiences that shaped his time at Northeastern.
Studying abroad in Dublin during his first semester stands out as a defining moment.
“In a city none of us had ever lived in before, a group of strangers became some of the most important people in my life,” he says. “Those experiences set the tone for the rest of my time at Northeastern.”
On campus, he found comfort in the routines that carried him through busy semesters — studying at ISEC, grabbing a Cuban sandwich from Churchill Creations, and taking moments to reset by the koi pond.
As graduation approaches, it is the people he will miss most.
“Every day at Northeastern, you meet someone new with a different perspective, but just as creative, motivated, and passionate,” he says. “That kind of environment pushes you to grow.”
Looking Ahead
After graduation, Godhwani will continue his work as a proteomics research technician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Fischer Lab, while he studies targeted protein degradation and its potential applications in treating disease.
Reflecting on his journey, his advice is simple.
“Have courage,” he says. “Taking the first step is always the hardest part, but it opens doors to opportunities and growth you could never have predicted.”
