Forbes Under 30
The Forbes Under 30 Summit brings together the best young leaders, founders, and creators for a life-changing four days of connecting, learning, teaching, and building. It is an immersive experience, featuring a private music festival, A-list speakers, investor speed-pitching, industry-focused field trips, a legendary pub crawl, a world-famous food festival, and a powerful day of community service. One-thousand lucky high performing students from across the country are granted a scholarship to attend the summit free of cost and receive recognition as a Forbes Scholar. This year, Divya Bharat Parikh, a Northeastern student working towards her MS in Biotechnology, was one of them.
Why did you choose to attend Northeastern?
I am a biotechnologist by education and now (hopefully) even by profession. Northeastern lies in the heartland of all the cutting-edge research that happens in biotechnology across all platforms. The co-op program facilitates students like me, coming from international backgrounds to experience lab work and research here and give us a good idea what we want to get ourselves into. Northeastern gave me wings to fly and do cool science, for which I will always be grateful.
What other organizations or activities are you involved with outside of your degree program (if applicable)?
I am the President of the Graduate Association of Biotechnology students. However, the Center for Research Innovation plays a big part in my life. I am a staff/technical writer for the CRI and am actively involved in marketing a lot of the research that happens on campus.
What is your favorite part about Northeastern?
Academically sound institution, inclusive attitude, and very diverse population. I think Northeastern made me feel at home, when I am very, very far away from home—that is my favourite part.
What is your favorite part of Boston?
Boston is very much like the city I come from—Pune, India. It has a good mix of demographics and is very beautiful. I mean, look at the architecture! But I love Charles, and sitting by the Esplanade after a long day at work is one of the best things about this city. But I have to admit, the food at Border Café trumps everything this city has to offer.
What is the best perk of being a Northeastern student?
Free visits to the MFA!
What advice would you give to an incoming graduate student?
Come here with an open mind and be like a sponge—grasp everything you can. This university has a lot more to offer than just an education.
What are your plans after degree completion?
Hopefully I get a job! I want to work in industry and work in Immuno-Oncology. The world of cancer has a lot of secrets and I want to know some of them.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I am a Sudoku addict and can solve one in under 5 mins! (Does that sound like fun?)
