Divya
Divya was born in Houston, TX, and spent much of her childhood moving across the U.S. before settling in San Jose, CA. These experiences exposed her to diverse communities and individuals, igniting a deep commitment to serving others. This early exposure profoundly shaped her desire to lead a life dedicated to making a difference, particularly in healthcare.
Divya's passion for healthcare was significantly influenced by her grandfather's diagnosis with Parkinson's disease. Witnessing his struggle opened her eyes to the complexities of neurological well-being, reinforcing her aspiration to help others and inspiring her to seek innovative solutions for patients with similar conditions.
Now a fourth-year undergraduate at UCLA, Divya is majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, with a minor in Disability Studies. Her dedication to health and wellness drives her pre-medical journey, where she explores the intersection of physiology and behavioral neuroscience. As she works toward attending medical school, she is particularly focused on reducing health disparities in underserved populations and advocating for accessible, equitable healthcare.
Throughout her time at UCLA, Divya has engaged in various organizations and programs that have enriched her healthcare journey. She actively participates in research at the Kornblum Lab, contributing to studies aimed at understanding and developing treatments for neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. Additionally, she conducts clinical research in the nephrology department at the David Geffen School of Medicine.
As President of the Bruin Beans Health Club (BBHC), Divya collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to bridge misinformation surrounding kidney health and enhance community awareness. BBHC aims to improve understanding and prevention across multiple diseases. She also co-founded and co-leads an organization focused on spreading psychosocial awareness in marginalized communities, ensuring mental health resources reach those who need them most. As the Research Director of AgeWell Bruins, she advocates for better healthcare practices for the geriatric population and serves on the board of the UCLA chapter of the American Lung Association.
In 2024, Divya joined Level Up as a Direct Service Professional, eager to apply her knowledge and compassion to support neurodiverse individuals in achieving greater independence. She looks forward to witnessing their growth while also embracing her own professional and personal development alongside participants and team members.
Outside her professional and academic pursuits, Divya enjoys exploring the world through travel and photography, going on late-night drives, curating Spotify playlists, and discovering new cafes and restaurants. In all facets of her life, she is committed to personal growth and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
