Kajal Patel (Research Assistant)

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

I am a recent graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where I majored in Biological Sciences and minored in Human Nutrition. I am excited to be working with such an incredible team focused on creating positive impacts for the South Asian Community. I am advocate for improving health by implementing behavioral changes, which has lead me to this study. My goal is help impact the community through meaningful research as well as gain experience in my gap year before medical school to help me better understand community health. In my free time, I enjoy running, baking, and cooking healthy dishes.

Rency Roy (Fitness Instructor, Skokie Park District)

I am a group fitness instructor that will be teaching the fitness classes for the participants of this research study. I will be designing fun classes that provide a great workout for people of all levels of experience. Being from a South Asian background and passionate about health and fitness, this research project is something I look forward to in our community.   

Binoy Shah, (Research Assistant)

Binoy Shah is currently a Medical Student at the University of Missouri - Kansas City and is eager to help with the SAHELI program at Northwestern. Binoy has experience in the public health arena as he has completed a previous research internship involving teaming up with faith based organizations to improve African American health outcomes specifically focusing on HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, Alcohol and Drug Use. Binoy is fluent in Gujarati and can understand Hindi. Binoy hopes to learn which specific problems impact the South Asian Community and how medical professionals can help rectify said problems and thus play a positive role.

Shivanni Shah, (Research Intern)

I am a Master's in Public Health Student at the University of llinois at Urbana-Champaign. I am enthusiastic about interning with the SAHELI and SAATH teams to promote South Asian health. I strive to gain an understanding of community based participatory research through developing study materials and conducting assessments. I am looking forward to learning more about culturally tailored health interventions to work to reduce health disparities. In my spare time, I love running, taking aimless long walks and playing board games with my family.