The Observer, December 1, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 12
Case student receives Rhodes Scholarship
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Senior Shaan Gandhi was recently selected as one of 32 Rhodes Scholars for 2007. Of the 32, he is the only Scholar from an Ohio university.
Gandhi will attend Oxford University starting in October 2007, where he intends to pursue the M.Sc. in Integrated Immunology.
"I have always wanted to go abroad between undergraduate and graduate/professional school to pursue my research of cancer in-depth; the Rhodes Scholarship offered an excellent opportunity to do this at the University of Oxford," said Gandhi.
To apply for consideration to the program, Gandhi was required to submit a résumé, an essay describing his academic interests and future goals, and eight letters of recommendation. He was then interviewed by the selection committee about his research, interests, and future plans.
In her endorsement letter to the Rhodes selection committee, Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies Lynmarie Hamel praised Gandhi's character and education.
"Intelligent, insightful, articulate, poised, and courteous, Shaan embodies the qualities of a Rhodes Scholar, not only as a compassionate human being and a scholar, but as a future leader in cancer research," wrote Hamel.
With all of the competition for the scholarship, Gandhi was taken by surprise when he was selected.
"All of the other candidates were extremely accomplished and intelligent. Seeing such an amazing group of people interview for only two scholarships from our district was mind-boggling," said Gandhi. "Winning the scholarship was even more mind-boggling."
Gandhi has been involved in research since his freshman year of high school, analyzing patterns in polarization of laser light. His recent research has included studying genetic mutations implicated in phenylketonuria, a metabolic disorder.
Over the summer, Gandhi worked at the Mayo Clinic studying mechanisms of endocytosis and associated pathways.
Gandhi is also involved in many groups on campus, including Global Medical Initiative, Model United Nations, and the Trivia Club.
"The entire Case experience, in my mind, has impacted me. The interactive and engaging classes, the great leadership and volunteer opportunities, and the cutting-edge research have all been thought-provoking and influential," said Gandhi.
Candidates for a Rhodes Scholarship must first be endorsed by their college or university. This year, 896 students were endorsed by 340 schools.
Applicants are then selected based on criteria listed in the will of Cecil Rhodes, including high academic achievement, integrity of character, a spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, potential for leadership, and physical vigor. Rhodes felt that these Scholars should "esteem the performance of public duties as their highest aim."
In addition to the 32 American Scholars, 50-60 students from several other countries are chosen each year to receive this honor.
Since the inception of the Rhodes Scholars investment, 3110 Americans from 307 colleges and universities have been selected to participate.
"I didn't think I was going to win it, but I did," said Gandhi. "I would encourage everyone to consider applying to these scholarships and fellowships. The avenues for education and personal growth are endless through graduate study at home or abroad."
