ECE student wins Schweizer Fellowship

Through his research in computational biology, ECE graduate student Abhilash Krishna creates mathematical models that mimic cardiac cells in their behavior. His work promotes an understanding of what goes wrong at a cellular level in cases of cardiac disorder.

Supported by the Houston-Galveston Schweitzer Fellows Program, Abhilash will be have the opportunity to directly impact the health and vitality of the local community. Abhilash, who is keenly interested in community health issues and public service said, “I want to apply the technical understanding of cardiac electrophysiology that I have gained from my research experience at Rice to increase public awareness and education about cardiac health. A scientific approach to cardiac health education will not only help people take preventive measures against cardiac disease, but will also inspire the younger generation to want to learn more about engineering and computational methods as applications and solutions to medical care.”

Abhilash intends to work with schools through collaboration with organizations such as Student Engineers Educating Kids and the American Heart Association to conduct presentations, demonstrations and discussions that educate on cardiac electrophysiology, food and activity-related cardiac health risks and disease detection and prevention.

The mission of the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship is to develop "leaders in service,” individuals who are dedicated and skilled in addressing the health needs of underserved communities, and whose example influences and inspires others. In its inaugural year, the Houston-Galveston Schweitzer Fellows Program is a one-year interdisciplinary fellowship program focused on community service and leadership development.