CHARLOTTE––Success is on the rise for Dhairya Desai and in more ways than one.

A rising senior and a Levine Scholar at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Desai is among the 2024-25 recipients of the Newman Civic Fellowship. Awarded by Campus Compact, the fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students for their leadership potential. It’s named for the late Frank Newman, one of the founders of Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities working to advance the public purposes of higher education.

Desai was born in India. He moved with his family to the United States when he was four years old. His father’s career in information technology led to the family moving across several states. The Desai family settled in North Carolina about seven years ago.

Desai is pursuing a bachelor of science degree in chemistry, with a biochemistry concentration, and a bachelor of science in biology. He envisions a career in medicine, potentially as a medical doctor or medical scientist.

“I always liked science,” he recently said, “and within science, medicine is the place where you can fix stuff. My work focuses on lessening the disparities in accessing necessities through treatment, prevention and leadership. As president of Habitat for Humanity on campus and a social strategy and impact intern at Atrium Health, I focus on treatment: providing immediate housing, food, Internet and financial support to my community in Charlotte. As a researcher working in water purification through nanomaterial, reversing neurodegeneration as well as cancer with protein development, and quantifying disparities in the emergency rooms of hospitals, I work toward prevention. Finally, through teaching CPR classes and inspiring kids to fall in love with science, I strengthen my leadership.”

Campus Compact provides Newman Civic Fellows with learning and networking opportunities to nurture their development as civic leaders. Programming emphasizes personal, professional and civic growth that can help them collaborate effectively across disciplines. The cornerstone of the fellowship is the annual convening of the Newman Civic Fellows, which offers intensive in-person skill-building and networking over three days. The fellowship also provides pathways to apply for exclusive opportunities including mini-grants to help fund community projects, scholarships and post-graduate opportunities.