Leela Goel

Hometown/State: Raleigh, NC

Incoming EC Scholar Class (year): 2012

Scholarship(s) Awarded: Henry G. and Nancy Williamson Leadership East Carolina Scholars Award

Major/Intended Major:  Engineering with a concentration in Biomedical

Why did you choose to attend East Carolina University? 

All of the faculty and staff that I met when visiting ECU made me feel at home.  The Honors College staff made me feel especially welcome at ECU and I was confident that I would be able to accomplish all of the academic and professional goals I had for my undergraduate education at ECU.

What has your scholarship enabled you to do?

This scholarship has given me the freedom to be a truly full time student at ECU.  I am very fortunate that I do not have to worry about paying back student loans or affording to pay for my college education.  This allows me to focus on learning and participating in activities that interest me.

What special undergraduate research opportunities have you experienced at the university?

I recently started observing and working in ECU’s biomechanics lab, which is part the Department of Kinesiology.  I am really excited about the opportunity to learn about biomechanics and about current research in this field!  As one of the graduate students once told me, “This is the cool lab.”

What unique leadership opportunities have you experienced at the university?

The Honors Leadership Colloquium has given me the opportunity to learn about different types of leadership.  While I usually think of a leader as a singular person who leads a group by example, this class reminded me that the “followers” of an organization are also essential to accomplishing the mission of an organization.

What are your career plans/aspirations?

After seeing the effects of stroke on my grandmother, I knew I wanted to become a doctor.  Whether or not I decide to earn my MD, PhD, or to do an MD/PhD program will depend on the aspects of improving human health that interest me the most.   As I learn more about approaching human health problems from both a medical perspective and research perspective over the next few years, I will have better understanding for the career path I want to take in order to reduce the suffering of stroke victims.

How have you made a positive impact while you have been at East Carolina University?

During Honors College Service Day, I helped with the Go Science program.  I had the opportunity to teach kids about science by letting them play with scented balloons!  I loved seeing the kids get excited about learning and becoming curious about the world around them.