Preksha Kedilaya, of Bettendorf, Iowa, will speak at the 9 a.m. ceremony. She will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical sciences and a minor in gender health and healthcare equity. Kedilaya is graduating with honors and distinction. 

Kedilaya worked as a research assistant in professor Adrian Elcock’s lab through the biochemistry and molecular biology department in the Carver College of Medicine and said the experience was “monumental” for her growth. Additionally, Kedilaya was a certified nursing aide at Oaknoll, a retirement community in Iowa City, which reinforced her desire to pursue a career in health care. 

She was also president of Iowa Agni A Cappella, as well as peer educator and volunteer at the Women’s Resource Action Center. 

“The University of Iowa offered many opportunities that aligned with my interests, especially regarding medicine, music, and diversity,” Kedilaya said. “I was able to find long-lasting communities that fit these interests, and I am very happy with my decision to study at Iowa.”  

Kedilaya chose to major in biomedical sciences because of her desire to pursue a career in health care. Minoring in gender, health, and healthcare equity allowed Kedilaya to “explore my own bias and gain a deeper understanding of the inclusivity and compassion I want to hold as a future healthcare provider.”  

“It takes a special type of person to enjoy working in healthcare, and I realized very quickly that I thrived in that environment,” Kedilaya said. 

The college also gave her opportunities to learn and grow personally and academically, she said. The supportive faculty, mentors, and advisors especially stood out during her experience in CLAS.  

During her address, Kedilaya will focus on the upcoming journey graduates are preparing to embark on.  

“I want students to understand that their entire future is at their fingertips,” Kedilaya said. “They should lean into that and create the world that they want to live in.” 

As for her plans after graduation, Kedilaya will begin the physician assistant program at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse through the Mayo Clinic in June.