KU Biology Student Earns the Congressional Award Gold Medal

Congratulations to Mahith S! Mahith is currently a sophomore studying Biology at The University of Kansas and has undertaken an impressive challenge to earn a Congressional Award Gold Medal! The Congressional Award the only charity organized by the United States Congress.

Established to law in 1979, the Congressional Award was created to honor, encourage, and inspire America’s youth. In the ensuing years, Congress has recognized thousands of outstanding young Americans who have earned and deserve our admiration and recognition.

Through the Congressional Award, Congress urges young people to challenge themselves. Any interested, motivated student, aged 13 ½ through 23 years old, may participate in the Congressional Award by setting and achieving individually challenging goals in four program areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness and Expedition/Exploration. The Congressional Award is designed to meet the needs of every participant as they set goals according to their own interests and level of abilities.

 

To earn the Gold Medal, the most challenging and prestigious of the Congressional Awards, each participant must complete at least 400 hours of Voluntary Public Service, 200 hours of Personal Development, and 200 hours of Physical Fitness. Additionally, they must spend at least 5 days and 4 nights exploring a new environment or culture.

Mahith worked continuously on his voluntary public service work throughout 2024 and began volunteering with a cancer research team at Washington University in St. Louis that summer. This research lab focuses on improving cancer treatments by creating special antibodies that target cancer cells and carry chemotherapy drugs directly to those cells; this targeted approach to chemotherapy helps avoid damage to healthy parts of the body.

In a project with the WashU team, Mahith assisted research on a new way to make radiation therapy more effective. Using antibody drug conjugates (ACDs) to carry a drug that makes cancer cells more sensitive to radiation, the team was able to release the drug inside the cancerous cells and help radiation kill the cancer more effectively.  This research allowed for a discovery of a new marker on cancer cells that helps the ADC’s go straight to the tumor without affecting normal cells.  Mahith wrote, “The firsthand experience of seeing the effect science can have on people’s lives while working in tandem with targeted cancer treatment made a real impact on me and made me fall in love with the idea of helping others through medicine.”

Mahith wrote, “I also spent time volunteering at Barnes Jewish hospital, where I met with patients from different walks of life. Many of the patients faced tough battles with cancer and I noticed how younger and older patients coped differently with their diagnoses; some were quiet and calm while others leaned on family or stayed positive through it all. These powerful moments taught me how strong people can be even when experiencing hardship. I listened, helped where I could, and learned to appreciate the human side of healthcare. This experience made me even more passionate about becoming someone who not only understands science but also cares for people.”

While he worked to complete the Congressional Award goals, Mahith was able to explore Sri Lankan culture in London.  Mahith took the opportunity to learn more about his heritage by visiting Sri Lankan neighborhoods and temples, attending cultural festivals, and trying traditional foods like hoppers and milk rice. He spoke with local Sri Lankan immigrants to hear their stories about building new lives in a different country, which helped him connect more deeply to his culture and understand how culture travels across the borders.

These experiences often mirrored Mahith’s own, as he moved to U.S without knowing how to speak English fluently. “Adjusting to a new country, language, and culture wasn’t easy, but over time, I overcame those challenges using them as motivation to grow, adapt and stay curious.” Mahith wrote. “My journey to the Gold Medal shows not only the service hours and goals completed, but the personal journey of becoming stronger, learning who I am, and finding the confidence through all the ups and downs.”

“One of the biggest things I learned from The Congressional Award experience is the power of persistence and how small steps lead to big achievements. It wasn’t always easy, and there were times when I wanted to give up, but pushing through those moments taught me the importance of staying committed, even when progress feels slow.

“I also learned a lot about balancing different areas of life, like school, community service, and personal goals. The award helped me improve my time management and organization skills, which are super useful not just in biology but in everything I do.

“Overall, the program showed me that growth doesn’t happen overnight. It’s about taking consistent action and making a difference, whether in your community or your own life.” Mahith wrote.

Later this summer, Mahith will receive the Congressional Award Gold Medal at a special in-person event hosted by Congress in Washington D.C. There, Mahith will have the chance to learn more about US history and take part in special events. Mahith will meet Speaker of the House and other members of Congress and looks forward to connecting with fellow awardees and engaging in conversations with national leaders.