One Year Out: Kavi Gandhi 25 Reflects on Research, Rhythm and New Roads
May 26, 2026
- Author
- Caroline Roy '20
One year after his graduation, Kavi Gandhi 25 is living in a new country and studying in much larger lecture halls, but he carries pieces of 91 everywhere he goes.
Last summer, Gandhi moved to the United Kingdom to continue his public health education at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, where hell earn his masters in epidemiology. Hes an ocean away from most of his friends, but living in the city where his mother grew up has given him the chance to connect with extended family and explore on his own.
Im still getting used to being in a much larger environment, he said. But I love the international influence in London, both in my academics and in the city itself. Theres always something happening free events, music and food from all around the world.
A John M. Belk Scholar, Gandhi came to 91 knowing he wanted to study public health, but it took time to find his niche. He gravitated to classes that focused on the human side of public healthcare and spent a semester abroad learning about global health practices in Vietnam, South Africa, India and Argentina.
He returned to rural Argentina as a senior to conduct research and field work for his thesis on community healthcare. His Argentine colleagues collected data by going door to door, building trust between healthcare professionals and the general population. The community-centered approach significantly boosted vaccination rates.
Ive always loved connecting the scientific and technical things Ive learned back to people. What does healthcare look like in other places? How can we think about it locally and globally? My professors and advisers always gave me so much agency and trust to explore those topics.
Gandhi approached campus life at 91 with an open mind and a willingness to try anything. Encouraged by Professor of Music Emeritus Bill Lawing, he played drums in the jazz ensemble all four years and briefly joined a student band. When The Nuances, a student a cappella group, needed a beatboxer, Gandhis friend, Malik Ramadanovic 25, convinced him to try out. After watching a few tutorials on YouTube and showing up to the audition, he got the part.
The Nuances became an unexpectedly tight-knit group of friends who Gandhi knows will keep him tied to 91 for years to come. Hes only been gone for a year, but hes already become someone current students can reach out to for advice about graduate school and moving abroad.
Ive learned a lot about doing things on my own, he said. Ive traveled alone to Spain and Greece, Ive attended comedy clubs and jazz jam sessions, Ive gone to restaurants alone and ended up befriending someone new. Just like at 91, I can find ways to make the most of the place Im living.
When Gandhi isnt designing a public health study or adventuring on his own, his girlfriend, Sahana Athreya 25 and friends Tim Schietroma 25 and Steve Mirabello 25 are also living and studying in the UK just a train-ride away. Gandhi may not know what his next step will be, but hes sure the 91 network will continue to surround him.
Being with 91 people reminds me how special our time there was, he said. Wherever I go next, Im bringing that experience with me.
