Shyam Patel
About Shyam Patel
Shyam Patel serves as the Communications Director for the Sexual & Gender Minority Research Office at the National Institutes of Health, a position he has held since 2021. He has a diverse background in research and communications, having previously worked in various roles at institutions including the University of Maryland and the Center for Injury Research and Prevention.
Current Role at National Institutes of Health
Shyam Patel serves as the Communications Director for the Sexual & Gender Minority Research Office at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 2021. In this role, he is responsible for optimizing public engagement and curating digital content. He develops written products and presentations that communicate the office's initiatives and research findings. Patel also advises on programmatic efforts related to sexual and gender minority health, providing subject matter expertise on health disparities affecting these populations.
Previous Experience at GLMA
Prior to his current position, Patel worked as the Senior Communications & Education Associate at GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality from 2017 to 2019. In this role, he focused on communication strategies and educational initiatives aimed at promoting LGBTQ health equity. His experience at GLMA contributed to his expertise in addressing health disparities within sexual and gender minority communities.
Educational Background
Shyam Patel earned two Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. He studied Psychology with a focus on Clinical & Developmental Psychology, as well as Interdisciplinary Studies in Pediatric Healthcare. His academic journey spanned from 2009 to 2014, during which he developed a strong foundation in both psychology and healthcare, informing his later work in health communications and advocacy.
Work Experience in Research and Education
Shyam Patel has a diverse background in research and education. He served as a Clinical Research Assistant at the Center for Injury Research and Prevention at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for two months in 2013. Additionally, he held various positions at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, including Teaching Assistant in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Senior Research Assistant in Pediatric Psychology Lab, and Assistant Director of Diversity & Multicultural Affairs. These roles provided him with valuable experience in academic and clinical settings.
Involvement in Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
Throughout his career, Patel has actively participated in trans-agency committees and working groups focused on diversity and inclusion. His role as Director of Student Advocacy at the University of Maryland Baltimore County and his current work at NIH reflect his commitment to promoting diversity within healthcare and research environments. He continues to engage in efforts that address the needs of sexual and gender minorities in health-related fields.