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Care Beyond the Clinic

Bridging neuroscience, creativity, and compassion to empower young minds through mental health education and community outreach.

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About Me

Hi, I'm Dhea Katkuri, a high school student with a passion for improving pediatric mental health through neuroscience research, community outreach, and health education.My interests center around pediatric psychology, mental well-being, and how the brain, body, and life experiences shape mental health. ​Through research, service, and community engagement, I strive to make conversations about mental health more approachable, compassionate, and meaningful. My initiative, Mind Over Matter, reflects my commitment to reducing stigma, promoting awareness, and reminding others that mental health deserves the same care and attention as physical health. Whether I'm exploring neuroscience research, leading educational workshops, or serving my community, I'm driven by the belief that compassion and education can create lasting change. As I continue to grow as a student, researcher, and advocate, I hope to pursue a career in healthcare where science and empathy work together to help every person feel seen, supported, and understood.

  Dhea Katkuri

  My Mission  

I believe mental health care shouldn't feel clinical or intimidating. By combining advocacy and science, I aim to make healing more human and approachable for children and teens.

My Research

"How Neurotransmitters Shape Depression"

Driven by my interest in neuroscience and mental health, I authored a 5,000-word review paper titled How Neurotransmitters Shape Depression under the mentorship of Professor Jobin Varkey at the USC Department of Physiology and Neuroscience.

My research examines proteomic biomarkers and protein-protein interaction networks to better understand how neurotransmitter dysregulation contributes to depression and how these discoveries may support future diagnosis and treatment.

Publication Status

Accepted for Publication

International Journal of High School Research

Scheduled Publication: December 2026

Winship Summer Scholars Research Program - Virtual Series

During the six-week Virtual Summer Scholars Research Program at Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute, I explored the intersection of basic science, public health, and clinical oncology.

 

Through lectures by Emory physicians, scientists, and professors, I learned how research translates from the bench to the bedside. I gained a comprehensive overview of cancer biology, clinical trial design, and current treatment approaches for conditions ranging from melanoma and brain tumors to breast, lung, and multiple myeloma.

  Honors and Awards  

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3rd HOSA International Leadership Conference Mental Health Promotion 2025

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7th HOSA International Leadership Conference

Mental Health Promotion 2026

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Gold Barbara James Service Award 2026

Silver President's Volunteer Service Award 2025

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3rd HOSA Georgia State Leadership Conference

Mental Health Promotion

2025

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5th HOSA Georgia State Leadership Conference

Mental Health Promotion 2026

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AP Scholar Award 2025, 2026

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College Board National Recognition Program - School Recognition Award 2026

    Trainings & Certificates 

 My Leadership Activities

Leading the Change in Healthcare

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Founder
Mind Over Matter
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          Co-Founder            Revive the Mind

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Main Officer

Alliance Academy HOSA

National Editorial Team

Developed a wellness initiative focused on sustainable stress management and evidence-based guidance.

Led a student campaign to reduce stigma and provide research-informed mental health content.

Directed chapter meetings and fundraisers while guiding members in competitive event preparation.

Promoted eco-friendly small businesses through research-driven digital media campaigns

  Medical & Community Service   

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1. Work Based Learning Internship - Northside Hospital Forsyth (2026-2027)

Support hospital operations and multidisciplinary workflows across 5 departments, including neurology and med-surg; assist with vitals, bed calls, swallow screens, 1–2 hr turns (Braden <18), and documentation; observe CT scans and medication administration.

2. CIU Nursing Unit Volunteer, Emory University Hospital

Assisted nurses in CIU unit, supported patients while helping improve hospital operations, and helped w/ front desk management.

3. Med Tele3 East Volunteer, Wellstar Fulton Medical Center

Assisted patients and nursing staff in an acute-care hospital setting, supporting 20+ patients daily. Responsibilities included retocking patient care supplies, bath wipes, and isolation gowns in sanitation compartments. Distributed appropriate PPE tailored to specific unit sanitation needs. Audited and completed daily bed alarm tracking sheets. Add cheerful illustrations to patient water cups to help brighten their day.

4. Memory Care , Oaks Senior Living

Assisted 75+ elderly residents by leading morning exercise sessions, organizing daily activities, and providing compassionate emotional support and companionship.

5. Leadership Initiatives / Marketing Intern

Public Health Intern for Leadership Initiative, supporting sanitation in Africa and Digital Marketing Intern for Therapeutic Impressions.

6. Medical Shadowing

  • Dr. Shamir Bhikha, Podiatry, Ankles & Foot Center of America - Observed clinical diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of podiatric conditions

  • Dr. Aman Kakkar, Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Care - Gained understanding of cardiology procedures including EKG interpretation, cardiac stress testing, echocardiography, and other non-invasive cardiac diagnostics

  • Dr. Vivek Brahmbatt, Dentistry, Cumming Dental Smiles - Managed clinical room setup, sterilization protocols, and patient workflows while assisting during dental procedures

7. CTAE Health Educator

Taught EMT and clinical laboratory concepts to elementary students across four schools. Used demonstrations, interactive questions, and hands-on activities to make complex healthcare topics easier to understand. Encouraged students to become more confident in basic emergency response skills and explore future careers in healthcare.

8. Community Support, Meals by Grace

Prepared, packaged, and distributed meals for more than 20 families experiencing food insecurity. Worked alongside other volunteers to organize donations and ensure each family received essential groceries and supplies. 

9. G100 Youth Patient Advocacy

Championed mental health advocacy, neuroscience research awareness, and community outreach initiatives as a youth advisory member. Shared ideas focused on improving education, employment opportunities, scholarships, and access to support for young people. Collaborated with other youth leaders to promote meaningful change and amplify the needs of underserved communities. https://www.g100.in/usa-country-advisory-council-education-employment-scholarships-wing/ 

10. Religious Activities - Gopakuteer

Volunteered with and mentored children under the age of 8 during cultural and religious gatherings. Helped lead activities, supervise participants, and create an engaging environment where children could learn about their heritage. Supported organizational fundraising and community outreach by participating in charity fun runs.​​​

11. Desana Symphonic Band

Performed as a trombonist in the Desana Middle School Symphonic Band, earning 1st Chair in Beginning Band and advancing to 3rd Chair in Symphonic Band through competitive auditions. Selected to represent the school in Honor Band, where top musicians from multiple middle schools learned five challenging concert pieces in just three hours before performing them in a combined concert.

Received the Outstanding Player Award, Most Improvement Award, Honor Band Certificate, and Exceptional Row of Instrument Award in recognition of musical excellence, dedication, and leadership.​

  Past and Upcoming Events  

  Publications, Blogs & Podcasts

  Gallery  

Contact 

 

Interested in collaborating? I'd love to connect.

Email : dhearkatkuri@gmail.com

LinkedIn : 

  • LinkedIn
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BLS / CPR /AED 

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FEMA 700 

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HIPAA 

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  National TIMS Training 

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 Infection Control Plan

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Be There

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FEMA 100 

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