Biography

Bhavik Patel is a Senior IT professional at the University of Rhode Island’s Memorial Union. His academic and professional journey includes transferring out of UConn after two years, completing an associate’s degree in Networking Engineering, and earning a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity from New England Institute of Technology. He later worked at a Fortune 500 company before returning to URI to complete a Professional Science Master’s in Cybersecurity. At URI, Bhavik also contributes to student life by advising organizations such as SASA and Esports, helping students engage with campus communities and opportunities in technology and beyond. As a mentor, he draws from his own experiences navigating setbacks and non-linear paths, encouraging students to recognize their potential even through mistakes and uncertainty. He emphasizes that exploration is key to growth, often reminding students, “You have to try it to know if you like it,” while supporting them in building confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.