Hello! My name is Joel Graham and I am a 23 year old student currently at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. I am originally from Covington, KY and moved to Louisville in 2004 on an academic scholarship to pursue my studies in college. I received my bachelors of engineering in Bioengineering at the University of Louisville last May and I am currently in graduate school to obtain my masters degree. I have always enjoyed the outdoors since my scouting days and enjoy biking, canoeing, soccer, tennis, ultimate Frisbee, and camping. I am an easygoing guy and enjoy meeting new people.
As far as affordable housing cause, I have frequently worked with Habitat for Humanity and developed an awareness for the global need for affordable housing. I believe that everyone is entitled to a good roof over their heads and now is the time to spread the word about this cause. The economy is in turmoil right now with good people being laid off or losing their jobs. Spreading this cause can really help these people who cannot afford a home or get a loan from the bank. It can also give hope to people in this dreary economic environment.
I find this opportunity as a chance to give back to the society that has helped me thus far in my life and as a great challenge (both physically and mentally) for myself. For the better part of my life I have kept my focus towards school and work and am looking for a change. As part of my studies I interned in Chicago for a year working with doctors and surgeons in a hospital with patients receiving artificial heart assist devices. I have since then immersed myself in clinical, experimental, and animal research in human heart failure. I see this as an opportunity to do something outside of my career path and help others with needs greater than my own.
I am incredibly excited about this opportunity and cannot wait to ride coast-to-coast across the country. It will be also a chance to give back to the communities across the country and I know it will be one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
