Suryatej (Sunny) Vakkalanka is a junior National Merit Scholar in the Collegium V Honors Program at The University of Texas at Dallas, majoring in healthcare studies with a minor in political science. On campus, he served as the public health officer and vice president of Hearts for the Homeless, where he spearheaded initiatives such as health literacy resource cards and first aid care packages for the Dallas–Fort Worth unhoused population. He served as the editor-in-chief for the Partners in Health Engage newsletter, where he inspired readers to advocate for greater health care equity. This role led to an opportunity to advocate for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund on Capitol Hill. Off campus, he worked as an emergency medical technician for over a year, providing high-quality medical care to patients. After graduation, he hopes to attend medical school in Texas and continue expanding access to preventive care through policy action and patient advocacy.