Kush Mahan

A 2010 graduate of Bates College, Kush Mahan studied psychology and completed a number of internships and research projects to further advance his understanding of the field. In 2009, Mr. Mahan worked in the University of Chicago's Alzheimer's Research Laboratory, and he also completed an internship at Seattle Children's Hospital Center, where he helped investigate new options for the treatment of hydrocephalus in young people. Kush Mahan additionally conducted studies on mindfulness meditation training at Genesis Psychiatric Residential Home in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Kush Mahan also played squash while at Bates College, a pursuit he has excelled in from a young age. He played for the Zimbabwean Junior National Team as a child and has been the highest-ranked player in the country in several age groups. In addition, he participated on the South African Junior National Team.

After moving to the United States and entering Bates, Kush Mahan continued to distinguish himself on the court. A four-year member of the school's squash team, he earned the Most Valuable Player award for the 2009-2010 season. At the same time, he was named the Bates College Male Athlete of the Year. He also garnered recognition from the College Squash Association, which featured his win over the number-one ranked competitor from Trinity College as the sport's biggest story of the year.

Kush Mahan was also recognized as the Player of the Year by the New England Small College Athletic Conference, which awarded him All-Academic Honors. Today, as a member of the Kenyan National Training Program, he aims to compete in the Commonwealth Games and the World Team Championships.