Minuscule
In a black and white photo composition Mehul Vora titled “Miniscule” is a mesmerizing army of fish with a lone SCUBA diver immersed in an intimate moment. In a flash you immediately feel minuscule, but in awe of the grandeur. While browsing through his social media accounts @MehulVoraPhotography, his eye for intricate details and clever captions lure you into his world.
Currently a senior scientist at Rutgers–New Brunswick’s Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Vora is also a part-time, volunteer SCUBA instructor for Rutgers Recreation. This new-found passion for underwater photography would not have been possible had Vora not discovered the program while studying for his doctorate at the university in 2005. Because of a car accident in the seventh grade, Vora is unable to fully commit to any land sports since running was problematic.
“The skills that I’ve developed while diving are directly applicable to everyday professional life.”
“I got into swimming and upon coming to Rutgers, I decided to give SCUBA a shot and absolutely fell in love with it, ” says Vora. “The first time I descended on an underwater wreck dive at Point Pleasant Beach in New Jersey and witnessed the countless sea creatures among the starfish and anemones was nothing short of magical.”
“I could move in three dimensions, hover motionless with nothing but the sound of my bubbles,” Vora says. “I knew I would be diving the rest of my life.”
Since then, Vora’s adventures have included Indonesia and countless SCUBA trips with recreation, including the Bahamas and Florida Keys. As a SCUBA instructor, Vora has infused his love for diving to over 80 students from ages 8-68.
“Being underwater is exciting and challenging,” says Vora. “Becoming a good diver and finally instilling those skills in others requires patience, focus and perseverance.”
“Developing my people skills as I instruct students in a fun and engaging manner are skills that I use every day in my professional career,” says Vora. “I am a senior scientist at Rutgers and often work with teams. The skills that I’ve developed while diving are directly applicable to everyday professional life.”
Financial support from alumni, parents, and friends helps us create the innovative learning opportunities that challenge students to be their best at Rutgers and beyond.
