USCB Senior Matthew “Matty” Holt Accepted into Prestigious Yale PATHS Program
University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) senior Matthew “Matty” Holt has been selected to participate in the Yale School of Medicine’s 2025–26 Program to Advance Training in Health and Science (PATHS), a nationally competitive initiative that prepares undergraduates and recent graduates for advanced careers in medicine and biomedical research.
Matty, who lives on Lady's Island and came to USCB after pausing college to work, is one of only about 80 students across the United States chosen from hundreds of applicants. They have been admitted into the PhD–NGEI track, which emphasizes training the next generation of scientists.
The 10-month online program of evening seminars is sponsored by the Yale School of
Medicine's Office of Collaborative Excellence and Student Engagement and gives students
access to professional mentors, interactive lectures, and research opportunities.
“We had orientation in August,” Matty said. “We are the next generation of scientists,
and one of the priorities of this program is to create a diverse and well-rounded
learning environment. I've already met researchers from across the world. This program
is trying to expand education and preparation to help facilitate better scientists
around the world.”
Matty, 28, is an Interdisciplinary Studies major focusing on public policy, public health, and biology. Their capstone project examines healthcare disparities faced by patients with variations in sex characteristics (I/VSC). Born intersex, Matty has published poetry about their experiences in USCB’s literary magazine The Pen to increase awareness and has worked in advocacy.
Matty is balancing USCB courses, working as a research assistant in Dr. Kim Ritchie's lab, and the PATHS program seminars, but says they don't feel overwhelmed.
“I think that rigor is part of the reason I was selected for the PATHS program,” Matty said. “Many students in PATHS are in post-baccalaureate programs already, so I’m excited to represent USCB alongside them. I hope I will make a good impression of USCB students, and this might help another USCB student get accepted to PATHS in the future.”
At USCB, Matty has combined classroom work with hands-on research. As an assistant in Ritchie’s lab, they're studying beneficial bacteria on sea turtle eggs collected on Pritchards Island and supporting other faculty-led research on the USCB-owned barrier island. Matty has also been a member of the Pritchards Island sea turtle patrol.
Beyond marine biology, Matty’s research foundation began in clinical neuroscience. Working with neurosurgeon Dr. Ismail Bozkurt, Matty coauthored studies on brain-computer interfaces and neurological conditions. That experience, combined with their work at USCB, reinforced Matty’s desire to pursue an advanced degree in developmental biology, genetics, physiology, and translational medicine.
“Matty Holt’s acceptance into Yale’s distinguished PATHS program is a well-deserved recognition of their curiosity, talent, intellectual drive, and commitment to health and science,” said Dr. Mercer Brugler, chair of USCB’s Natural Sciences department, who recommended Matty for the PATHS program. "Unique opportunities like this not only honor individual achievement but also inspire other students at USCB to dream big and pursue excellence."
Looking ahead, Matty plans to apply to medical schools at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Emory University, Duke University, the University of North Carolina, Yale, and University of Colorado. Their ultimate goal is to improve care for people with VSC, especially in rural areas where resources are limited.
In the PATHS program, Matty will work with a mentor who is a medical school student or PhD student at the Yale School of Medicine.
“We’ll be assigned our mentors soon through a mentor mixer,” Matty explained. “I’m excited to meet my mentor and am hoping to collaborate on reproductive health or VSC health in basic science research."
For Matty, the PATHS program represents both personal and professional growth.
“This is an incredible opportunity, and I want to use it not only to prepare for medical
school but also to show what USCB students are capable of," they said.
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CW 9/2/25