College baseball pitcher Carlos Delgado is juggling a senior season at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia, with a budding career in health research, thanks to his participation in the American Heart Association Scholars Program.
From the diamond to the lab
Delgado, 22, will finish his fourth year as a biology major while still chasing a dream of playing in Major League Baseball. The dual focus is not accidental; the initiative pairs undergraduates with mentors who guide them through research projects that address real‑world health challenges.
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He is one of 65 students selected for the latest cohort, now in its eleventh year. Since its inception, the effort has produced more than 500 alumni who work in science, medicine and public health, often coming from under‑resourced backgrounds.
Research on juvenile trauma
Delgado co‑authored a study of a program that helps juvenile offenders and their families cope with traumatic experiences associated with long‑term health problems. The study linked adverse childhood experiences to higher long‑term risks of cardiovascular disease and other health problems.
In May, Delgado presented the results at the Scholars’ Research Symposium in Atlanta, walking away with a stack of business cards and new professional contacts.
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Balancing act on and off the field
Delgado admits he was hesitant to apply, fearing that eight hours of weekly research would clash with more than 40 hours of baseball practice, weight training and travel. “I was a little scared,” he recalled, “but usually when I’m afraid of something, that means I should go for it because opportunities like this don’t come along a lot.”
Future in sports medicine or physical therapy
Looking ahead, Delgado plans to enter a career in sports medicine or physical therapy, fields where he hopes to blend his athletic experience with clinical expertise. He says the initiative has bolstered his confidence in pursuing a health‑care path, should his baseball aspirations not materialize.
“You’ve got to take leaps of faith,” he said, encouraging peers to apply even if they feel uncertain about their plans.
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Program outlook
The organization continues to accept applications for its next cohort, inviting undergraduates to apply and graduate students to contact the group for more information. Health professionals are also asked to consider mentorship roles, helping shape the next generation of leaders in science and public health.
For additional details, interested parties can visit the American Heart Association website.
