Did You Know
DR. PREETHI CHANDRAN RECEIVES PRESIDENTIAL AWARD
The Department of Chemical Engineering's Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies Dr. Preethi L. Chandran has received the 2024 President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious honor was presented to Chandran by Jazmin McKoy, founder and executive director of the Heart of Tabitha Foundation, at the 43rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Breakfast in Annapolis, Maryland.
Awarded by former President Joe Biden, the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to volunteer service and made a lasting impact on their communities. Chandran has exemplified these qualities throughout her career, both in her academic work and beyond. Her unwavering commitment to mentoring underrepresented students, organizing STEM workshops for underserved communities, and advancing research in biophysical sciences has left a profound mark on society. Supported by grants from the NSF, NIH, and private industry, her innovative research addresses critical real-world challenges.
Chandran’s research work covers the biophysics of glycans in virus transmission, DNA nanocontainers for delivering proteins, and multi-scale biomechanical modeling, with applications in biological systems and materials science. Outside of the laboratory, she has also worked to inspire the next generation of scientists, having engaged with students from the Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science as well as other schools in the DMV area. This includes a partnership with the Heart of Tabitha Foundation which aims to help economically and socially disadvantaged students achieve their post-secondary goals and have a greater chance at living a fulfilling life.
HOWARD PARTICIPATES IN THE SCHMIDT SCIENCE FELLOWS PROGRAM
The Schmidt Science Fellows works in partnership Howard's Graduate School to identify candidates (natural sciences, engineering, math, computing) for each year’s Fellowship. To be eligible to apply to Schmidt Science Fellows, students must be nominated by their PhD awarding institution. In addition, have completed all requirements for the conferral of the PhD between May 15, 2025, and June 30, 2026, and be able to start the Fellowship in July or October 2026.
Fellowship provides $110,000 per year for up to two years of postdoctoral research, science leadership training and mentorship, tailored professional development to help students grow as a leader and lifelong fellowship - a stimulating, caring and collaborative community.
Deadline | July 14, 2025 | Apply Here
THE GRADUATE SCHOOL HAS A COLLABORATION WITH GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY
It is called the Center for Medical Humanities and Health Justice. Its work is focused on shaping the future of medical humanities, and providing a model for leveraging holistic and analytic approaches to advance health justice. The Center believes in the power of medical humanities to identify health patterns, enhance healthcare practices, and improve outcomes, ultimately making a positive impact on people's lives. Read more about the Center and its news here.