Ph.D. Student Andrea Jacobson Receives 2024 Derek Tat Memorial Award
This honor is named in memory of Derek Tat, a student of Cindy Chestek, Professor, Biomedical Engineering, Robotics & Electrical Engineering & Computer Science.
Congratulations to U-M BME Ph.D. student Andrea Jacobson, the recipient of the 2024 Derek Tat Memorial Award. This honor is named in memory of Derek Tat, a student of Cindy Chestek, Professor, Biomedical Engineering, Robotics & Electrical Engineering & Computer Science. Tat had a bright future as a researcher ahead of him when he was tragically killed in an accident in 2014. Dr. Chestek established the award to recognize second-year Ph.D. students who excel in research and mentoring others. She said that the two criterion are:
- “Excellence in Research – Getting Off to a Fast Start”
- “Students Who Extend a Helping Hand to Pull People Up Behind Them”
In addition to the high caliber of Andrea’s scientific work, she is actively involved in volunteering in organizations related to domestic abuse prevention and student mental health, has organized events on inclusive teaching and navigating identity-based challenges in STEM, and has worked with the Graduate Application Assistance Program (GAAP) to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds with their applications to higher education.
“It is an honor to be given this award in commemoration of Derek Tat,” Jacobson said. “I am grateful for the support I have received academically and in volunteer service here at the University. I am looking forward to continuing my research and volunteer service here, and I hope to contribute to the community of support here for future students.”