Ph.D. student lands prestigious Gilliam Fellowship

For the first time and from a record number of applicants, a Clemson Ph.D. student has been named a 2024 Gilliam Fellow by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI).

Jakini Kauba, a Ph.D. student in mathematics, and her advisor, Keisha Cook, join the Gilliam cohort of 50 student/advisor pairs selected this year. Cook is an assistant professor in the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences in Clemson’s College of Science.

The Gilliam Fellows Program, administered by HHMI’s Center for the Advancement of Science Leadership and Culture, recognizes outstanding graduate student-advisor pairs from across the United States. Each selected pair receives $53,000 annually for up to three years to support the student’s dissertation research.

The Gilliam Fellows are selected not only for their research but also for their commitment to promoting equity and diversity in the sciences. They represent an array of research areas, from brain development to molecular biology, reflecting the program’s goal to support the next generation of scientific leaders.

HHMI’s Vice President of Science Leadership and Culture, Blanton Tolbert, praised this year’s cohort. “These fellows and their advisors are pioneers in their fields, paving the way for a more inclusive scientific community,” Tolbert stated.

Kauba’s research focuses on computational biology, specifically addressing social justice issues through her work. She aspires to become a computational biologist serving communities and ultimately aims to be a professor at an R-1 institution, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

Kauba expressed her gratitude for the support she received from the Graduate School in discovering and applying for the Gilliam Fellowship. She advised future applicants to “start early, keep your resume/CV updated, and keep your application essays organized.” She says this approach helped her to present a comprehensive picture of her academic, professional, and personal experiences, showcasing her interest and experience working in biological sciences.

Her advisor remarked, “With this fellowship, Jakini will have the opportunity to network with students and faculty across various areas of medical science while performing advanced mathematical modeling research related to health and medicine.”

“This fellowship also allows me to engage deeply in the culture of medical science research, enhancing the models currently used in my research group and introducing new cutting-edge data and ideas,” Cook continued, also expressing thanks to HHMI for supporting this research.