Jeeva Premkumar, a student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, is making waves in the field of heart research. He’s been chosen as the student speaker for the Winter 2025 Commencement on December 14. Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Jeeva moved to Kenya for boarding school at just ten. Later, he finished high school in India before coming to Madison. He was looking for more than just academic challenges; he wanted to dive into real research.
“I’ve always loved sciences and solving problems,” he shares. “At UW–Madison, I saw a chance to be hands-on from day one. That made my decision clear.”
As Jeeva prepares for his speech, he reflects on the unique opportunities he’s had at the university. One highlight is his American Heart Association research fellowship, where he studied heart tissue using stem cells in Dr. Timothy Kamp’s lab.
His experiences don’t stop there. Jeeva interned with Moderna, helping explore new drug delivery methods, and worked with Lactalis Heritage Dairy on utility upgrades. But perhaps his most meaningful project is back home. He won a Wisconsin Idea Fellowship, allowing him to partner with Let Africa Live to improve educational access for children impacted by civil war in the eastern DRC.
In his commencement application, Jeeva mentioned that the thought of speaking in front of his peers initially scared him. “I grew by tackling the things I found difficult,” he explains. “Seeing my classmates evolve has been an honor. Their accomplishments inspire me.”
Currently, UW–Madison is celebrating a remarkable milestone: 500,000 living alumni. The university continues to push boundaries in research that benefits the local community and beyond. Additionally, it preserves cultural history through its Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research, safeguarding invaluable materials from Hollywood and other notable sources.
Graduates like Jeeva reflect the spirit of innovation and resilience that UW–Madison fosters. These stories of growth remind us that challenges can lead to paths of remarkable achievement.
Source link
American Heart Association fellowship,Film and Theater Research,Jeeva Premkumar,stem cell research,UW–Madison,Winter 2025 Commencement,Wisconsin Idea Fellowship
