• Undergraduate researcher in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Associated Student Government Vice-President"
• Tutor/mentor in Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)
• 2024 Presidential Distinguished Service Award

"Research allows me to ask questions that push the boundaries of science. Pushing the boundaries of science … can lead to innovation that transforms human life."

The Frankel Outstanding Premedical Student of the Year Award recognizes the top premedical student in each graduating class, and the awardee is selected by the Director and Assistant Director of the Mallory-Wilson Center for Healthcare Education. The 2023-24 recipient of the Ken and Joan Frankel Outstanding Premedical Student Award is Jules Jefferson. 

Jules is a triple major in Biochemistry, Environmental Science, and Nutrition with a co-major in Premedical Studies. Despite the challenge of so many majors, she has achieved outstanding GPA and MCAT scores. As exceptional as her academic record has been, her leadership and service set her apart. As the outgoing ASG Vice President, she has been able to help set their agenda to better the lives of Miami students.  She received a Presidential Distinguished Service Award this year and was recognized for her involvement in sustainability and service.

"From the Student Sustainability Council, to EcoReps, to Engineers Without Borders, Jules pushed herself, her peers, and Miami to make a positive impact on the environment."

Jules was also recognized for her focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, which further influenced her efforts to help others.  For example, she served as a tutor to student participants in the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP), where she would not only tutor subjects but also to teach them how to study more efficiently. In addition, she served as Community Service chair for the Minority Association for Pre-Health Students. Moreover, in a summer research project at Cincinnati Children’s, she helped develop a flow cytometric assay to assess splenic function in children treated for sickle cell anemia.

This experience helped Jules develop a passion for research, and here at Miami she studied the interaction between tannins and nanoparticles in the lab of Dr Ann Hagerman.  Indeed, her research experience likely influenced her career path as a future physician-scientist. We are excited to see her start medical school in their MD/PhD program at the Ohio State University this fall.

The Mallory-Wilson Center is proud to recognize Jules Jefferson as not only a deserving recipient of this award but also as an outstanding member of Miami’s pre-health community. Congratulations Jules! We wish you and all your outstanding classmates the best of luck in medical school and beyond.

[May 2023]