Elissa Tam ‘22 of Fishers, Indiana, has been awarded the 2022 Trustees Distinguished Merit Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement not only in a student’s major, but also in the liberal arts and sciences that play a key role in core curriculum. Each college at USI nominates one student for the $2,000 award.
Tam, a USI Honors student, will receive her bachelor’s degree in biology at the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education commencement ceremony in spring 2022. At USI, she is the Student Ambassadors Secretary, Eagles in Action President and has been involved in multiple marketing and communications efforts by the University, including The College Tour and COVID-19 vaccine promotions.
As a biology major, Tam has worked closely with Dr. Alex Champagne, Associate Professor of Biology, on various research projects, including gathering and presenting data on alligator skin lipids.
“Elissa recognizes that although her specific research project is extremely specialized, her findings have broad applications in human medicine and evolutionary biology,†Champagne says. “Furthermore, she recognizes the need to communicate her research in a way that is accessible and understandable to everyone. Whether she’s presenting to a group of scientists or speaking informally with other students, the care and precision she puts into crafting her message reflects her training in languages and culture here at USI.â€
After receiving her degree from USI, Tam plans to apply to medical school in summer 2022 and work at a hospital as a patient care technician until she accepts a medical school offer.
