Rincon Jagarlamudi, a junior at Vanderbilt University, has been named as a 2024 Truman Scholar, receiving a $30,000 grant for graduate school.
Jagarlamudi is also entitled to engage in professional development programs designed to prepare him for a career in public service leadership. He will collect his accolades at a ceremony held at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri.
Jagarlamudi, a Missouri biochemistry student and the son of two immigrant parents, plans to pursue a medical career. During his time at Vanderbilt, he served as co-president of Next Steps Ambassadores, the support group for Vanderbilt’s inclusive higher education program for neurodiverse students, and as campus policy chair for Active Minds, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and supporting mental health on college campuses.
Jagarlamudi developed the NGO Hip Hop Public Health’s flagship ambassador site in Nashville, where hip-hop music and culture are used to break down cultural barriers to health awareness and equity. He hopes to combine his work as a disability rights advocate with his ambition to become a physician who focuses on people with neurodevelopmental problems. Outside of activism and service, Jagarlamudi enjoys watching Formula One races, singing karaoke, and playing pickup basketball with his buddies.
He is Vanderbilt’s first Truman Scholar since 2015. Charu Balamurugan, a Vanderbilt student, was one of this year’s Truman Scholar finalists.
Alissa Hare, who is co-director of the Biochemistry and Chemical Biology program, said Jagarlamudi has been a standout student.
“We are thrilled to hear that Rincon has been awarded the Truman Scholarship to join the 2024 cohort of scholars. As a biochemistry and chemical biology major, Rincon has demonstrated excellence in his coursework and a commitment to conducting research at the highest level,” said Hare, who is Jagarlamudi’s academic adviser. “Rincon is motivated by his desire to work at the interface of translational research and public health. We are glad to have Rincon represent Vanderbilt and the BCB program to the world. He sets a wonderful example of what our students can achieve in scholarship, research and service.”
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation was established by Congress in 1975 as the nation’s living tribute to President Harry S. Truman. The foundation’s aim is to identify and support the next generation of public service leaders, and the Truman Award has become one of the most prominent national scholarships in the United States.
Each year, candidates for the Truman Scholarship go through a demanding, multi-stage selection process. In 2024, 709 contenders for the award were nominated by 285 colleges and universities. The 193 contenders were interviewed in March and early April by one of 16 regional selection panels.
Those interested in the Truman Scholarship or other competitive fellowships should contact Elizabeth Harrington Lambert, associate director of fellowships and scholarships at Vanderbilt at fellowships@vanderbilt.edu.
