Derek Chang Receives Kennedy, Knox, and Sheldon Traveling Fellowship
Derek Chang, SM2 ’26, is the recipient of the Kennedy, Knox and Sheldon Traveling Fellowship from Harvard University. Read the following Q&A to learn more about his experience at the Harvard Chan School, his plans for the fellowship, and beyond.
- Can you tell us a little about the Kennedy, Knox and Sheldon Traveling Fellowship and your project plans?
The Kennedy, Knox, and Sheldon Traveling Fellowship is a collection of fellowships provided by Harvard to support one full academic year of research or studies abroad. I will be working on studies related to colorectal cancer and mental health at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm for the upcoming academic year. - You were a recipient of the Rose Traveling Fellowship (Fall 2024). What was your experience with the Rose fellowship and how did it shape your current project?
The Rose Traveling Fellowship was an amazing opportunity that allowed me to travel to Sweden last summer to work on a study related to infections and the risk of colorectal cancer. I enjoyed learning about the data and research practices in a new environment and networking with researchers from different backgrounds. Overall, it was an enriching and enlightening experience that led me to want to go back! - Looking back at your time here at Harvard Chan School, were there any surprises, highlights from your time here?
The highlights of my time at Harvard Chan School came from interactions with passionate and dedicated faculty, staff, and peers. I appreciate all the lectures and events, all of which strengthened my resolve and passion for the field. Particularly, I have learned so much about study design and research practices through working with my advisor Mingyang Song, whose supportive mentorship has enriched my experience. Additionally, I appreciate the friends and connections I have made in the school’s welcoming environment. - Any (short-term) post-graduation plans beyond the fellowship?
After the fellowship, I intend to continue my academic and research trainings in epidemiology by pursuing a PhD program, with long-term goals dedicated towards leading research studies and policymaking for public health. Furthermore, I aspire to advance registry-based research methods to generate robust epidemiological evidence and create health impacts for different communities.
