Princeton Honors Four Graduate Students with Jacobus Fellowships

Four exceptional graduate students from Princeton University have been awarded the prestigious Porter Ogden Jacobus Fellowship, the institution’s highest distinction for graduate scholars. The recipients are historian Philip Decker, mathematician Victor Geadah, computer scientist Sayash Kapoor, and literary scholar Eliana Rozinov. They will be honored during Alumni Day ceremonies on February 21, 2024.

Established in 1905, the Jacobus Fellowship is awarded to one Ph.D. student in each of the four academic divisions: humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. This fellowship supports students in their final year of study at Princeton and recognizes those whose research exemplifies the highest standards of scholarly excellence.

Rodney Priestley, dean of the Graduate School, remarked on the significance of the award, stating, “Throughout this 125th anniversary year of the Princeton Graduate School, we have been reflecting on the transformational impact of Princeton graduate education on our students, the University, and the world. This year’s Jacobus Fellows exemplify that legacy.” He noted that their research spans critical topics, from the development of accountable artificial intelligence to the intricacies of decision-making in the brain, illustrating a commitment to impactful scholarship.

Research Contributions of the Jacobus Fellows

Philip Decker, a sixth-year doctoral student in history, focuses his dissertation on “The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact: A Cultural and Diplomatic History.” His work investigates Nazi-Soviet relations surrounding the infamous nonaggression treaty signed on August 23, 1939. Decker challenges conventional narratives that emphasize military power, arguing for a deeper understanding of cultural exchanges between Germany and the Soviet Union. His adviser, Yair Mintzker, praised Decker’s archival skills, highlighting the extensive research he undertook, including sifting through thousands of documents across various European archives.

In contrast, Victor Geadah, a fifth-year Ph.D. student in applied and computational mathematics, examines the workings of the brain in his dissertation titled “Statistical Inference of Normative Processes in Neuroscientific Data.” Geadah’s research introduces statistical methods that yield insights into individual behaviors and neural processes. His adviser, Jonathan Pillow, emphasizes Geadah’s unique ability to bridge theoretical and practical applications in neuroscience.

Computer scientist Sayash Kapoor, also a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate, centers his dissertation on “AI’s Impact on Science and Society.” Kapoor critiques the current evaluation methods for artificial intelligence, noting that many researchers unknowingly misuse AI tools, leading to significant errors in scientific papers. His work aims to establish rigorous standards for AI evaluations, thereby influencing public policy and scientific consensus. His adviser, Arvind Narayanan, underscored Kapoor’s role as a leading figure in improving AI assessment practices.

Lastly, Eliana Rozinov, a sixth-year doctoral student in English and Gender and Sexuality Studies, explores feminist interpretations of Freud in her dissertation titled “Riddles of Women: Mythical, Modernist, Freudian.” Rozinov argues that women play a crucial role in understanding the psychological enigmas Freud posited. Her work engages with literary texts from modernist authors, emphasizing how these narratives can reframe contemporary discussions around gender and identity.

Significance of the Jacobus Fellowship

The Jacobus Fellowship not only honors individual academic achievements but also reflects Princeton’s commitment to fostering groundbreaking research. Each fellow’s projects contribute to a broader understanding of their respective fields, addressing complex issues with innovative perspectives. As they prepare to share their findings at Alumni Day, these scholars exemplify the spirit of inquiry and excellence that defines Princeton University.

The recognition of these four graduate students serves as a reminder of the vital role that research plays in shaping our understanding of the world. As they continue their academic journeys, their work promises to illuminate important questions and spark discussions well beyond the walls of Princeton.