Chemical Engineering
Biography
My name is Delaney Jackson, and I am a chemical engineering major at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I am proud to be part of the Chancellor’s Honors College and a recipient of the Distinguished Tennessean Award. Within my studies, I am particularly interested in process engineering and its applications in the healthcare field. I am motivated by the idea of improving systems that support doctors, patients, and communities, and I hope to use my engineering background to contribute to innovations that enhance efficiency, safety, and access to care.
My professional and volunteer experiences have played a significant role in shaping this passion. At Team Health, I worked as a tax intern, gaining valuable insight into the structure of healthcare organizations and the importance of effective systems that enable medical professionals to focus on patient care. Through my involvement with YoungLife—where I dedicated over 700 volunteer hours—I developed discipline, resilience, and collaboration skills while serving in high-demand, team-oriented environments. Additionally, my role as a Resident Assistant has strengthened my leadership abilities by challenging me to support and manage a diverse community, resolve conflicts, and create inclusive spaces where students can thrive. These experiences have deepened my understanding of how service, teamwork, and leadership intersect with problem-solving.
In recognition of my leadership and service efforts, I have received the MLK Commission Youth Leadership Award and won multiple oratorical contests—highlighting my ability to advocate for meaningful causes. Looking ahead, I aspire to combine my engineering education, leadership experience, and passion for health to pursue a career in process engineering. My goal is to design systems and solutions that drive innovation while improving lives.
This passion ultimately led me to join Heath IBEP. I was drawn to the program because it brings together the worlds of engineering and business—two fields I have seen work hand-in-hand through my parents’ careers. Witnessing their ability to solve problems by thinking critically from both perspectives inspired me to develop similar skills. I believe learning to think in both ways is essential for success in today’s interconnected world.
