April 29, 2026 Pollock honored for outstanding student support Written By: Renee Meiller Categories: Awards On April 29, 2026, Grainger Dean Devesh Ranjan hosted a celebration at which he recognized engineering faculty and staff for outstanding daily work that shapes the heart of our college. Janna Pollock, a graduate advisor in academic affairs, received the inaugural Outstanding Student Support Award. Pollock is the graduate student services coordinator for biomedical engineering and materials science and engineering. Students often describe her as the person who can make complicated processes feel manageable. She’s a resource for prospective and current students, leveraging a vast trove of knowledge that includes everything from Graduate School policy and campus resources to funding information and degree requirements. She provides clear, compassionate support to students on topics ranging from admissions to moments of academic or personal stress. Notes one student: “She calmly untangles and explains all concerns about classes, qualifying exams and everything else. I’m thankful for her … ability to turn academic crises into calm, clear plans.” Pollock also leverages her experience as a member of the BME Graduate Curriculum Committee, where she plays a role in the systems that support student success. And she contributes in areas as wide-ranging as undergraduate campus visits, career fairs and other efforts that strengthen our students’ experience and reinforce their sense of community.