Pfizer Chairman and CEO Hosts D.C. Posse Ubben Fellow

Sewanee: The University of the South Scholar Jenkins Darbney was one of only five Scholars nationwide to be named a Jeff Ubben Posse Fellow in 2023, an honor that comes with an exclusive CEO level internship and an unrestricted $10,000 stipend. Jenkins, a biology and computer science major, was paired with and mentored by Pfizer Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla.

Named in honor of former Posse Board Chair Jeff Ubben, the fellowship gives participants a unique experience shadowing senior leaders in their field of study. Jenkins is the fourth consecutive Posse D.C. Scholar to be selected for the fellowship.

“The Ubben Fellowship was an invaluable opportunity that has helped me feel confident that I am pursuing the right field,” says Jenkins.

During his internship Jenkins split his time between Pfizer’s Research Center and headquarters in New York City. At the Research Center he shadowed multiple scientists, focusing on learning their techniques for a wide range of projects, including cancer research.

“I was able to have an eye into the relationship between Pfizer as a pharmaceutical company and Pfizer as it relates to our own communities,” Jenkins shares. "Pfizer is conducting cutting edge research, and I admire the leadership it takes to do so at such a large scale.”

On campus, Jenkins has built a reputation as an active and central member of the Posse community.

“Jenkins aims for mastery. He carries himself with humility and commitment and is emboldened by the feeling of being fully immersed in something.” Sewanee Posse Liaison Dr. Sid Brown explains. “This goes beyond being selected for Posse. Jenkins’ commitment to his academics – computer science, policy, and biology – and his wide breadth of interests came into a crescendo when he won Ubben.”