During his two years as a CEE Communication Fellow at MIT, Teja Jammalamadaka hosted 98 individual coaching appointments, and led workshops on visual communication, PhD thesis proposal writing, and the responsible use of generative AI in scientific writing. In this post, Teja reflects on his Comm Fellow journey and the lessons he has learned along the way.
Teja Jammalamadaka, PhD candidate and former Comm Fellow
Why did you decide to become a Comm Fellow?
Since completing my bachelor’s degree, I have been committed to helping others prepare strong applications for graduate school, whether for master’s or PhD programs. During my own transition, I received very little guidance, and that experience taught me how valuable constructive, thoughtful feedback can be. Coming from India, where academic competition is intense, I learned early on that sometimes all someone needs is a nudge, a different perspective, and support from someone who is intentionally kind and honest.
During my master’s program, I was fortunate to work with a mentor who consistently provided feedback on my PhD applications. She was intentional in offering guidance without ever substituting her writing for mine, and that approach left a lasting impact on me. Whenever I see people struggling with communication (whether written or spoken) I see elements of my own journey reflected in theirs. That reflection motivates me to assist students across disciplines in presenting their best work.
Over time, I have assisted many students refine their statements, organize their ideas, and communicate more effectively. This aspect makes the role of a Communication Fellow feel like a natural extension of what I already enjoy doing. I am excited not only by the opportunity to support others, but also by the chance to learn from the extraordinary range of projects, perspectives, and ideas that students bring.
What does being a Comm Fellow involve?
Observation is central to the role of a Communication Fellow. It begins with closely listening to what the client is trying to express, both in what they say and what they struggle to articulate. By asking thoughtful questions about what they want to convey and to whom, we help them clarify their message and better understand their audience. Often, the questions themselves guide them toward the right direction. It is an art: the art of noticing, the art of questioning, and the art of helping someone discover the clarity they already possess.
What was it like interacting with your peers as a Comm Fellow?
Interacting with peers is one of the most enriching aspects of being a Communication Fellow. Each session teaches you something new about different fields, disciplines, ideas, and the people behind them. You witness a full spectrum of emotions: excitement, curiosity, apprehension, and nervousness. The most rewarding part is helping students preserve their excitement and curiosity while supporting them as they work through their uncertainty. By strengthening their communication, you help them gain confidence and control over their message.
During sessions, I ask many questions, some to make sure I truly understand what the client wants to communicate, and others to encourage them to think more deeply about their message. These questions serve two purposes: clarifying intention and guiding the client toward clarity. In many ways, this is the heart of the work.
What was a particularly meaningful experience(s) you’ve had as a Comm Fellow?
Over the course of a semester and IAP, I met with two clients almost every week to support their graduate school applications. The continuity allowed me to understand their goals deeply and help them refine their materials over time. One of those clients later reached out to me after their graduation for coaching on interview preparation during a career transition. That experience was especially meaningful, it showed me that the support I offered had lasting value, and it left me feeling genuinely fulfilled. The client shares their successes now and then via email – it is very satisfying to see them succeed.
As a Communication Fellow, I spent nearly two semesters developing a 90‑minute workshop on the responsible use of generative AI in scientific writing. I built interactive activities and continuously gauged audience needs, clarifying expectations up front, demystifying common assumptions, and charting a practical path through nuanced guidelines. Effective preparation took time, practice, feedback from Communication Lab peers, and multiple rounds of revision. To keep a long session engaging and clear, I designed thoughtful, easy‑to‑follow activities, shared materials well in advance, and kept confusion to a minimum. I also anticipated likely questions and prepared evidence‑based answers with references and practical examples. The experience was humbling and reinforced a simple lesson: preparation is everything.
Last but not least, working with our Communication Lab Manager, Jared Berezin, was a highlight. He models what he calls compassionate honesty – pairing kindness with direct, actionable feedback. His commitment to helping Communication Fellows leave stronger than they arrived truly inspires me. He is one of the best mentors I have had, and I plan to carry the lessons throughout my career.
In what ways has being a Comm Fellow helped you learn and grow professionally and/or personally?
Before becoming a Communication Fellow, I often underestimated how much time a piece of writing truly needs. Through the Fellowship, I learned that thoughtful planning is everything. The first step is expressive writing, getting all your thoughts on the page without judgment. Jot down everything that comes to mind. Then step away. When you return, revise with a clearer perspective. Repeat this process, seek feedback from peers, and always consider the audience’s viewpoint. With enough time and reflection between drafts, a communication piece naturally evolves and takes on a shape that is both clear and compelling.
What advice would you give to future Comm Fellows?
Take advantage of the professional development grant and explore the workshops happening around campus or elsewhere. I attended the ACS Visual Communication workshop, and it was truly eye‑opening. It completely changed the way I think about visual communication and how intentional design can strengthen a message.