JPFP - MMG Connect - Project Management Tools · that the essence of these principles will be...

2008JPFP DIRECTORY OF FELLOWS

EXPANDING MINDS, EXPLORING WORLDS

National Aeronautics and Space Administration | Office of Education HARRIETT G. JENKINS PRE-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP PROJECT [JPFP]

HARRIETT G. JENKINS PRE-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP PROJECT [JPFP]

National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationOffice of Education

United Negro College Fund Special Programs CorporationDivision of Science & Technology

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Harriett G. Jenkins

Pre-doctoral Fellowship Project ..........

List of Fellows by Cohort .........................

List of Fellows Alphabetically ..................

Fellow Biographies

>> Cohort 1 .........................................

>> Cohort 2 ........................................

>> Cohort 3 ........................................

>> Cohort 4 ........................................

>> Cohort 5 ........................................

>> Cohort 6 ........................................

>> Cohort 7 ........................................

>> Cohort 8 ........................................

JPFP Project Management ....................

Notes ......................................................

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JPFPthe introduction

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In September of 2000, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) entered into a cooperative agreement with the United Negro College Fund Special Programs Corporation to administer the Harriett G. Jenkins Pre-doctoral Fellowship Project (JPFP). The program provides the salient emphasis items needed to eliminate the noticeable dearth of skilled workers in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related disciplines. The ultimate goal of the JPFP is to increase the U.S. talent pool of the underrepresented groups, including women, minorities, and disabled persons with Masters and Doctoral degrees participating in the STEM workforce.

The objectives of the Harriett G. Jenkins Pre-doctoral Fellowship Project are:

To hone STEM expertise of interest to NASA among underrepresented groupsTo minimize financial barriers of fellows pursing STEM advanced degreesTo provide “hands-on” research opportunities at NASA installationsTo expose fellows to the salient aspects of professional and career development

Thus, this effort seeks to not only provide access and opportunity to those underrepresented and underutilized persons of society who want to earn advanced degrees, but it also facilitates the development of a more inclusive, multicultural and sustainable STEM workforce.

Eliminating the Barriers to a Competitive STEM Workforce While the Harriett G. Jenkins Pre-doctoral Fellowship Project seeks to increase the numbers of underrepresented persons in the STEM Ph.D. pipeline, it also seeks to holistically develop the fellows

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Harriett G. Jenkins Pre-doctoral Fellowship Project

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while they are in the pipeline. The aspect of student development alone distinguishes the JPFP from any other fellowship program of its kind.

While there are a number of pre-college and college programs that attempt to address the barrier problem holistically, there are few if any graduate educational programs that address the needs of underrepresented students for support, mentoring, coaching and nurturing during their graduate school experience. This is due to the assumption that coaching and mentoring occur naturally with little or no effort.

The JPFP was developed to help eliminate the fiscal, educational quality and most importantly the support barriers to graduate student success. In the program, young minds are cultivated; community is formed among kindred spirits; and a sense of conquest overall adversity is instilled in all of the students. It is believed that the essence of these principles will be bornout in the JPFP Fellow’s academic and work performance, workplace and selfimage and desire to be more exposed to diverse perspectives of research and life.

A Quick Glance at the JPFP

Since the program’s inception in 2000, the JPFP has opened new worlds of opportunity to tomorrow’s scientific pioneers.

More than 150 graduate students, representing over 50 higher education institutions, have participated in the JPFP.

While maintaining a high level of diversity, the JPFP contains a proportionate number of male and female graduate students. American Indian: 2% Caucasian: 17% African American: 56% Hispanic: 21% Asian/Pacific Islander: 4% Females: 58% Males: 42% Persons with disabilities: 6%

Graduates of the JPFP have entered the STEM workforce to pursue careers in government, academia, and private industry.

To date 11 JFPF Fellows have been employed at various NASA Centers.

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Quotes from JPFP Fellows

“I expected that I would simply receive a check in the mail and a letter telling me how the program was excited to be supporting my education. Instead there was a feeling of belonging to a family that served as a support group”-- Bryan Reid, JPFP Cohort 3

“The program’s financial support was clearly instrumental in allowing me to complete my Ph.D. [The] mini-grants in 2004 and 2005 helped me make real progress on my thesis work. Furthermore, the Jenkins family is a fantastic support network and resource, and one that I will continue to interact with for years to come, I hope.”-- Dr. Marcel Agueros, JPFP Cohort 3

“[JPFP] has provided funding that let me focus on my Ph.D. research, without having to undertake other research activities to provide for funding.” -- Janine Johnson, Cohort 4

“All of the critical support provided allowed me to bridge the gap from graduate student to Ph.D. As a graduate student, there were several issues as I meandered through toward the doctoral degree, but money

was not one of them. This was an immense relief. Graduate school was difficult enough. I sincerely owe a huge debt of gratitude to all of the pioneers who realize the importance of education and fight hard to secure funding, especially Dr. Harriett G. Jenkins.” -- Dr. Hassan Moore, JPFP Cohort 2

“This life changing experience as a JPFP recipient resides and is deeply lodged in my heart. As a Cohort 1 fellow, I have had the opportunity to meet some of the world’s greatest gifts (i.e. researchers, professors, entrepreneurs, etc.); an opportunity of this magnitude…Priceless! With your help, JPFP, you have allowed me to participate in programs, symposiums, grants, etc. and all have exposed me to a world full of opportunities. Thanks Dr. Jenkins and JPFP!” -- Dr. Tatangla S. Coleman, JPFP Cohort 1

“I’ve always been extremely interested in NASA’s Space Program, and I want to land a career that will let me use my engineering skills to contribute to that cause in some way. I’m really excited that I discovered the JPFP program because I’m sure that it will help me navigate my career path to reach my goals.”-- William MacKunis, JPFP Cohort 6

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LIST OF FELLOWS BY COHORT

>> COHORT 1C1

Carrie M. Anderson ....................................................................14Kera Z. Bell ................................................................................14Nathan R. Brooks .......................................................................15Jorge Camacho ..........................................................................15Tatangla S. Coleman ..................................................................16Felicia L. Conley .........................................................................16Talithia Daniel-Williams ..............................................................17Miguel A. Figueroa-Villanueva ..................................................17Joseph Gale ...............................................................................18Natasha A. Greene .....................................................................18Dawn M. Holt ..............................................................................19William C. Howell........................................................................19Laura M. Hudy ...........................................................................20Shellie M. Jones ........................................................................20Jennifer S. McIntosh ..................................................................21Jabberia Miller ...........................................................................21Lisa Oravecz-Simpkins ..............................................................22Susan Song ...............................................................................22Abel Vargas ...............................................................................23Ceceile Wight-Mason ..................................................................23

>> COHORT 2C2

John L. Baker Jr. .......................................................................26Lakesha Bates ..........................................................................26Reginald Crawford ....................................................................27April R. Crenshaw .....................................................................27Rachel Cruz ...............................................................................28Tiffany M. Finch ........................................................................28Hiram A. Firpi ............................................................................29Brian K. Harris ..........................................................................29DaJuanicia N. Holmes ...............................................................30Hassan Moore ...........................................................................30Oseoghaghare Okobiah ..............................................................31Merlyn X. Pulikkathara ...............................................................31Ramiro L. Rivera-Rivera ...........................................................32Fernmarie Rodriguez ................................................................32Brandy L. Rogers ......................................................................33Ramsey L. Smith .......................................................................33Adam R. Villarreal .....................................................................34Jason D. White ..........................................................................34Valerie Williams-Clark ...............................................................35Kimberly Wise ...........................................................................35

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Marcel A. Agüeros .....................................................................38Kevin P. Anthony .......................................................................38Tiffani N. Bailey ........................................................................39Diona S. Bateman......................................................................39Alberto Cruz-Martín ..................................................................40Rene D. Elms .............................................................................40Vanessa R. Green .......................................................................41Jeremy J. Jackson .....................................................................41Lorenza Levy ............................................................................42Danena L. Lewis ........................................................................42Michele Manuel Myers...............................................................43Jessica Marquez .......................................................................43Omar Mireles ............................................................................44Manu Platt ................................................................................44Tyesia Pompey ..........................................................................45Bryan Reid .................................................................................45Shavesha L. Rutledge ...............................................................46Johnny Seymore III ...................................................................46Alicia N. Washington .................................................................47Cranos M. Williams ....................................................................47Jamal O. Wilson .........................................................................48

Omavi Bailey .............................................................................50Shweta Bansal ..........................................................................50Ife D. Calmese ............................................................................51Steven Chischilly ........................................................................51Miguel Daal ...............................................................................52James C. Ford ...........................................................................52Janae N. Foss ............................................................................53Christopher Green ....................................................................53Jerrod A. Henderson ................................................................54Janine Johnson.........................................................................54Lora Koenig ...............................................................................55Charles Lee ...............................................................................55Victor L. Marrero ......................................................................56Tammara Massey ......................................................................56Lisa P. Mickens ..........................................................................57Olufemi Olumoko.......................................................................57Mamta Patel ..............................................................................58Ravi Prakash .............................................................................58Miguel O. Roman-Colon .............................................................59Darilis Suarez-Gonzalez ............................................................59

>> COHORT 3C3 >> COHORT 4C4

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Danielle (Adams) Wood .................................................................62Kenneth Miguel Armijo ...............................................................62Elizabeth Deems .........................................................................63Sandra (Geffert) Moore ...............................................................63Daryl Haggard .............................................................................64Byron Johns ................................................................................64Cassidy B. Johnson .....................................................................65Darin Leonhardt .........................................................................65Vasana Maneeratana .................................................................66Emmanuell Murray ......................................................................66Line van Nieuwstadt ..................................................................67Omonike (Omotoso) Olaleye ........................................................67Ana J. Picón ...............................................................................68Jason Polendo ............................................................................68Tamara Singleton ........................................................................69Otis Smart ..................................................................................69Adrienne P. Stephenson ...........................................................70Amber N. Straughn .....................................................................70Cherita Thomas ............................................................................71Idalis Villanueva ..........................................................................71

Laura M. Barge ............................................................................74Quenton Bonds ...........................................................................74Christian Braneon .......................................................................75Heather Coleman ........................................................................75Moogega Cooper .........................................................................76Amy Daniels .................................................................................76Ana De La Ree .............................................................................77Daniel Mello Faissol.....................................................................77Sara Jarvis ..................................................................................78Thompson Le Blanc .....................................................................78Maria del Carmen Lopez Garcia ...................................................79William MacKunis .......................................................................79Morgana Martin ...........................................................................80Shara McClendon ........................................................................80Swati Mohan ................................................................................81Michelle O’Malley .........................................................................81Napoleon Paxton ........................................................................82Anthony Pettes ...........................................................................82Solimar Reyes .............................................................................83Erica Wells ..................................................................................83



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Ricardo Collado ...........................................................................86Serina Diniega .............................................................................86Julianna Evans ............................................................................87Viola (Fucsko) Schweller .............................................................87Ellen Harju ..................................................................................88Nilsson Holguin ...........................................................................88Jedidah Isler ...............................................................................89Brandon Jones ............................................................................89Sean Williams ..............................................................................90Sharolyn Wynter .........................................................................90

Christopher J. Arellano ...............................................................92 Douglas A. Brooks .......................................................................92Erin E. Burke ...............................................................................93Lillian Chang ...............................................................................93Desiree Cotto-Figueroa ...............................................................94Nduka O. Enemchukwu ...............................................................94Shanna-Shaye S. Forbes ..............................................................95Jonathan E. Gaines .....................................................................95Athena R. Ganchorre ...................................................................96Kayra M. Hopkins .........................................................................96Briony H. N. Horgan .....................................................................97K. Renee Horton .........................................................................97Jennifer Kerekes .........................................................................98Calvin R. King Jr. ........................................................................98Kennda L. Lynch ..........................................................................99Dorian J. Perkins ..........................................................................99John L. Rigueur ...........................................................................100Levica M. Smith .........................................................................100José A. Torres ............................................................................101Shannon E. Tronick .....................................................................101


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LIST OF FELLOWS ALPHABETICALLY(Adams) Wood, Danielle .........................62Agüeros, Marcel A. ................................38Anderson, Carrie M. ................................14Anthony, Kevin P. ...................................38Arellano, Christopher ...........................92Armijo, Kenneth M. ................................62Bailey, Omavi ........................................50Bailey, Tiffani N. ...................................39Baker, John L. Jr. ...................................26Bansal, Shweta .....................................50Barge, Laura M. ....................................74Bateman, Diona S. ..................................39Bates, Lakesha ......................................26Bell, Kera Z ............................................14Bonds, Quenton ....................................74Braneon, Christian .................................75Brooks, Douglas ...................................92Brooks, Nathan R ...................................15Burke, Erin ...........................................93Calmese, Ife D. ........................................51Camacho, Jorge ......................................15Chang, Lillian .........................................93Chischilly, Steven ...................................51Coleman, Heather ..................................75Coleman, Tatangla S. ...............................16Collado, Ricardo ....................................86Conley, Felicia L. ....................................16

Cooper, Moogega ...................................76Cotto-Figueroa, Desiree .......................94Crawford, Reginald ................................27Crenshaw, April R. ..................................27Cruz, Rachel ..........................................28Cruz-Martín, Alberto .............................40Daal, Miguel ..........................................52Daniel-Williams, Talithia ..........................17Daniels, Amy ..........................................76Deems, Elizabeth ..................................63Diniega, Serina .....................................86DeLaRee, Ana ........................................77Elms, Rene D. ........................................40Enemchukwu, Nduka ............................94Evans, Julianna ......................................87Faissol, Daniel .......................................77Figueroa-Villanueva, Miguel A. ...............17Finch, Tiffany M. ....................................28Firpi, Hiram A. ......................................29Forbes, Shanna-Shaye S. .......................95Ford, James C. ......................................52Foss, Janae N. ......................................53(Fucsko) Schweller, Viola ......................87Gaines, Jonathan E. ...............................5Ganchorre, Athena R. ...........................96Gale, Joseph ..........................................18Garcia, Mariadel Carmen Lopez ............79

(Geffert) Moore, Sandra .......................63Green, Christopher. ..............................53Green, Vanessa R. ...................................41 Greene, Natasha A. ................................18Haggard, Daryl .....................................64Harju, Ellen ..........................................88Harris, Brian K. .....................................29Henderson, Jerrod A. ...........................54Holguin, Nilsson ....................................88Holmes, DaJuanicia N. ..........................30Holt, Dawn M. ........................................19Hopkins, Kayra M. .................................96Horgan, Briony .....................................97Horton, K. Renee ..................................97Howell, William C. ...................................19Hudy, Laura M. ......................................20Isler, Jedidah ........................................89Jackson, Jeremy J. ...............................41 Jarvis, Sara ..........................................78 Johns, Byron .......................................64 Johnson, Cassidy B. .............................65Johnson, Janine ...................................54 Jones, Brandon ....................................89Jones, Shellie M ...................................20Kerekes, Jennifer .................................98King Jr., Calvin .....................................98Koenig, Lora ........................................55

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LIST OF FELLOWS ALPHABETICALLYLee, Charles .........................................55LeBlanc, Thompson ...............................78Leonhardt, Darin .................................65Levy, Lorenza .......................................42Lewis, Danena L. ...................................42Lynch, Kennda L. ...................................99Mac Kunis, William ................................79Maneeratana, Vasana ...........................66Manuel Myers, Michele .........................43Marquez, Jessica ...................................43Marrero, Victor L. ..................................56Martin, Morgana ...................................80Massey, Tammara ..................................56McClendon, Shara .................................80McIntosh, Jennifer S. .............................21Mickens, Lisa P. .....................................57Miller, Jabberia ......................................21Mireles, Omar ........................................44Mohan, Swati .........................................81Moore, Hassan .....................................30(Geffert) Moore, Sandra .......................63Murray, Emmanuell ..............................66Nieuwstadt, Line Van ..............................67Okobiah, Oseoghaghare ........................31Olumoko, Olufemi ..................................57O’Malley, Michelle .................................81(Omotoso) Olaleye, Omonike ................67

Oravecz-Simpkins, Lisa ..........................22Patel, Mamta .........................................58Paxton, Napoleon ..................................82Pettes, Anthony ....................................82Perkins, Dorian J. ..................................99Picón, Ana J. .........................................68Platt, Manu ...........................................44Polendo, Jason .....................................68Pompey, Tyesia .....................................45Prakash, Ravi .......................................58Pulikkathara, Merlyn X. ..........................31Reid, Bryan ............................................45Reyes, Solimar .......................................83Rigueur, John L. ..................................100Rivera-Rivera, Ramiro L. ........................32Rodriguez, Fernmarie ...........................32Rogers, Brandy L. ..................................33Roman-Colon, Miguel O. .........................59Rutledge, Shavesha L. ...........................46(Fucsko) Schweller, Viola ......................87Seymore III, Johnny ..............................46Singleton, Tamara ..................................69Smart, Otis ............................................69Smith, Levica M. ..................................100Smith, Ramsey L. ..................................33Song, Susan ...........................................22Stephenson, Adrienne P. ......................70

Straughn, Amber N. ...............................70Suarez-Gonzalez, Darilis ........................59Thomas, Cherita .....................................71Torres, José A. .....................................101Tronick, Shannon E. ..............................101Vargas, Abel..........................................23Villanueva, Idalis ....................................71Villarreal, Adam R. .................................34Washington, Alicia N. .............................47Wells, Erica ............................................83White, Jason D. ......................................34Wight-Mason, Ceceile ............................23Williams, Cranos M. ...............................47Williams-Clark, Valerie ..........................35Wilson, Jamal O. ...................................48Wise, Kimberly .....................................35Williams, Sean .......................................90(Adams) Wood, Danielle .........................62Wynter, Sharolyn ...................................90

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COHORT 1C1

JPFP FELLOWS(By Cohort)

Carrie M. Anderson ....................................................................14Kera Z. Bell ................................................................................14Nathan R. Brooks .......................................................................15Jorge Camacho ..........................................................................15Tatangla S. Coleman ..................................................................16Felicia L. Conley .........................................................................16Talithia Daniel-Williams ..............................................................17Miguel A. Figueroa-Villanueva ..................................................17Joseph Gale ...............................................................................18Natasha A. Greene .....................................................................18Dawn M. Holt ..............................................................................19William C. Howell........................................................................19Laura M. Hudy ...........................................................................20Shellie M. Jones ........................................................................20Jennifer S. McIntosh ..................................................................21Jabberia Miller ...........................................................................21Lisa Oravecz-Simpkins ..............................................................22Susan Song ...............................................................................22Abel Vargas ...............................................................................23Ceceile Wight-Mason ................................................................23

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Carrie M. Anderson

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Astronomy, New Mexico State UniversityM.S., Astronomy, New Mexico State University, 2003B.S., Physics, Arizona State University, 2000 RESEARCH INTEREST

Aerosol Vertical Structure in Planetary Atmospheres ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society Research Grant (2004)>> NASA Harriett G. Jenkins Mini Research Award (2003, 2002)>> NASA Pair Summit Review Panelist (2003)>> Astronomy Graduate Student Organization, Vice President (2001–Present)>> NASA Planetary Science Summer School (2001)>> Scholastic Scholarship (1994–1998)>> Lunar and Planetary Science Institute Internship

CONTACT INFORMATION

[email protected]

CURRENTLY

Working in STEM Industry HOMETOWN

Phoenix, AZ

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Computer Science, North Carolina State University, 2006M.S., Computer Science, Clark Atlanta University, 1999B.S., Mathematics, Spelman College, 1996 RESEARCH INTEREST

Testing of Network-based Software ACHIEVEMENTS

>> ACAAGS College of Engineering Achievement Award (2006)>> IEEE Computer Society and Reliability Society (2001–2002)>> IEEE Women in Engineering (2001–2002)>> National Society of Professional Engineers (2000–2002)>> Alpha Omega Epsilon Professional Engineering Sorority (2001)>> Phi Sigma Theta National Honor Society (2001)>> National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Sciences Fellowship (2000)>> National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Assistantship (1998–1999)>> Army Center of Excellence Graduate Research Assistantship (1997–1999)

COHORT 1

Kera Z. Bell

CONTACT INFORMATION

[email protected] CURRENTLY


Clinton, MD

15COHORT 1

Nathan R. Brooks

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, Florida A&M University, 2004B.S., Electrical Engineering, Florida A&M University, 2000 RESEARCH INTEREST

Computer Solutions of Inverse Magnetostatic Problems for Design SynthesisMagnetoplasmadynamic Technology for Hypersonic Applications ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Florida A&M University Life-Gets-Better Presidential Scholarship>> Golden Key Honor Society>> Florida A&M University White & Gold Honor Society>> Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society>> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, Florida A&M University>> Boeing Fellow Award>> National Science Foundation (NSF) Fellowship>> Boeing Company Intern (NASA-Johnson Space Center)>> National Achievement Finalist (1997)

CONTACT INFORMATION



Houston, TX

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 2006M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 2003B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 2000 RESEARCH INTEREST

Propulsion and Combustion in Rocket Engines ACHIEVEMENTS

>> National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) Scholarship

Jorge Camacho

CONTACT INFORMATION



Juarez Chihuahua, Mexico

16 COHORT 1

Tatangla S. Coleman

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 2004M.S., Electrical Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 2000B.S., Chemical Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 1998 RESEARCH INTEREST

Electronic Device Materials Processing, Characterization and Design Fiber Optics ACHIEVEMENTS

>> National Science Foundation Engineering Scholarship >> Department of Energy Award >> NACME Fellowship

CONTACT INFORMATION



Chicago, IL

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Environmental Toxicology, Texas Southern University, 2004B.S., Biology, University of Louisiana, Lafayette, 1996 RESEARCH INTEREST

Organic & fossil biomarker research; analysis of atmospheric compounds ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Post Doc, NASA Johnson Space Center, Astrobiology Lab (2004–2005)>> African American Health Institute Board of Directors (2004–2005)>> ETAP/EMBL Apprenticeship Recipient (2004)>> 18th Congressional District Sheila Jackson Lee/NASA Science and Technology Scholar (2002–2003)>> Texas Southern University Program Council Leadership Award (2002)>> Mickey Leland Environment Careers Internship (2001)>> Environmental Toxicology Graduate Student Association President (2000–2003)>> TSU/NASA JSC High Pressure Laboratory Research Intern (1999–2002)>> Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society >> Society of Toxicology (SOT)

Felicia L. Conley

CONTACT INFORMATION



Crowley, LA

17COHORT 1

Talithia Daniel-Williams

EDUCATION

M.S., Mathematics, Howard University, 2002B.S., Mathematics, Spelman College, 2000 RESEARCH INTEREST

Improving radar rainfall analysis and prediction through bias judgment ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Alfred P. Sloan Scholar>> Graduate Summer Research Intern, NASA Johnson Space Science Center >> Graduate Summer Research Intern, National Security Agency>> Who’s Who among Students in Colleges and Universities>> Pi Mu Epsilon Math Honor Society President>> Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honor Society>> Mortar Board Senior Honor Society>> NASA Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Scholarship >> NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Summer Intern (3X)>> United States Academy All-American Scholar

CONTACT INFORMATION

[email protected] CURRENT DEGREE SOUGHT

Ph.D., Statistics Rice University HOMETOWN

Columbus, GA

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, Michigan State University, 2006M.S., Electrical Engineering, Michigan State University, 2001B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez, 1999 RESEARCH INTEREST

Pattern Recognition and Image Processing ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez>> Golden Key Honor Society>> Competitive Doctoral Enrichment Fellowship (CDEF)>> Gold medal winner and most valuable rookie, Judo LAI (1997)>> Bronze medal winner, Olympic Weightlifting LAI (1996)

Miguel A. Figueroa-Villanueva

CONTACT INFORMATION



Aguada, Puerto Rico

18 COHORT 1

Joseph Gale

EDUCATION

M.S., Computer Science, Hampton University, 2004B.S., Computer Science, Elizabeth City State University, 2001 RESEARCH INTEREST

N1 Grid Service Provisioning System ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Goddard/Howard Fellowship in Atmospheric Science (NOAA)>> Langley Aerospace Research Summer Scholar (NASA)>> NASA Office of Naval Research (ONR) Student Researcher>> NASA Networking Resources and Training Site Fellowship>> Thurgood Marshall Scholar>> Center for Excellence in Remote Sensing Education and Research (CERSER) Fellowship>> Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) Honors Program >> ONR Nurturing ECSU Research Program Award

CONTACT INFORMATION



San Antonio, TX

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Atmospheric Sciences, Howard University, 2006M.S., Atmospheric Sciences, Howard University, 2000B.S., Physics, Grambling State University, 1997 RESEARCH INTEREST

Environmental Health Studies via Characterization and the Effects of Particulate Matter ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (G.A.A.N.N) Fellowship (1998–2001)>> Society of Physics Students (SPS) Scholar (1996–1997)>> S.R.I. International Summer Intern (1996) >> University of Central Florida / Center of Research for Electro-Optics and Lasers (CREOL) Summer Intern (1995)>> Who’s Who Among American College Students (3X)>> National Dean’s List (2X)>> Sigma Pi Sigma (SPS) National Honors Society>> Golden Key National Honors Society>> Alpha Kappa Mu National Honors Society

Natasha A. Greene

CONTACT INFORMATION



California

19COHORT 1

Dawn M. Holt

EDUCATION

Ph.D. University of Maryland Baltimore, 2008 M.S., Biology, North Carolina A&T State University, 2003B.A., Psychology (Biopsychology), University of Maryland, 1999 RESEARCH INTEREST

Biological Disparities in Breast Cancer ACHIEVEMENTS

>> AACR Minority Scholar in Cancer Research Award (2008)>> Department of Defense Breast Cancer Traineeship Award (2006-2009)>> University of Maryland – Baltimore Fellowship Award (2005-2006)>> University of Maryland – Baltimore Merit Award (2005)>> 27th Annual Graduate Research Conference 3rd Place (2005)>> Introduction to Cancer Careers (2003)>> Citation Graduate Student of the Year, NCATSU (2002)

CONTACT INFORMATION



Hyattsville, MD

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Applied Mathematics, University of Maryland–College Park, 2006M.S. Applied Mathematics, University of Maryland, 2002B.S. Mathematics and Computer Science, Morehouse College, 1999 RESEARCH INTEREST

Optimization and Simulation of Vehicular Traffic; Gradient Estimation; ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Winter Simulation Conference, Presenter (2003)>> Hawaii International Conference on Statistics, Presenter (2002)>> Member of Phi Beta Kappa (2001)>> GEM Fellowship (1999)>> NASA Kennedy Space Center Intern (1999)>> University of Maryland Fellowship (1999)>> Most Outstanding Graduate in Mathematics and Computer Science at Morehouse College (1999)>> Ronald E. McNair Scholarship>> Summa Cum Laude Graduate, Morehouse College

William C. Howell

CONTACT INFORMATION



Cheverly, MD

20 COHORT 1

Laura M. Hudy

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State UniversityM.S.,Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, August 2001B.S.,Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, May 1999 RESEARCH INTEREST

Wall-pressure-based stochastic estimations ACHIEVEMENTS

>> AIAA Foundation Orville and Wilbur Wright Graduate Award (2004)>> Amelia Earhart Fellowship Award from Zonta International (2004, 2000)>> NASA Langley Research Center Visiting Researcher (2004, 2003 & 2000)>> NASA Dryden Flight Research Center Visiting Researcher (2002)>> Dept. of Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student of the Year (2001, 2000)>> NASA Graduate Student Research Program Fellowship (1999–2001)>> National Technical Paper winner at Society of Women Engineers Conference (1999)>> Study Abroad with the RWTH/MSU Exchange Program in Aachen, Germany, (1998)>> National Scholarship from Society of Women Engineers >> Tau Beta Pi, Pi Tau Sigma, and Golden Key Honor Societies

CONTACT INFORMATION



Livonia, MI

EDUCATION

M.S., Biology, North Carolina A&T State University, 2004B.S., Professional Biology, North Carolina A&T State University, 1996 RESEARCH INTEREST

Effects of Corticosteroids on Rat Myocardium Tissue within a Microgravity Bioreactor ACHIEVEMENTS

>> PURSUE Fellowship (2000–2001)>> GAANN Fellowship (1999–2000)>> NASA Science Week, Presenter>> Grant Award for Research from the Astrobiology Institute>> NASA Pair Summit Panelist, BennettCollege>> Beta Kappa Chi National Honor Society, President>> Beta Beta Biology Honor Society>> National American Scholar >> Summer Premedical edical Academic Enrichment Program (SPAEP), University of Pittsburgh

Shellie M. Jones

CONTACT INFORMATION



Anchorage, AK

21COHORT 1

Jennifer S. McIntosh

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Mathematics, University of California at Irvine, 2003M.S., Mathematics, University of California at Irvine, 2000B.S., Mathematics, University of California at Irvine, 1996 RESEARCH INTEREST

Measure Theory and Probability as it applies to Mathematical Modeling of Perception: Directed Convergence and Adaptation ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Excellence in Teaching Award with Dissertation Fellowship for the School of Physical Sciences, University of California at Irvine (2001)>> Eugene Cota-Robles Fellowship (1996–1998)>> Undergraduate Departmental Service Award-Mathematics (1996)>> Ford Foundation Outstanding Minority Undergraduate Scholarship (1996)>> Golden Key Honor Society (1994)>> Cum Laude Graduate, University of California at Irvine >> Phi Beta Kappa (Mu Chapter)>> Memberships: American Mathematical Society; Association for Women in Mathematics; Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society

CONTACT INFORMATION



Hanover, MD

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, Clemson University, 2005M.S., Electrical Engineering, Clemson University, 2001B.S., Electrical Engineering, Clemson University, 1997 RESEARCH INTEREST

Multilayer Microwave Circuits ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Cum Laude Graduate, Clemson University>> Tau Beta Pi>> Eta Kappa Nu>> NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Summer Intern-Structural Test Branch (3X)>> NASA GEM Fellow>> NASA Undergraduate Student Researcher’s Program (USRP)

Jabberia Miller

CONTACT INFORMATION



Rock Hill, SC

22 COHORT 1

Lisa Oravecz-Simpkins

EDUCATION

M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, 2001M.S., Physics, Michigan State University, 1997B.S., Mathematics, Notre Dame College, 1993 RESEARCH INTEREST

Aerosol Vertical Structure in Planetary Atmospheres ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Weekend Television Reporter WILX NBC–Channel 10 Lansing (2004)>> National Association of Science Writers (2001)>> ZONTA Amelia Earhart Fellowship (2000)>> Miss America Scholarship Program, Miss Ohio Interview winner and crowned Miss Northeast Ohio (1995)>> Academic All-American in Softball, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (1993)>> Graduate work in Microgravity Combustion was for “flight definition” project called ATHINA which will fly on the International Space Station>> Published and presented technical conference papers>> Summa Cum Laude Graduate, Notre Dame College>> Kappa Gamma Pi National Graduate Honor Society

CONTACT INFORMATION



Painesville, OH

EDUCATION

M.S., Michigan State University, Electrical Engineering, 2004M.S., Electrical Engineering, Michigan State University, 2004 RESEARCH INTEREST

Carbon nanotube growth and applications ACHIEVEMENTS

>> ALANA Discretionary Fellowship (2000–2001) >> SLOAN Program Participant (2000–2004) >> IEEE/ISP/GE Travel Grants>> Walter R. Yates Memorial Engineering Scholarship (1997, 1996)>> National Honor Society (1995)

Susan Song

CONTACT INFORMATION



Iowa City, IA

23COHORT 1

Abel Vargas

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, George Washington University, 2006M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 2002B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 2000 RESEARCH INTEREST

Biocomputational Fluid Mechanics, Insect Flight ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Outstanding Graduate Student (2002)>> Summa Cum Laude Graduate, University of Texas at El Paso>> GEM Fellowship>> National Science Foundation Scholarship>> Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society>> President of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)>> Coca-Cola Challenge/UTEP Alumni Scholarship and UTEP Presidential Scholarship >> Boeing Scholarship >> Texaco/NACME Engineering Scholarship>> Murchensen Graduate Scholarship

CONTACT INFORMATION



El Paso, TX

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Pharmacology/Toxicology, Florida A&M University, 2006M.S., Pharmacology/Toxicology, Florida A&M University, 2002B.S., Chemical Science, Florida State University, 1998 RESEARCH INTEREST

The Development of Apoptosis in Diabetic Neuropathy ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Florida A & M University Graduate Association of Pharmaceutical Sciences President>> Rho Chi Honor Society>> McKnight Fellowship>> MARC Travel Grant Recipient-Endocrine Society Conference>> Volunteer Math Tutor

Ceceile Wight-Mason

CONTACT INFORMATION


Working in STEM Discipline HOMETOWN

Melbourne, FL

25

COHORT 2C2


John L. Baker Jr. .......................................................................26Lakesha Bates ..........................................................................26Reginald Crawford ....................................................................27April R. Crenshaw .....................................................................27Rachel Cruz ...............................................................................28Tiffany M. Finch ........................................................................28Hiram A. Firpi ............................................................................29Brian K. Harris ..........................................................................29DaJuanicia N. Holmes ...............................................................30Hassan Moore ...........................................................................30Oseoghaghare Okobiah ..............................................................31Merlyn X. Pulikkathara ...............................................................31Ramiro L. Rivera-Rivera............................................................32Fernmarie Rodriguez ................................................................32Brandy L. Rogers ......................................................................33Ramsey L. Smith .......................................................................33Adam R. Villarreal .....................................................................34Jason D. White ..........................................................................34Valerie Williams-Clark ...............................................................35Kimberly Wise ...........................................................................35

26 COHORT 2

John Lee Baker, Jr.

EDUCATION

M.A., Biology, Fisk University–Meharry Medical College, 2001B.S., Biology, Savannah State University, 1996 RESEARCH INTEREST

Gynecological Disorder and Sexual Dysfunctions across Women of Color; The Need for Healthcare Assistance for Women of Color who are Incarcerated ACHIEVEMENTS

>> National Republican Congressional Committee Businessman Award (2005)>> FASEB/MARC Grantsmanship Training Travel Award (2004)>> Minority Access Inc. National Role Model Awardee (2004)>> FASEB/MARC Peer Mentor (2003, 2004)>> Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) SPINES Participant (2003)>> Endocrine Society Molecular & Cellular Research Award (2002)>> The Association for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS), Student Chairman (2003)>> Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (ASECT)>> Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Neuroscience and PsychologySeton Hall University/University School of Medicine and Dentistry of New York HOMETOWN

Brandon, MS

EDUCATION

M.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Central Florida, 2004B.S., Mathematics, Bethune–Cookman College, 2001A.S., Pre-Engineering, Independence Community College, 1997 RESEARCH INTEREST

Future Improvements on the Eastern Missile Test Range ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Semiconductor Research Corporation Education Alliance (SRCEA) Scholarship (2001–2002)>> NASA Summer Institute in Engineering and Computer Applications (SIECA) Summer Program (2001)>> University of Central Florida National Science Foundation (UCF-NSF) Scholarship (2000–2001)>> The Florida Rock Industries Scholarship Program (2000)>> Intern, GTE/Verizon Laboratory (2000)>> National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) (1999–Present)>> Los Alamos National Laboratory Intern (1999)>> All-Academic Athlete Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) (1999–2000)

Lakesha Bates

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Electrical EngineeringUniversity of Maryland College Park HOMETOWN

Wichita, KS

27COHORT 2

Reginald Crawford

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2006M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2004B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Tennessee State University, 2002 RESEARCH INTEREST

Research of Force Versus Position Control of Friction Stir Welding at HighSpindle Speeds with Feedback Force Control Implementation ACHIEVEMENTS

>> NASA Center for Automated Space and Science Scholar >> NASA Glenn Scholar and Micro-Gravity Branch Summer Intern>> Vanderbilt Space Grant Fellow >> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, Tennessee State University>> University Dean’s List and National Dean’s List>> Pi Tau Sigma Honor Society>> USAF Blue Chip>> AWS Fellow (2003–2004)>> Mr. Tennessee State University 1st Runner Up (1999–2000)

CONTACT INFORMATION



Birmingham, AL

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Financial Mathematics, Florida State UniversityM.S., Mathematics, Florida State University, 2004B.S., Mathematics, Spelman College, 2002 RESEARCH INTEREST

Probability and Stochastic Processes ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Gates Millennium Scholarship>> Golden Key Honor Society>> NASA Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Scholarship>> NASA-Ames Research Center Summer Intern (3X)>> Pi Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honors Society>> Spelman College Honors Program>> National Society of Black Engineers Outstanding First Year Student (1998–1999)

April R. Crenshaw

CONTACT INFORMATION



Sumter, SC

28 COHORT 2

Rachel Cruz

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Physics, University of Florida, 2006M.S., Physics, University of Florida, 2004 B.S., Physics, Mathematics, North Park University, 2000 B.A., Mathematics, North Park University, 2000 RESEARCH INTEREST

Time Delay Interferometry for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) ACHIEVEMENTS

>> JPFP Mini Research Award, NASA-JPL, Interferometry Metology and Optics Group (2005) >> Presidential Recognition for outstanding achievement and contributions to the University of Florida (2004)>> University of Florida GAANN Fellow (2000–2001)>> Cancer Federation Prize (1999)>> North Park University Nyvall Scholar and University Outstanding Senior Award >> Sigma Pi Sigma Honor Society>> NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center Summer Intern, Extraterrestrial Physics>> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, North Park University

CONTACT INFORMATION



Patuxent River, MD

EDUCATION

M.S., Materials Science and Engineering, Purdue University, 2005B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Florida A&M University, 2002 RESEARCH INTEREST

Electroceramics: Characterization of Navy Class IV Hard Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) ACHIEVEMENTS

>> NASA-Marshall Space Flight Center Summer Intern>> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, Florida A&M University>> Tau Beta Pi Engineering, Pi Tau Sigma Mechanical Engineering and Golden Key National Honor Societies>> Delegate to the Dominican Republic through the Honors Freshman International Leadership Program>> Florida A&M University NASA Scholarship>> Alpha Sigma Mu Materials Science Engineering Honor Society>> Crowned Miss Young, Gifted and Black (1999)

Tiffany M. Finch

CONTACT INFORMATION



Raleigh, NC

29COHORT 2

Hiram A. Firpi

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, Michigan State University, 2005M.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez, 2001B.S., Electrical Engineering, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 1999 RESEARCH INTEREST

Nonlinear, linear, optimal, autonomous, and intelligent control and robotics; Fuzzy logic, neural networks, and evolutionary algorithms ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Cum Laude Graduate, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico>> Tau Beta Pi Honor Society>> National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) Award>> NSF Program for Research in Computing and Information Sciences and Engineering (PRECISE) Award>> Recipient, Competitive Doctoral Enrichment Fellowships (CDEF)>> Several Publications and Conference Presentations

CONTACT INFORMATION



San Juan, Puerto Rico

EDUCATION

M.S., Materials Engineering, University of Maryland–College Park, 2004B.S., Chemistry, Norfolk State University, 2000 RESEARCH INTEREST

Magnetic Refrigerants ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Honors Graduate, Norfolk State University>> Center for Materials Research Scholar>> American Chemical Society’s National Convention, Poster Presentation>> Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship >> NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center Co-Op>> LARSS Summer internship, NASA-Langley Research Center, Materials Competency Branch

Brian K. Harris

CONTACT INFORMATION



Virginia Beach, VA

30 COHORT 2

DaJuanicia N. Holmes

EDUCATION

M.S., Operations Research, North Carolina State University, 2004B.S., Mathematics, Spelman College, 2002 RESEARCH INTEREST

Design of Experiments, Stochastic Processes ACHIEVEMENTS

>> NASA Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Scholarship >> NASA-Ames Research Center Summer Internship, Fluid Mechanics Laboratory (3X)>> GEM Fellow>> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, Spelman College>> Golden Key International, Pi Mu Epsilon Mathematics and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Societies >> Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges>> Department of Energy Scholar

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., StatisticsNorth Carolina State University HOMETOWN

Fairport, NY

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Atmospheric Science, Howard University, 2006M.A., Mathematics Education, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1995B.S., Physics, Dillard University, 1993 RESEARCH INTEREST

Engineering Education ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Paper accepted by ASEE, American Society of Engineering Education (2008)>> Paper accepted by ASME, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (2008)>> University of North Carolina Intern (1992)>> Cum Laude Graduate, Dillard University>> UNCF/Citicorp Fellow and UNCF/Andrew Mellon Fellow>> National Dean’s List>> Society of Physics Students (Sigma Pi Sigma)>> Prince Hall Affiliated Mason, Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.>> WWL/News Ch. 4 Spirit of Excellence Award (New Orleans, LA)>> Alpha Kappa Mu and Beta Kappa Chi National Honor Societies

Hassan Moore

CONTACT INFORMATION



New Orleans, LA

31COHORT 2

Oseoghaghare Okobiah

EDUCATION

B.S., Physics, Fisk University, 2002 RESEARCH INTEREST

Condensed Matter Physics ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Dean’s List Honor Roll (1999–2002)>> NASA Telemedicine Scholarship (1999)>> Tennessee NASA Space Center Scholarship (1999)>> Summa Cum Laude Graduate, Fisk University>> Beta Kappa Chi Science Honor Society

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., PhysicsOhio State University HOMETOWN

Pittsburgh, PA

EDUCATION

M.S., Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, 2004B.S., Physics, Prairie View A&M University, 2001B.S., Chemical Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, 2001 RESEARCH INTEREST

Radiation Effects of Carbon Nanotube Materials ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Sigma Pi Sigma Physics and Omega Chi Epsilon Chemical Engineering Honor Societies>> Center for Applied Radiation Research Scholarship>> International Summer Intern, Venezuela for Schlumberger>> National Engineer’s Week at Prairie View A&M University Organizer>> Passed Fundamentals of Engineering Exam: Engineer-in-Training Certificate>> Engineering Dean’s Council (1998–01)

Merlyn Xavier Pulikkathara

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., EngineeringRice University HOMETOWN

Kuwait City, Kuwait

32 COHORT 2

Ramiro L. Rivera-Rivera

EDUCATION

M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2003B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Turabo, 2001 RESEARCH INTEREST

Heat Transfer, Combustion, and Energy Systems ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Georgia Institute of Technology Presidential Fellowship (2001–Present)>> NASA Graduate Student Researcher Program (GSRP) (2001–2002)>> Third Highest GPA in the School of Engineering at University of Turabo (2001)>> Fifth Prize-ASME Region II Old Guard Oral Presentation Competition (2000)>> University of Turabo ASME Student Section President (1999–2000)>> NASA/SHPE H.O.N.O.R.E.S. Scholarship (1999–2000)>> First Prize-ASME Region II Old Guard Technical Poster Competition (1999)>> NASA-John C. Stennis Space Center Summer Intern, Propulsion Test Directorate Design & Analysis Branch (4X)

CONTACT INFORMATION



Ponce, Puerto Rico

EDUCATION

Certificate in Remote Sensing, University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez, 2002Certificate in Space Studies, International Space University (ISU), 2002B.S., Theoretical Physics, University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez, 2001 RESEARCH INTEREST

Intelligent Control and Dynamic Systems, Mechatronics, Neural Networks, Robotics ACHIEVEMENTS

>> NASA ISU Summer Session Program Scholarship (2002)>> NASA Academy Alumni Goddard Space Flight Center (2000)>> National Space Society>> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, UPR–Mayagüez>> Golden Key National Honor Society>> All-American Scholar and Natural Science Collegiate Awards >> Arecibo Radio Observatory, Astronomy Branch Research Associate

Fernmarie Rodriguez

CONTACT INFORMATION



Arecibo, Puerto Rico

33COHORT 2

Brandy Rogers

EDUCATION

B.S.E., Civil Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2002B.S., Mathematics, Fort Valley State University, 2000 RESEARCH INTEREST

Cellular Biomechanics and the Design of New Bio-Prosthetic Materials ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Summa Cum Laude Graduate, Fort Valley State University>> Fort Valley State Cooperative Developmental Energy Program Scholar>> Al Knox Awardee>> Highest Honors Graduate from Georgia Institute of Technology>> Golden Key, Beta Kappa Chi, Alpha Kappa Mu and Chi Epsilon National Honor Societies>> National Society of Black Engineers>> Valedictorian, Fort Valley State Class of 2000>> Dean’s List (1998–2002)

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Biomedical EngineeringGeorgia Institute of Technology HOMETOWN

Macon, GA

EDUCATION

B.S., Chemistry, Morehouse College, 2000 RESEARCH INTEREST

The Radiative Forcing Effects of Perfluorocarbons in the Martian and Terrestrial Atmospheres ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Science Fair Judge, Newport Mill Middle School, Kensington, MD (2004)>> Guest Scientist: Department of Energy, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Chemical Dynamics Division (2003>> President, Chemistry Graduate Student Association (CGSA), Howard University (2003–Present)>> Carnegie Initiative on the Doctorate Student Representative (2003– Present)>> Lecturer, Howard University Graduate School’s Peer Mentoring Workshop (2002–Present)>> Founder and Director, CGSA Mentoring Program (2002–Present)>> Mentor, University of Michigan Middle School Tele-mentoring Project (2002)

Ramsy L. Smith

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., ChemistryHoward University HOMETOWN

Detroit, MI

34 COHORT 2

Adam R. Villarreal

EDUCATION

B.S., Physics, University of Nevada – Las Vegas, 2002B.A., Psychology, University of Nevada – Las Vegas, 2002 RESEARCH INTEREST

X-Ray Binaries, Neutron Stars, and Black Holes ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Richard P. Feynman Award for Outstanding UNLV Physics Students>> Nevada Space Grant Consortium NASA Space Grant Scholarship>> Western Alliance to Expand Student Opportunities (WAESO) Scholarship>> Mitzie and Johnny Hughes UNLV Honors College Scholarship>> Golden Key International Honor Society>> UNLV Ronald E. McNair Research Institute Scholars Program >> National Science Foundation Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research>> USA Funds Access to Education and University of Arizona Graduate Registration Scholarships>> Minority Graduate Education at Mountain States Alliance Fellowship

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Physics University of Arizona HOMETOWN

Las Vegas, NV

EDUCATION

Ph.D, Atmospheric Science, Howard University, 2006M.S., Atmospheric Sciences, Howard University, 2000B.S., Physics, Grambling State University, 1996 RESEARCH INTEREST

Analysis of the Impact of Saharan Dust Transport on Cloud Properties ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, Grambling State University>> Golden Key National Honor Society >> Alpha Kappa Mu, Gamma Beta Phi and Sigma Pi Sigma National Honor Societies>> G.A.A.N.N. Fellowship Award (1998–2001)>> NASA / Howard University Center for the Study of Terrestrial and Extraterrestrial Atmospheres Research Fellowship (1996–1998)>> Grambling State University Presidential Scholarship (1992–1996)

Jason D. White

CONTACT INFORMATION



Opelousas, LA

35COHORT 2

Valerie Williams-Clark

EDUCATION

M.S., Electrical Engineering, Portland State University, 2004B.S., Electrical Engineering, Southern University, 2001 RESEARCH INTEREST

Controls & Power Systems ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Outstanding Student of the Year for EE Dept (2000–2001)>> Summa Cum Laude Graduate, Southern University>> Golden Key and Eta Kappa Nu Electrical Engineering Honor Societies >> Laura Capazolli Scholarship from the Louisiana Society of Engineers>> Southern University College of Engineering Scholarship>> Louis Stokes Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (LS-LAMP)>> Internships at Hewlett-Packard in Research & Development, Caterpillar, Inc. and General Motors

CONTACT INFORMATION



Delhi, LA

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Environmental Toxicology, Texas Southern University, 2005M.S., Biology, Texas Southern University 2004B.S., Biology, Texas Southern University, 1999 RESEARCH INTEREST

Heavy Metal Neurotoxicology; Simulated Microgravity Neurotoxicology; Environmental Tobacco Smoke Neurotoxicology ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Nature Heritage Society: Athenia Morris Urban Dove Scholarship Recipient (2003)>> President, Environmental Toxicology Graduate Student Association (2004–2005)>> Student Representative, NASA University Research Center Advisory Committee>> Student Representative, Faculty Curriculum Advisory Committee>> Society of Toxicology, Travel Award Recipient

Kimberly Wise

CONTACT INFORMATION



Richmond, VA

37

Marcel A. Agüeros .....................................................................38Kevin P. Anthony .......................................................................38Tiffani N. Bailey ........................................................................39Diona S. Bateman......................................................................39Alberto Cruz-Martín ..................................................................40Rene D. Elms .............................................................................40Vanessa R. Green .......................................................................41Jeremy J. Jackson .....................................................................41Lorenza Levy ............................................................................42Danena L. Lewis ........................................................................42Michele Manuel Myers ..............................................................43Jessica Marquez .......................................................................43Omar Mireles ............................................................................44Manu Platt ................................................................................44Tyesia Pompey ..........................................................................45Bryan Reid .................................................................................45Shavesha L. Rutledge ...............................................................46Johnny Seymore III ...................................................................46Alicia N. Washington .................................................................47Cranos M. Williams ....................................................................47Jamal O. Wilson .........................................................................48

COHORT 3C3


38 COHORT 3

Marcel A. Agüeros

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Astronomy, University of Washington, 2006M.S., Astronomy, University of Washington, 2002M. Phil., Philosophy, University of Cambridge, UK, 1998B.A., Astronomy, Columbia College, 1996 RESEARCH INTEREST

Optical identification of X-ray sources; Isolated neutron stars; Supernova remnants ACHIEVEMENTS

>> National Science Foundation (NSF) Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellow, Columbia University (2006–2009)>> Trailblazer Award, Latino Alumni Association of Columbia University (2006)>> National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Teaching Fellow in K-12 Education (2002–2003)>> National Science Foundation (NSF) Summer Program in Japan (2002)>> Columbia College Kellett Fellow at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, UK (1996–1998)>> Phi Beta Kappa (1996)>> National Hispanic Fund Scholarship Recipient (1994–1996)

CONTACT INFORMATION



New York, NY

EDUCATION

M.S., Biology, Texas Southern University, 2007B.S., Biology, Texas Southern University, 1998 RESEARCH INTEREST

Sequenced Based Characterization of the Yeast Deletion Strains and DNA Chip Technology Development ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Premedical Concepts Institute Participant-Prairie View A&M Univ.>> Member, American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)>> Education Associates Program (EDAP)>> Texas Academy of Science

Kevin P. Anthony

CONTACT INFORMATION



Houston, TX

39COHORT 3

Tiffani N. Bailey

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Chemistry, North Carolina State University, 2006M.S., Chemistry, North Carolina State University, 2004B.S., Chemistry, Hampton University, 2002 RESEARCH INTEREST

Surface bound chemical gradients of various types of polymers and how they can be used to direct transport processes on surfaces ACHIEVEMENTS

>> JPFP Mini Research Awardee, Marshall Space Flight Center (2005)>> Project SEE (Science in Everyday Experiences) Coordinator; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (2005)>> Dow Chemical/NOBCChe Graduate Research Award>> American Chemical Society Leadership Development Award>> Recipient, GEM Fellowship and National Science Foundation Research Tuition Scholarship>> Virginia Space Grant Consortium Fellow, Langley Research Center>> Research and Study Abroad (RSA), Kenya>> Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society>> Ronald F. McNair Scholar

CONTACT INFORMATION



Greensboro, NC

EDUCATION

M.S., Industrial Engineering, North Carolina State University, 2004B.S., Industrial Engineering, Florida A&M University, 2002 RESEARCH INTEREST

Computer Integrated Manufacturing Systems ACHIEVEMENTS

>> NASA Kennedy Space Center Summer Intern (2002)>> Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Center for Naval Analysis Summer Intern (2001)>> Most Outstanding Student in Academics, Service & Leadership (2001)>> Institute of Industrial Engineers, Student Chapter President (2000–2002)>> NASA Scholar (1999–2002)>> Recipient, GEM Fellowship>> Golden Key, Tau Beta Pi and Alpha Pi Mu Honor Societies

Diona S. Bateman

CONTACT INFORMATION



Baltimore, MD

40 COHORT 3

Alberto Cruz-Martín

EDUCATION

B.S., Biology, University of Puerto Rico–Rio Piedras, 2000 RESEARCH INTEREST

Synaptic Transmission ACHIEVEMENTS

>> MARC Travel Grant Award for the Biophysical Society Meeting>> Golden Key Society>> Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Award>> Puerto Rico Alliance for Minority Participation Award (PR-AMP)>> Minority Access to Research Careers Fellowship (MARC) Award (1999–2000)>> Puerto Rico Alliance for Minority Participation Fellowship (1998–1999)>> Minority Biomedical Research Support Fellowship (1997–1998)

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., NeuroscienceUniversity of California–Los Angeles HOMETOWN

Puerto Rico

EDUCATION

M.S., Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 2002B.S., Genetics, Texas A&M University, 1998B.S., Biochemistry, Texas A&M University, 1998 RESEARCH INTEREST

Biofuels, bioproducts, bioenergy; Alternative and renewable energy; Process integration ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Project Manager for a waste to ethanol plant to go online (2008)>> 2 oral presentations 2007 Annual Meeting of AICHE>> Mills - Texas Water Resource Institute Graduate Scholarship >> Celanese Graduate Student Excellence Award>> NASA Harriett G. Jenkins Research Grant Award (2004-2006)>> Planetary Science Summer School. Jet Propulsion Lab>> Editor-in-Chief, TAMU Undergraduate Journal of Science >> TAMU Undergraduate Research Fellow>> Space Life Sciences Training Program, Kennedy Space Center>> National Science Scholar - Presidential Award

Rene D. Elms

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Chemical EngineeringTexas A&M University HOMETOWN

Arlington, VA

41COHORT 3

Vanessa R. Green

EDUCATION

M.S., Operations Research Science, North Carolina State University, 2004B.S., Mathematics, Spelman College, 2002 RESEARCH INTEREST

Forecasting, marketing research ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Department of Energy Scholar (2000–2001)>> NASA Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Scholar (1998–2002)>> Alpha Lambda Delta Academic Honor Society>> Pi Mu Epsilon International Mathematics Fraternity>> Diversity Enhancement Grant>> Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

CONTACT INFORMATION



New Bern, NC

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Physics, Florida A&M University, 2006M.S., Physics, Southern University Baton Rouge, 2000B.S., Physics, Southern University Baton Rouge, 1998 RESEARCH INTEREST

Optimum Conditions for Fabricating Carbon-Based Micro and Nanostructures; The Generation of Carbon Nanotubes ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Golden Key National Honor Society>> Cum Laude Graduate, Southern University Baton Rouge (2000, 1998)>> Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society, Southern University (1997)

Jeremy J. Jackson

CONTACT INFORMATION



Baton Rouge, LA

42 COHORT 3

Lorenza Levy

EDUCATION

B.S., Physics and Astronomy, Northern Arizona University, 2001 RESEARCH INTEREST

The Effects of the Cluster Environment on Galaxy Evolution ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Minority Graduate Education Fellowship (2001–2003)>> Senior Bedwell Scholar in Astronomy (2001)>> Ana Catherine Ryan Scholarship for Women in Physics (1999–2001)>> NASA Space Grant Student Researcher at Lowell Observatory (1998–2000)>> Golden Key National Honor Society

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Physics and AstronomyUniversity of North Carolina–Chapel Hill HOMETOWN

Flagstaff, AZ

EDUCATION

M.S., Civil Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2003B.S., Civil Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2002B.S., Mathematics, Fort Valley State University, 2000 RESEARCH INTEREST

Incorporating Safety Considerations into the Transportation Planning Process ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Georgia Facilitating Academic Careers in Engineering & Science (FACES) Fellow (2005–2006)>> ENO Transportation Foundation Leadership Development Conference Scholar (2005)>> Women in Transportation Seminar (WTS), Helene M. Overly Memorial Scholarship recipient (2004)>> Georgia Institute of Technology Presidential Fellow (2003–2006)>> Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program Fellow (2002–2003)>> Georgia Transportation Institute Fellow (2002) >> Cooperative Developmental Energy Program (CDEP) Scholar (1997–2000)

Danena L. Lewis

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Civil EngineeringGeorgia Institute of Technology HOMETOWN

Warner Robins, GA

43COHORT 3

Michele Manuel Myers

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, 2007B.S., Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, 2002 RESEARCH INTEREST

Smart Materials and Structures, Materials Design, Biomimetics, Adaptive Composites ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Patent: “Sol-Gel Processing to Form Doped Sol-Gel Monoliths Inside Hollow Core Optical Fiber and Sol-Gel Core Devices Made Thereby ”, US Patent No.US 6,445,861>> NASA/GSFC Special Act Award (2000, 2002)>> NASA Certificate of Recognition for the Disclosure of an Invention (2001)>> NASA Certificate of Recognition for the Creative Development of a Technical Innovation (2001)>> Alpha Sigma Mu – Materials Science and Engineering Collegiate Honor Society (2001)>> Golden Key National Honor Society (1999)>> Presidential Scholar at the University of Florida (1997–2002)

CONTACT INFORMATION



Crestview, FL

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Human-Systems Engineering, Dept. Aeronautics/AstronauticsM.S., Aeronautics/Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2002 B.S.E., Mechanical Engineering, Princeton University, 1999 RESEARCH INTEREST

Space human factors; Human-computer interaction; Human planetary exploration ACHIEVEMENTS

>> AAUW Dissertation Fellowship (2006–2007)>> Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship (2005–2006)>> NASA Harriett Jenkins Predoctoral Fellowship (2003- 2006) >> Graduate Association of Aeronautics and Astronautics (MIT), VP (2003 - 2005) >> Student Leadership Council, MIT (2001–2003)>> Joseph Clifton Elgin Prize & George Bienkowski Memorial Prize (1999)>> NASA Ames Astrobiology Academy (1998)>> National Hispanic Scholarship Fund Award (1997)

Jessica Marquez

CONTACT INFORMATION



Lima, Peru

44 COHORT 3

Omar Mireles

EDUCATION

M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2004B.S. Mechanical Engineering, New Mexico State University, 2002B.S. Applied Mathematics, New Mexico State University, 2002 RESEARCH INTEREST

Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion Systems ACHIEVEMENTS

>> NASA Group Achievement Award, Early Flight Fission Test Facility Team (2004)>> Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Award (2003–Present)>> National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship–Honorable Mention (2003)>> NASA Academy Outstanding Researcher (2002)>> NASA Academy Research Associate, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (2002)>> University Honors & Crimson Scholar Graduate, New Mexico State (2002)>> KC-135 “ Weightless Wonder” Experiments, NASA Undergraduate Student Flight Opportunities Program (2001–2002)>> NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Co-op (2001, 2000)>> New Mexico Space Grant Consortium Research Fellow (1999–2002)

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering University of Florida–Gainesville HOMETOWN

Santa Teresa, NM

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, 2006B.S., Biology, Morehouse College, 2001 RESEARCH INTEREST

Regenerative Medicine; Cardiovascular and Orthopedic tissue engineering; Systems Biology ACHIEVEMENTS

>> UNCF/Merck Postdoctoral Fellowship>> Howard Hughes Origins of O.R.D.E.R (2005–2006)>> APS/NIDDK Minority Travel Fellow (2004)>> Outstanding Teaching Assistant (2002–2003)>> David and Lucile Packard Foundation Fellowship (2001)>> Phi Beta Kappa (2000)

Manu Platt

CONTACT INFORMATION



Trenton, NJ

45COHORT 3

Tyesia Pompey

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 2005M.S., Electrical Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 2001B.S., Electrical Engineering, South Carolina State University, 1998 RESEARCH INTEREST

Combining statistics, adaptive neural network and clustering algorithms to detect differential gene expression ACHIEVEMENTS

>> JPFP Mini Research Award Recipient (2005)>> Two Publications for IEEE International Workshop on Genomic Signal Processing and Statistics (2005)>> 7th Annual Conference on Computational Genomics, Presenter (2004)>> Student Transition and Retention Symposium, Presenter (2004)>> National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)>> Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)>> Graduate Engineer Student Alliance (GESA) at North Carolina A&T State University

CONTACT INFORMATION



Columbia, SC

EDUCATION

M.S., Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan, 2004B.S., Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan, 2003 RESEARCH INTEREST

Hall thruster neutral flow dynamics and internal plasma structure; Plasma fluctuations;Space plasma physics ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Best Student Paper, Joint Army Navy NASA Air Force (JANNAF) Conference (2007)>> Tech Symposium Conference, distinguished student presenter award >> NASA Michigan Space Grant Consortium Fellowship (2005-2009)>> University of Michigan Rackham Engineering Fellowship (2005-2008) >> Associate Member of Sigma Xi, University of Michigan (2006)>> Elected Rackham Student Government Engineering Representative, University of Michigan (2006)>> Recipient of the Distinguished Student Presenter Award, Tech Symposium Conference (2005)>> Michigan Space Grant Consortium Fellowship Recipient (2005–Present)>> Rackham Engineering Award Fellowship (2004–Present)>> NASA Co-op Student, Glenn Research Center (2004)>> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, University of Michigan (2003)

Bryan Reid

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering University of Michigan HOMETOWN

Ann Arbor, MI

46 COHORT 3

Shavesha L. Rutledge

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 2005M.S., Electrical Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 2001B.S., Electrical Engineering, South Carolina State University, 1998 RESEARCH INTEREST

Combining statistics, adaptive neural network and clustering algorithms to detect differential gene expression ACHIEVEMENTS

>> JPFP Mini Research Award Recipient (2005)>> Two Publications for IEEE International Workshop on Genomic Signal Processing and Statistics (2005)>> 7th Annual Conference on Computational Genomics, Presenter (2004)>> Student Transition and Retention Symposium, Presenter (2004)>> National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)>> Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)>> Graduate Engineer Student Alliance (GESA) at North Carolina A&T State University

CONTACT INFORMATION



Columbia, SC

EDUCATION

M.S., Atmospheric Sciences, Howard University, 2002B.S., Physics, Bethune–Cookman College, 1999 RESEARCH INTEREST

The Implementation of Improved Model Physics into a Numerical WeatherPrediction Model ACHIEVEMENTS

>> NOAA Center for Atmospheric Sciences (NCAS) Fellow (2002)>> Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) Fellow (1999–2002)>> Howard University Fellow (1999–2002)>> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, Bethune–Cookman College (1999)

Johnny Seymore III

CONTACT INFORMATION

[email protected]

CURRENT DEGREE SOUGHT

Ph.D., Atmospheric SciencesHoward University HOMETOWN

Jacksonville, FL

47COHORT 3

Alicia N. Washington

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Computer Science/Networking, North Carolina State University, 2005M.S., Computer Science, North Carolina State University, 2002B.S., Computer Science, Johnson C. Smith University, 2000 RESEARCH INTEREST

Sub-wavelength Path Allocation in Network Design ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Honors College Senior Award (2000)>> All-American Scholar Award (1999)>> Focus Participant-Georgia Tech (1999)>> Who’s Who Among College Students (1998–2000)>> President’s List (1996–2000)>> Summa Cum Laude Graduate, Johnson C. Smith University>> Alpha Lambda Delta, Alpha Chi and Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Societies >> Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

CONTACT INFORMATION



Durham, NC

EDUCATION

M.S., Electrical Engineering, North Carolina State University, 2002 B.S., Electrical Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 2001 RESEARCH INTEREST

Estimating the system dynamics of metabolic networks using data obtainable from current experimental technologies ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Association of Achievement & Leadership Award (2005) >> Minority Graduate Education (MGE) Fellowship Recipient, North Carolina University (2003)>> Dean’s Fellowship, North Carolina State University (2001) >> Association for the Concerns of African American Graduate Students (ACAAGS) College of Engineering Academic Achievement & Leadership Award (2003)>> National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science (GEM) Masters Fellowship Recipient (2001) >> Member, Eta Kappa Nu Honor Society (1999) >> Ford Scholarship Recipient (1999)

Cranos M. Williams

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Electrical EngineeringNorth Carolina State University HOMETOWN

St. Thomas, USVI

48

Jamal O. Wilson

EDUCATION

B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2002B.S., General Science, Morehouse College, 2000 RESEARCH INTEREST

Selection for Rapid Manufacturing under Uncertainty ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Technological Innovation: Generating Economic Results (TI:GER) Fellow>> Georgia Institute of Technology President’s Fellow>> David and Lucille Packard Foundation Fellow>> Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society>> Most Outstanding 3rd Year Engineering Student (AUC Dual Degree Engineering Program)>> Most Outstanding 4th Year Engineering Student (AUC Dual Degree Engineering Program)>> Most Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Student (AUC Dual Degree Engineering Program)>> General Motors/UNCF Scholar

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Mechanical EngineeringGeorgia Institute of Technology HOMETOWN

Decatur, GA

COHORT 3

49

Omavi Bailey .............................................................................50Shweta Bansal ..........................................................................50Ife D. Calmese ............................................................................51Steven Chischilly ........................................................................51Miguel Daal ...............................................................................52James C. Ford ...........................................................................52Janae N. Foss ............................................................................53Christopher Green ....................................................................53Jerrod A. Henderson ................................................................54Janine Johnson.........................................................................54Lora Koenig ...............................................................................55Charles Lee ...............................................................................55Victor L. Marrero ......................................................................56Tammara Massey ......................................................................56Lisa P. Mickens ..........................................................................57Olufemi Olumoko.......................................................................57Mamta Patel ..............................................................................58Ravi Prakash .............................................................................58Miguel O. Roman-Colon .............................................................59Darilis Suarez-Gonzalez ............................................................59

COHORT 4C4


50 COHORT 4

Omavi Bailey

EDUCATION

B.S., Math/Chemistry, Morehouse College, 2003Makerere University, Study Abroad in Kampala, Uganda, Spring 2001 RESEARCH INTEREST

Environmental Factors that Contribute to the Spread and Proliferation of Malaria throughout Various Geographical Locations in Eastern Africa ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Jesse H. Jones Scholar>> MARC U* Scholar>> National Science Fair Winner (2nd place)>> NASA “Project Space” Scholar>> Howard Thurman Scholar >> Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society>> Packard Scholar with the School for International Training

CONTACT INFORMATION


M.S., Public HealthUniversity of South Florida HOMETOWN

Houston, TX

EDUCATION

B.S., Mathematics and Computer Science, Santa Clara University, 2004 RESEARCH INTEREST

Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases with Contact Networks and Percolation Theory ACHIEVEMENTS

>> “Community Structure in Networks” Society for Mathematical Biology, Presenter >> University of Texas Graduate Fellowship>> Phi Beta Kappa>> Paul Halmos Prize in Mathematics>> Santa Clara University Presidential Scholar

Shweta Bansal

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Computational and Applied MathematicsUniversity of Texas–Austin HOMETOWN

Sunnyvale, CA

51COHORT 4

Ife D. Calmese

EDUCATION

M.S., Electrical Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 2004B.S., Electrical Engineering, Southern Illinois University, 2002 RESEARCH INTEREST

Image and Signal Processing ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Intel Scholarship >> CIA Fellow>> Minority Engineering Program Student of the Year>> Student Transition and Retention Fellowship

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Electrical EngineeringSouthern Illinois Univ.–Carbondale HOMETOWN

Chicago, IL

EDUCATION

M.A., Biology, University of Colorado at Boulder, 1994B.S., Biology, Fort Lewis College, 1989A.A., Agriculture, Fort Lewis College, 1989 RESEARCH INTEREST

The Effects of Radiation on Plants ACHIEVEMENTS

>> NASA Faculty Fellowship (2002)>> Presidential Community Service Award (2002)>> Global Engagement for Multi-Faceted Stakeholders Award (2002)>> Patricia Roberts Harris Fellowship (1989–1991)>> Chief Manuelito High Academic Achievement Scholarship (1985)

Steven Chischilly

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Biology (Population Genetics)University of Colorado at Boulder HOMETOWN

Navajo Nation

52 COHORT 4

Miguel Daal

EDUCATION

Sc.B., Mathematics, Brown University, 2002Sc.B., Physics, Brown University, 2002 RESEARCH INTEREST

State of the Art Detector Development; Cosmology; Gravitation; Biophysics ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Lindau meeting of Physics Nobel Laureates and Graduate Students Attendee (2004) >> Summer Rhode Island NASA Space Grant Fellowship (2001)>> Mellon Mays Fellowship (2000)>> Math and Physics Departmental Undergraduate Groups President, Brown University (1998–2002)

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., PhysicsUniversity of California at Berkeley HOMETOWN

Baltimore, MD

EDUCATION

B.S., Mathematics, Morehouse College, 2003B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2003 RESEARCH INTEREST

Design and Modeling of Energy Systems in Particular Solid Oxide and Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Department of Energy Mickey Leland Fellow (2006)>> National Science Foundation Honorable Mention (2003)>> David and Lucile Packard Foundation Scholar>> Central Intelligence Agency Graduate Fellow>> NASA Ron E. McNair Project S.P.A.C.E. Scholar

James C. Ford

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology HOMETOWN

Akron, OH

53COHORT 4

Janae N. Foss

EDUCATION

M.S., Computer Science, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 2001B.S., Saginaw Valley State University, 1999 RESEARCH INTEREST

Computer Science Field of Artificial Intelligence ACHIEVEMENTS

>> MTU Graduate Teaching Instructor (2002–2004)>> MTU Graduate School Fellowship (2001)>> RPI Graduate Research Assistant (2000)>> RPI Graduate Teaching Assistant (1999–2000)>> NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates, University of Alabama (1998)>> SVSU University Scholar Award (scholarship) (1995–1999)>> Michigan Competitive Scholarship (1995–1999)

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Computer ScienceMichigan Technological University HOMETOWN

Clare, MI

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2007 B.S. and M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2001-2004B.S., Mathematics, Morehouse College, 2001 RESEARCH INTEREST

Dual-energy X-ray; Nuclear material detection; Radiography ACHIEVEMENTS

>> David and Lucille Packard Fellow (2001–Present)>> Georgia Tech Presidential Fellow (2001–Present)>> Georgia Tech FACES Fellow (2001–Present)>> Most Outstanding Dual Degree Engineering Student (2000–2001)>> Most Outstanding Fifth Year Mechanical Engineering Student (2000–2001)>> Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society (2001)>> Pi Tau Sigma Mechanical Engineering Honor Society (2001)>> Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society (1999)>> Ronald E. McNair NASA Scholar (1996–2001)

Christopher Green

CONTACT INFORMATION



Hephzibah, GA

54 COHORT 4

Jerrod A. Henderson

EDUCATION

B.S., Chemistry, Morehouse College, 2003B.S., Chemical Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 2003Waste Management Certificate, 2003 RESEARCH INTEREST

Intracellular REDOX Environment and its implications ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Research Team Leader (UIUC Summer Research Opportunities Program)>> Ronald E. McNair Undergraduate Scholar & honor society>> Phi Beta Kappa Society (Delta of GA)>> Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society>> Omega Chi Epsilon (Chemical Engineering Honor Society)>> Golden Key National Honor Society>> National Society of Collegiate Scholars>> American Chemical Society Scholar>> McKinsey and Company Scholar

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign HOMETOWN

Kinston, NC

EDUCATION

M.S, Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2004B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Arkansas State University, 2000 RESEARCH INTEREST

Finite element techniques; Fuel cells in the development of an accurate fatigue life prediction model ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Six Sigma Black Belt Training for Eaton Aerospace>> Supplemental Presidential Fellowship from Georgia Institute of Technology (2004)>> Graduate Research Assistantship from Georgia Institute of Technology (2002)>> Product Engineer I and II, Eaton Hydraulics and Eaton Aerospace (2000–2002) >> Valedictorian, College of Mechanical Engineering, Arkansas State University (2000)>> Outstanding Student in Mechanical Engineering (2000)>> President’s Scholar at Arkansas State (1995–00)

Janine Johnson

CONTACT INFORMATION



Clinton, AR

55COHORT 4

Lora Koenig

EDUCATION

M.S., Geography, University of Utah, 2002B.A., Mathematics, Linfield College, 1999 RESEARCH INTEREST

Applying Satellite Remote Sensing Techniques to Determine Physical Properties of Snow and Ice ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Principle Researcher, Crater Lake National Park, Measured Thermal Conductivity of Snow >> Snow Surveyor, NASA Cold Land Processes Experiment >> Achievements Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Scholarship, University of Washington >> Program on Climate Change, Seed Scholarship, University of Washington>> Outstanding Graduate Student Award, Department of Geography, University of Utah>> Environmental Research Systems Institute (ESRI), Summer Intern, North Seattle >> Boys and Girls Club of America, Volunteer

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Earth and Space ScienceUniversity of Washington HOMETOWN

Seattle, WA

EDUCATION

M.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 2004M.B.A., Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, 1998B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Maryland at College Park, 1994 RESEARCH INTEREST

Plasma propulsion specifically with NASA’s Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) engine ACHIEVEMENTS

>> NASA JPFP Mini Research Award (2005)>> University of Texas Bruton Fellowship (2004)>> University of Texas Graduate Research Assistant Fellowship (2003–2004)>> American Physical Society (APS) poster presentation >> Eta Kappa Nu, National Electrical Engineering Honor Society>> Dual-Degree Program, Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with Universite Paul Sabatier in Toulouse, France>> Language and Area Studies Immersion program in Strasbourg, France>> Full 4-year Undergraduate US Air Force ROTC Scholarship

Charles Lee

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Electrical Engineering University of Texas at Austin HOMETOWN

Fort Washington, MD

56 COHORT 4

Victor L. Marrero

EDUCATION

M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico–Mayaguez, 2004B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Turabo–Gurabo, 2002 RESEARCH INTEREST

Stabilized Finite Element Method to Accurately Model Particle Deposition in the Human Respiratory System ACHIEVEMENTS

>> RPI Dr. Paul B. Zuber and Dr. Eddie Knowles Graduate Student Founders Award (2005)>> Executive V. Pres. of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc.–Alpha Chapter (2005)>> Alliance for Graduate Education and Professoriate (AGEP) Program (2004)>> Pi Tau Sigma Honor Society (2004)>> UPRM/NSF Engineering Excellence Award (2003)>> NASA Co-op Program (2002–2004)>> Summer Institute in Engineering and Computer Applications (SIECA) Fellowship (2002)>> University of Turabo Alumni Award (2002)>> SHPE/NASA HONORES Scholarship Program (2000–2001)>> Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges (2x)

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Mechanical EngineeringRensselaer Polytechnic Institute HOMETOWN

Yabucoa, Puerto Rico

EDUCATION

M.S., Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2004B.S., Computer Science, University of North Carolina–Wilmington, 200 RESEARCH INTEREST

Sensor Networking ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Graduate Degree for Minorities in Engineering and Science Fellow>> National Science Foundation Honorable Mention>> Verizon Scholar>> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, UNC Wilmington>> “Making a Difference” Award, NAACP>> Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated>> NAACP, President (2001–2002)>> Outstanding New College Chapter, NAACP (2002)>> Dr. Leroy W. Upperman Scholarship, Recipient (1998–2002)>> Outstanding Student of the Year, College of Arts and Sciences, UNC

Tammara Massey

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Computer ScienceUniversity of California–Los Angeles HOMETOWN

Asheboro, NC

57COHORT 4

Lisa P. Mickens

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, Morgan State University, 2007 M.S., Electrical Engineering, Morgan State University, 2004B.S., Electrical Engineering, Morgan State University, 2001 RESEARCH INTEREST

Image Processing, Speech Processing, Pattern Processing ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Tau Beta Pi, National Engineering Honor Society member>> Golden Key International Honor Society member>> Recipient, National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship>> Booz Allen & Hamilton Team Appreciation Award

CONTACT INFORMATION



Petersburg, VA

EDUCATION

M.S., Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2005B.S., Computer Science, Bowie State University, 2003 RESEARCH INTEREST

Ubiquitous Computing, Assistive Technologies, Human Computer Interaction (HCI) ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Award (2004)>> Verizon Scholarship Award (2004)>> National Science Foundation (NSF) Honorable Mention (2004, 2003)>> Most Outstanding Computer Science Student (2003)>> Outstanding Honors Program Student (2003)>> Alpha Chi National Honor Society (2002)>> Science, Engineering and Mathematics (SEM) Fellowship (2000–2003)>> Dean’s List for Academic Achievement (1999–2003)>> Bowie State University Academic Excellence Award>> National All-American Scholar Honors

Olufemi Olumoko

CONTACT INFORMATION



Riverdale, GA

58 COHORT 4

Mamta Patel

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Bioengineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2007M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2005B.S., Engineering, Texas A&M University, 2003 RESEARCH INTEREST

The mechanism by which microgravity induces bone loss in humans and how to counteract the pathology ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Outstanding NASA Co-Op Special Achievement Award (2003) >> Outstanding NASA Co-Op Flag Award Summer (2002)>> Outstanding NASA Co-Op Flag Award Spring (2002)>> TAMU Outstanding Engineering Cumulative GPA Spring (2002)>> Outstanding NASA Co-Op Special Achievement Award (2001) >> TAMU Project Sunshine (2000–2001)>> Texas A&M University (TAMU) College of Engineering Dean’s List>> TAMU College of Engineering Distinguished Students List>> TAMU College of Engineering Outstanding Academic Recognition>> Suzuki Rock ’n Roll Marathon in San Diego, CA–The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

CONTACT INFORMATION



San Angelo, TX

EDUCATION

M.S., Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2005 B.S., Aerospace Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 2003 RESEARCH INTEREST

Design of a Long Endurance Vertical Takeoff and Landing Spacecraft to Explore Titan ACHIEVEMENTS

>> First Tier Group Award–NASA Revolutionary Vehicles Design Competition>> Performed combustion experiment onboard NASA’s KC-135>> Undergraduate Research Fellowship–The University of Texas>> Sigma Gamma Tau–National Aerospace Engineering Honor Society>> NASA Academy Alumni Association>> University of Texas’ University Honors List>> New York University’s Dean’s List>> Gold Star Award–Northside Elementary School

Ravi Prakash

CONTACT INFORMATION



Texas City, TX

59COHORT 4

Miguel O. Román-Colón

EDUCATION

M.S., Systems Engineering, Cornell University, 2005B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez, 2004 RESEARCH INTEREST

Development and application of remote sensing techniques ACHIEVEMENTS

>> AAAS International Student Research Competition, Honorary Mention (2003) >> IBM Corp. Delegate–Summer Venture in Management Program, Harvard Business School (2002)>> First prize at the NASA-PAIR Summit Research Poster Competition (2002)>> US-Army Major General James Ursano scholar (2000–Present)>> Hispanic Scholarship Fund Award Recipient (1999–Present)>> University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez Distinguished Scholar Award (2x)>> United States Department of the Interior STAR Award Recipient (2x)>> NASA-PaSCoR Distinguished Researcher Award

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Remote Sensing and GISBoston University HOMETOWN


EDUCATION

B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez, 2004 RESEARCH INTEREST

Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering ACHIEVEMENTS

>> JPFP Mini Research Award recipient (2005 & 2006)>> Engineering in Training Certificate (2004)>> PR Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation in Science Scholarship (2003)>> Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Conference, Poster Presentation (2000) >> Hispanic Scholarship (1999–2002)>> National Collegiate Engineering Award>> All American Scholar>> National Dean’s List>> Chemical Engineering and General Engineering Honor Roll>> Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research (SOARS) Protégé

Darilis Suarez-Gonzales

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D.,Materials ScienceUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison HOMETOWN

Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

61

COHORT 5C5


Danielle (Adams) Wood .................................................................62Kenneth Miguel Armijo ...............................................................62Elizabeth Deems .........................................................................63Sandra (Geffert) Moore ...............................................................63Daryl Haggard .............................................................................64Byron Johns ................................................................................64Cassidy B. Johnson .....................................................................65Darin Leonhardt .........................................................................65Vasana Maneeratana .................................................................66Emmanuell Murray ......................................................................66Line van Nieuwstadt ..................................................................67Omonike (Omotoso) Olaleye ........................................................67Ana J. Picón ...............................................................................68Jason Polendo ............................................................................68Tamara Singleton ........................................................................69Otis Smart ..................................................................................69Adrienne P. Stephenson ...........................................................70Amber N. Straughn .....................................................................70Cherita Thomas ............................................................................71Idalis Villanueva ..........................................................................71

62 COHORT 5

Danielle (Adams) Wood

EDUCATION

B.S., Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology,2005 RESEARCH INTEREST

Controls for formation flight of autonomous spacecraft, tether dynamics ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Recipient of One Year Department Fellowship, MIT Aero/Astro (2005–2006)>> Member of Cape Town University of Technology – MIT Communications Workshop & Student Exchange (2006)>> Liason between MIT Aeronautics/Astronautics department and University of Pretoria, South Africa to build inter-university collaboration>> Alumni of the 2004 Goddard NASA Academy Summer Internship Program>> Three time summer volunteer with Homeless Children International, Kenya; MIT Public Service Center Fellow>> Staff of 2005 Goddard NASA Academy Summer Internship

CONTACT INFORMATION


M.S., Aeronautics and AstronauticsM.S., Technology and PolicyMassachusetts Institute of Technology HOMETOWN

Orlando, FL

EDUCATION

M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of California-Berkeley, 2006B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of New Mexico, 2005 RESEARCH INTEREST

Thermodynamics, thermal/fluid sciences and energy systems ACHIEVEMENTS

>> 1st Place Technical Paper Award, National Technical Symposium (2005)>> UNM FSAE Team (2004)>> National HENAAC Scholarship (2004)>> NASA Johnson Space Center Energy Systems Test Area Test Director (2003)>> United Space Alliance (USA) Training Academy (2001)>> NASA ORBIT MPSR Prep. 1st stage certification (2001)>> 3rd Place Technical Paper Award, International Mexican Americans in Engineering and Science Symposium>> Who’s Who among American College Students>> National Dean’s List>> Outstanding Student Award, National Atomic Museum’s Hispanics in Science and Engineering Month

Kenneth M. Armijo

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Mechanical EngineeringUniv. of California–Berkeley HOMETOWN

Sabinal, NM

63COHORT 5

Elizabeth Deems

EDUCATION

M.S., Aerospace Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2006B.S., Aerospace Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2005 RESEARCH INTEREST

Space Systems Design and Multidisciplinary Optimization ACHIEVEMENTS

>> National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Recipient (2005)>> Massachusetts Institute of Technology Departmental Fellowship Recipient (2005–2006)>> Tau Beta Pi Senior Award, GA Tech College of Engineering at Georgia Tech (2005)>> Aerospace Engineering Senior Salute Award, GA Tech (2005)>> Founder, Aerospace Engineering School Advisory Council, GA Tech (2004)>> Impact Scholarship Recipient (2004)>> Henry Ford Scholar, GA Tech College of Engineering (2004)>> Society of Women Engineers Scholarship (2003–2005)>> Women’s Leadership Conference Executive Board (2003)

CONTACT INFORMATION



Springfield, VA

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Houston, 2007M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Houston, 2003B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Houston, 2001 RESEARCH INTEREST

Fluid mechanics; Heat transfer; Numerical Modeling; Bioreactor Design andDevelopment; Biological Sensors; Tissue Engineering, Stem Cell Research ACHIEVEMENTS

>> JPFP Mini Research Award (2006)>> Fellow, Texas Space Grant Consortium (2005)>> Presenter, NASA Cell Science Conference (2005, 2004, 2003)>> NASA Group Achievement Award>> University of Houston Presidential Graduate Student Award (2003, 2004)>> U.S. Representative, WKA World Championships (2001–2005)>> Assistant for numerous NASA KC–135 Flight Experiments (2001–2004)>> Outstanding Engineering Academics Award, University of Houston (2001)>> Summer Faculty Fellows Assistant, NASA Johnson Space Center (2000)>> Fellow, Haven’s Foundation (1996-2001)

Sandra (Geffert) Moore

CONTACT INFORMATION



Kingwood, TX

64 COHORT 5

Daryl Haggard

EDUCATION

M.S., Astronomy, University of Washington, 2006M.S., Physics, San Francisco State University, 2004B.A., Philosophy, St. John’s College, 1995 RESEARCH INTEREST

Quasars and AGN: multiwavelength studies, spectroscopy & spectral energy distributions Broad Absorption Line (BAL) quasars: spectral variability and X-ray propertiesCompact binaries: double-degenerate binaries (e.g. AM CVn) and X-ray emitters in globular clusters ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Pre-Major in Astronomy Program Leader, University of Washington (2005- 2008)>> Graduate School Top Scholar Award, University of Washington (2003-2004)>> Project ASTRO Volunteer, Astronomical Society of the Pacific (2002-2003)>> Achievement Awards for College Scientists, ARCS Foundation (2001-2002 & 2002-2003)>> Graduate Fellow, NSF Graduate to K-12 Outreach Program (2001-2002)>> Student Research Award, San Francisco State University (2000 & 2001)>> Burr & Virginia Burbank Scholarship, San Francisco State University (2000)>> Award for Excellence in Public Speaking, Senator Millard E. Tydings Memorial Prize (1995)

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., AstronomyUniversity of Washington HOMETOWN

Santa Fe, NM

EDUCATION

B.S., Electrical Engineering, Hampton University, 2005 RESEARCH INTEREST

Automation and Mechatronics; Robotics; Controls ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Georgia Tech FACES Fellow (2005-present)>> Journal Publication: 10th International CLAWAR Conference, Singapore (2007)>> NASA 19th Annual JPL Planetary Science Summer School Program (2007)>> Citizens for Space Exploration Program (2007)>> NASA JPL Summer Intern, JPL Robotics Group (2006)>> Technical Symposium Honorable Mention (2006)>> Golden Key International Honor Society (2005-present)>> Hampton University Cum Laude & Departmental Honors (2005)>> Hampton University, Presidential & Merit Scholar (2001-2005)>> NASA GSFC S.H.A.R.P. Program (2001)

Byron Johns

CONTACT INFORMATION



Largo, MD

65COHORT 5

Cassidy B. Johnson

EDUCATION

M.S., Biology, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, 2005B.S., Biology, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, 2001 RESEARCH INTEREST

Gravi-sensing in Drosophila melanogaster; Investigating how genes affectbehavior ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Presenter at the NASA Cell Science Conference (2005)>> Texas Space Grant Consortium Fellow (2003–2005)>> Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi President Search Committee (2004)>> Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi Honors Program Planning Committee (2004)>> Member, Sigma Xi Research Honors Society (2004–2005)>> “NASA Means Business” National Student Competition Finalist (2004)>> Texas A&M University Student Government Graduate Senator (2002–2004)>> Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi Student Government President (2000–2001)>> Washington Space Grant “OUR Earth” Summer Internship (1999)

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Biochemistry and Cellular BiologyRice University HOMETOWN

Kerrville, TX

EDUCATION

B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of New Mexico, 2005A.A.S., Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, San Juan CommunityCollege, 1997 RESEARCH INTEREST

Semiconductor Materials Science ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Summa Cum Laude Graduate, Univ. of New Mexico (2005)>> Sandia National Laboratories Internship (2004–2005)>> Research Assistant Positions (2004–2005)>> Volunteer, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science (2004–2005)>> President, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society (2004)>> Outstanding Junior in Chemical Engineering Award, Univ. of New Mexico (2004)>> NASA Training Project Scholarship (2003–2005)>> Employee, Intel Corporation (1997–2001)

Darin Leonhardt

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Chemical EngineeringUniversity of New Mexico HOMETOWN

Albuquerque, NM

66 COHORT 5

Vasana Maneeratana

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Materials Science & Engineering, University of Florida, 2007M.S., Materials Science & Engineering, University of Florida, 2005B.S., Materials Science & Engineering, University of Florida, 2002 RESEARCH INTEREST

Sustainable processing and materials selection for advanced materialsBiomimetics in the development of hierarchically structured batteries and fuel cellsThermal, chemical, microstructural, and physical property relationships of sol-gel based materials ACHIEVEMENTS

>> American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)- Entrypoint! Scholar >> Board appointed Member of AAAS’ Committee on Opportunities in Science (COOS) >> NASA-JPFP Mini Research Award, NASA Glenn Research Center >> NASA Headquarters Sponsored Student for the International Astronautical Congress>> NSF Sponsored Travel Fellowship for the European Ceramic Society Meeting, Berlin>> Advisory Committee-WAMC-NPR’s radio series focusing on women with disabilities>> First-Year NASA Glenn Scholar>> Florida Bright Futures Scholarship>> Particle Engineering Research Scholarship>> Undergraduate Research Scholars Award

CONTACT INFORMATION



Gainesville, FL

EDUCATION

M.S., Aerospace Engineering, University of California–Los Angeles, 2005B.S.E.., Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, 2003Certificate in Robotics and Intelligent Systems, 2003 RESEARCH INTEREST

Spacecraft formation guidance and control ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Co-author AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference and AIAA Guidence, Navigation, and Control Conference papers (2006)>> Collegiate All-American Scholar Award (2005)>> Employee, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (2004)>> Honors Graduate, Princeton University (2003)>> Sigma Xi Research Society Inductee (2003)

Emmanuell Murray

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Aerospace EngineeringUniv. of California–Los Angeles HOMETOWN

Glendale, CA

67COHORT 5

Line van Nieuwstadt

EDUCATION

M.S., Electrical Engineering, Cornell University, 1989B.S., Electrical Engineering, California State Polytechnic University–Pomona,1987 RESEARCH INTEREST

Microwave circuit and remote sensing ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Team Engineer, Mars Pathfinder Sojourner Rover Communication System (1996)>> Patent Number 5,218,357: “Miniature Modular Microwave End-To-End Receiver” (1993)>> President’s Fund Research Award, California Institute of Technology and NASA (1993)>> Member, Mars Speakers bureau>> Volunteer, NASA JPL Middle school science fairs

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Electrical EngineeringUniversity of Michigan HOMETOWN

Ann Arbor, MI

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 2007B.A., Chemistry, University of St. Thomas (TX), 2001 RESEARCH INTEREST

Drug discovery of novel antibiotics; Infectious diseases; Methionine aminopeptidases ACHIEVEMENTS

>> NASA-JPFP Mini Research Award, Johnson Space Center (2006)>> UNCF*Merck Graduate Science Research Dissertation Fellow (2005) >> Minority Trainee Research Forum Travel Fellowship >> National Aeronautics Space Administration-JPFP>> Pharmacology Training Grant, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (2002-2004)>> UNCF*Merck Undergraduate Research Fellow (2000)>> Texas Academy of Science, Collegiate Academy Research Appreciation Award, Marc>> Undergraduate Chemistry Research (1999)

Omonike (Omotoso) Olaleye

CONTACT INFORMATION



Houston, TX

68 COHORT 5

Ana J. Picón

EDUCATION

M.S., Computer Engineering, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, 2006B.S., Computer Engineering, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, 2002 RESEARCH INTEREST

Use of Airborne and Satellite Sensors to Retrieve Surface Properties for the Study of Urban Climatology in Tropical Coastal Cities. Pattern Recognition Techniques for the Characterization of Urban Climate ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Graduate Student of NOAA CREST from 2002 through 2006>> Work at the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies in 2003>> Member of the IEEE Computer and the IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Societies>> Member of the American Geophysical Union and the American Institute of Physics>> Work at the NSSTC Global Hydrology and Climate Center (2004)>> Graduate student participant of the ATLAS Mission (2002)>> Co-author, AMS Annual Meeting, Poster Presentation (2005)>> ATLAS mission campaign, Mayagüez, PR (2004)>> Presenter, American Geophysical Union (AGU) Annual Meeting and the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) Annual Conference (2004)>> Summer Intern, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (2004)

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Computing and Information Sciences & Engineering University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez HOMETOWN

Arecibo, Puerto Rico

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, 2006M.S., Telecommunications, Southern Methodist University, 2001B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, 1999 RESEARCH INTEREST

Nonlinear Systems and Control; Intelligent Systems; MEMS and NEMSSimulation; Biomedical Applications of Control Systems ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Member, IEEE Control Systems Society (2003–Present)>> SIAM Activity Group on Control and Systems Theory (2003–Present)>> Member, Tau Beta Pi (2002–Present)>> UTSA Electrical Engineering Ph.D. Fellow (2002–2005)>> Member, IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (2001–Present)>> Member, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (1998–Present)>> President, UTSA Engineering Honor Society (1998–1999)>> UTSA Engineering Honor Society (1998)>> NASA Undergraduate Research Scholar (1995–1999)

Jason Polendo

CONTACT INFORMATION



San Antonio, TX

69COHORT 5

Tamara Singleton

EDUCATION

M.S., Mathematics, Tulane University, 2004B.S., Mathematics, Dillard University, 2002 RESEARCH INTEREST

Applied and Computational Mathematics; Fluid and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics; Atmospheric Sciences ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Southern Regional Education Board–AGEP Scholar (2003)>> FOCUS Scholar, Georgia Institute of Technology (2002)>> Participant, NCAR, Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science (SOARS; 2000–2004)>> Participant, Dillard University’s Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (2000–2002)>> Ruth Hall and Jan Tore Scholarship Recipient (2001)>> Participant, Tulane University’s Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (1999–2000)>> Alfred Chisolm UNCF Scholarship Recipient (1999)>> Visiting Graduate Research Assistant–National Center for Atmospheric Research Institute for Mathematics Applied to Geosciences (IMAGe)>> Visiting Graduate Research Assistant–National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center Mesoscale Atmospheric Processes Branch

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Applied MathematicsUniversity of Maryland College Park HOMETOWN

Houston, TX

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Electrical & Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2007M.S., Electrical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2002B.S., Electrical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2001B.S., General Science, Morehouse College, 2001 RESEARCH INTEREST

IEEG and Functional Image Analysis; Pattern Recognition Tools; Datavisualization ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Fellow, Georgia Tech Facilitating Academic Careers in Engineering & Science, Fall (2005–Present)>> IEEE TPS Development Workshop (2005)>> Mentor, Intel Opportunity Scholar’s Program (2005–Present)>> Mentor and Tutor, Centennial Place Elementary School (2004–Present)>> General Electric Faculty for the Future Fellow>> INROADS Atlanta Outstanding Student of Year (1999)>> Senator, Morehouse Mathletes (1998–1999)>> Outstanding Freshman, Morehouse College (1997)>> Center of Excellence Top Scholar, Morehouse College (1997)

Otis Smart

CONTACT INFORMATION



Augusta, GA

70 COHORT 5

Adrienne P. Stephenson

EDUCATION

M.S., Pharmacology/Toxicology, Florida A&M University, 2005B.A., Chemistry, Lincoln University, PA, 2000 RESEARCH INTEREST

The Global Effects of MnCl2 on Expression of Genes Related to Apoptosis,Cellular Protection, and Damage Control Mechanisms

ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Special Topics in Biotechnology: DNA Microarray and PCR, National Institutes of Health (2005)>> Delores Auzenne Fellowship, Florida A&M University (2004–2005)>> Florida A&M University Developmental Research School (DRS): Mentor/ Volunteer (2000–Present)>> Los Alamos National Laboratory Intern (1999)>> NASA HBCU Research Consortium Scholarship Recipient (1997–2000)>> Oakridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) / Department of Energy Scholarship Recipient (1997–2000)>> Lincoln Advanced Science and Engineering Reinforcement (LASER) Scholarship (1996–2000)>> Beta Kappa Chi National Scientific Honor Society

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Pharmacology/ToxicologyFlorida A&M University HOMETOWN

Washington, D.C.

EDUCATION

B.S., Physics, University of Arkansas; Physics, 2002 RESEARCH INTEREST

Cosmology; Galaxy formation & evolution; High-redshift galaxies; Dark energy ACHIEVEMENTS

>> NASA Gerald A. Soffen Memorial Fund Travel Grant (2005)>> NASA Space Grant Fellowship (2004, 2003)>> NSF Graduate Fellowship Honorable Mention (2002)>> Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) Fellowship (2002)>> NASA Undergraduate Reduced Gravity Flight Program Participant (2001)>> M.I.T Haystack Observatory’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (2001)>> Rear Admiral William C. Bryson Astronomy Scholarship, University of Arkansas (2001)>> University of Arkansas Departmental Physics Scholarship (1999, 2000)>> University of Arkansas Chancellor’s Scholarship (1998–2002)>> Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship (1998)

Amber N. Straughn

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., PhysicsArizona State University HOMETOWN

Bee Branch, AR

71COHORT 5

Cherita Thomas

EDUCATION

M.S., Biology, Texas Southern University, 2005B.S., Biology, Texas Southern University, 2002 RESEARCH INTEREST

Development of rapid detection and identification approaches for environmental fungi ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Co-author/Presenter, NASA Cell Science Conference (2005)>> Visiting Researcher, Stanford University, Genome Technology Center (2004– 2005)>> NASA/NAFEO Ames Research Academy (2004)>> Co-presenter, Stanford Genome Technology Center Research Retreat (2004)>> Lifetime Member, Alpha Kappa Mu International Honor Society (2002)>> Lifetime Member, Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society (2002)>> Lifetime Member, Golden Key International Honor Society (2002)>> Presenter, Texas McNair Research Conference (2002)>> Presenter, TSU McNair Scholars Research Conference (2002)>> Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program Scholar (2000– 2002)

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Environmental ToxicologyTexas Southern University HOMETOWN

Navasota, TX

EDUCATION

B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, 2004 RESEARCH INTEREST

Development of synthetic based models to assess signaling pathways in osteoarthritis ACHIEVEMENTS

>> CDI Student Travel Award, University of Colorado Boulder (2006-08) >> Guest speaker- Puerto Rico Annual NASA meeting (2008) >> Guest speaker-NASA STS-122 Pre-Launch Conference in Kennedy Space Center (2007) >> U.S. Dept of Education Graduate Assistantships Areas of National Need (2006-2008)>> Mini NASA Research Award Recipient (2006) >> NASA Harriett Jenkins Predoctoral Fellowship (2005-present) >> Alliance for Graduate and Educational Professoriate Grant (2004-2005) >> Puerto Rico NASA Space Grant for Research in Engineering and Science (2003-2004)>> Academic Excellence in Sciences and Engineering Award (2004)>> HESS Scholarship for Academic Excellence (2002)

Idalis Villanueva

CONTACT INFORMATION

[email protected]; [email protected] CURRENT DEGREE SOUGHT

Ph.D., Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Colorado, Boulder HOMETOWN

Boulder, CO

73

COHORT 6C6


Laura M. Barge ............................................................................74Quenton Bonds ...........................................................................74Christian Braneon .......................................................................75Heather Coleman ........................................................................75Moogega Cooper .........................................................................76Amy Daniels .................................................................................76Ana De La Ree .............................................................................77Daniel M. Faissol .........................................................................77Sara Jarvis ..................................................................................78Thompson Le Blanc .....................................................................78Maria del Carmen Lopez Garcia ...................................................79William MacKunis .......................................................................79Morgana Martin ...........................................................................80Shara McClendon ........................................................................80Swati Mohan ................................................................................81Michelle O’Malley .........................................................................81Napoleon Paxton ........................................................................82Anthony Pettes ...........................................................................82Solimar Reyes .............................................................................83Erica Wells ..................................................................................83

74 COHORT 6

Laura Marie Barge

EDUCATION

B.S., Astronomy and Astrophysics, Villanova University, 2004 RESEARCH INTEREST

Formation of Terrestrial and Martian Hematite Concretions by Diffusion ACHIEVEMENTS

>> USC Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) Merit Fellowship, 2007-2008>> NAI Lewis and Clark Astrobiology Field Scholar (2007)>> USC Dean Joan M. Schaefer Merit Scholarship / Research Award (2007)>> USC Dept. of Earth Sciences Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award (2006, 2007)>> American Astronomical Society International Travel Grant (2007)>> Keck Fellowship, University of Southern California (2004)>> College Merit Award Fellowship, USC College of Letters and Sciences (2004)>> USA Funds Access to Education Scholarship (2007-present)>> 2006 International Summer School in Astrobiology, Santander, Spain>> 2006 LAPLACE Astrobiology Winter School, University of Arizona

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Geological SciencesUniversity of Southern California HOMETOWN

Lafayette, CA

EDUCATION

M.S., Electrical Engineering, University of South Florida, 2006B.S., Mathematics, Alabama State University, 2001 RESEARCH INTEREST

Embeddable Fabric Antennas for Medical Monitoring Applications; NASA RadioPill Technology ACHIEVEMENTS

>> NASA Science & Technology Institute for Minority Institutions–Summer Internship Program (2006)>> McKnight Doctoral Fellowship (2005–2006)>> UNCF Northrop Grumman Fellowship (2005–2006)>> 1st Place Oral Presentations, Engineering Category, Emerge (2005)>> AAAS Conference Travel Award (2006)>> NSF Bridge to the Doctorate Fellowship (2004–2006)>> Minority Graduate Fellowship, University of South Florida (2004–2005)>> National Institute of Standards in Technology (NIST) Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (2004)

Quenton Bonds

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Electrical EngineeringUniversity of South Florida HOMETOWN

Montgomery, AL

75COHORT 6

Christian Braneon

EDUCATION

M.S., Civil Engineering, Georgia Institute of TechnologyB.S., Applied Physics, Morehouse College B.S., Civil Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology Study Abroad, Nanzan University (Nagoya, Japan; Fall 2002) RESEARCH INTEREST

Water resources planning, policy, and management Forecasting and remote sensing of climatic and hydrologic variablesFood security and climate change ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Delegate, 2008 INNOVATE Conference (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Singapore)>> Chair, Finding Empowerment Through Education (FETE) Foundation (2007 - Present)>> Outstanding Grad. Teaching Assistant. Award, School of CEE (2005-2006)>> Outstanding Leadership Award, AUC Dual-Degree Engineering Program (2004-2005)>> Civil Engineering Representative, Georgia Tech Undergrad. SGA (2004) >> 1st Place, NSBE Regional Undergraduate Science and Technology Research Competition (2004)>> Delegate, Georgia International Leadership Conference (2004)>> NASA Ronald E. McNair Scholar, (2000-2004)>> Intern of the Year, Emma and Joe Adams Public Service Institute (2002)>> 1st Place, ASCE Regional Steel Bridge Competition (2000)

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Civil EngineeringGeorgia Institute of Technology HOMETOWN

Houston, TX

EDUCATION

M.A., Economics, UCSB, 2006B.S., Atmospheric, Oceanic & Environmental Science, UCLA, 2003B.S., Marine Biology, UCLA, 2003 RESEARCH INTEREST

Estuarine and river ecology and restoration, environmental economics ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Institute of Turkish Studies Research Grant (2006)>> NSF Economics and Environmental Science IGERT Fellow (2005–2006)>> NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Honorable Mention (2005, 2006)>> UC Natural Reserve System Mathias Grant (2005)>> American Meteorological Society Graduate Fellow (2004–2005)>> UCLA Miller Award Research Grant (2002, 2003)>> Selected to present at the Council on Undergraduate Research Conference (2003)

Heather Coleman

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Environmental Science and Management University of California–Santa Barbara HOMETOWN

Los Angeles, CA

76 COHORT 6

Moogega Cooper

EDUCATION

B.S., Physics, Hampton University, 2006 RESEARCH INTEREST

Correlating plasma knowledge with sterilization techniques ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society (2006)>> President of the Sigma Pi Sigma Physics National Honor Society (2005– 2006)>> Associate Zone Director for the Society of Physics Students (2005–2006)>> President of Beta Kappa Chi Science Honor Society (2005–2006)>> Secretary of Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society (2005–2006)>> Member of Golden Key International Honor Society (2005–2006)>> Hampton University Presidential Scholar (2002–2006)>> NASA Langley Research Center Co-op Program (DEVELOP)>> 1st Place Oral Presentation in Math, Physics, & Computer Science

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Mechanical EngineeringDrexel University HOMETOWN

Hampton, VA

EDUCATION

M.S., Interdisciplinary Ecology, University of Florida, 2004B.A., Biology, Wesleyan College, 1999 RESEARCH INTEREST

Ecosystem services & land use/cover change Human/environment interactions & institutions Remote sensing & spatio-temporal landscape modeling ACHIEVEMENTS

>> National Science Foundation Award - IRRI, Philippines (2008)>> Jenkins Mini-Research Award, Goddard Space Flight Institute (2007)>> Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society Field Grant (2006)>> Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award, University of Florida (2006)>> NSF-IGERT “Working Forests in the Tropics” Research Grant (2005)>> Fulbright Research Fellowship, Costa Rica (2003)>> Coca-Cola World Citizenship Fellowship, El Salvador (2003)>> 5 peer-reviewed publications, 14 papers presented at conferences (2003-2008)

Amy Daniels

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Interdisciplinary EcologyUniversity of Florida HOMETOWN

Apalachicola, FL

77COHORT 6

Ana De La Ree

EDUCATION

B.S., Chemistry, California State University–Los Angeles, 2004 RESEARCH INTEREST

Ultra high vacuum instrument development for imaging molecules on surfaces ACHIEVEMENTS

>> University of California Faculty Mentor Program Fellowship (2005–2006)>> Founding Member, Iota Sigma Pi National Honor Society for Women in Chemistry (2005–2006)>> Graduate Assistance in the Areas of National Need (GAANN) Fellowship (2004–2005)>> NSF Collaborative Research at Undergraduate Institutions Scholarship (2003–2004)>> Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) Honors Fellowship (2001– 2003)

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Analytical ChemistryUniversity of California Irvine HOMETOWN

Bell, CA

EDUCATION

M.S., Economics, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2006B.S., Electrical Engineering, Univ. of California–Los Angeles, 2003 RESEARCH INTEREST

Operations Research model in health care and national securityMicroeconomicsStochastic Modeling and Simulation ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Tech Tower Award, Georgia Tech (2008)>> Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Internship (2007). >> Goizueta Foundation Fellowship (2007)>> Institute for Defense Analyses Internship (2006)>> AT&T Labs Fellowship Program (2004) >> University of Southern California Center for Sustainable Cities Fellow (2003)>> Chancellor’s Distinguished Student UCLA (2002)>> Founder and President of Engineering Without Borders at UCLA (2002)

Daniel M. Faissol

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Industrial and Systems EngineeringGeorgia Institute of Technology HOMETOWN

Freemont, CA

78 COHORT 6

Sara Jarvis

EDUCATION

B.S., Exercise Science, University of Puget Sound, 2002 RESEARCH INTEREST

Cardiovascular regulation differences between women and menSplanchnic blood flow ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Graduate Assistantship, Penn State University, (2004–2005)>> Outstanding Graduate of the Year, University of Puget Sound (2002)>> Joseph Peyton Leadership Award (2001)>> Murdock Summer Research Award (2001)>> Korean-American Scholarship Award (2001)>> President and Co-founder, Exercise Science Club (2000–2001)>> Junior Class Leadership Award (2000)>> Commander’s Award for Public Service, Dept of the Army, Fort Bragg, NC (1995)

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., KinesiologyPenn State University HOMETOWN

Escondido, CA

EDUCATION

M.S., Physics, Fisk University, 2006B.S., Computer Science, Universidad Metropolitana, 2003 RESEARCH INTEREST

Angular momentum evolution of young stars ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Member, SPS and BKX Societies, Fisk University (2006)>> Participant, Masters to Ph.D. Bridge Program (2004)>> Recipient, Fisk Astronomy & Space Science Training (FASST) Program (2004)>> Participant, Fisk Minority University College Education and Research>> Partnership Initiative (MUCERPI) in Space Science (2004)

Thompson Le Blanc

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Physics/AstronomyVanderbilt University HOMETOWN


79COHORT 6

Maria del Carmen Lopez Garcia

EDUCATION

M.S., Material Science Program, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 2005B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, 2003 RESEARCH INTEREST

Cell mechanics, micro-PIV, IVF sperm tracking ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Dr. Bonnet Scholarship, Colegio de Ingenieros y Agrimensores de Puerto Rico (2004)>> Graduate Engineering Research Scholarship (2006)>> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez (2003)>> Distinguished Students of the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez (2003)>> 2nd Prize Undergraduate Research Poster Competition, AIChE National Student Convention (2002)>> Hess Scholarship (2002)>> Honor student, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez (1999)

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Material ScienceUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison HOMETOWN

Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

EDUCATION

M.S., Electrical Engineering, Florida Atlantic University, 2003B.S., Electrical Engineering, Florida Atlantic University, 2000 RESEARCH INTEREST

Nonlinear, Lyapunov-based control of mechatronic systems and wheeledmobile robots ACHIEVEMENTS

>> University of Florida Alumni Fellow (2005)>> Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar (2004–2005)>> Summa Cum Laude Graduate, Florida Atlantic University (2000)>> FAU Outstanding Undergraduate Achievement Award (1999)>> FAU Best Senior Design Project Award (1999)>> Study abroad at Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan

William MacKunis

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of Florida HOMETOWN

Fort Lauderdale, FL

80 COHORT 6

Morgana Martin

EDUCATION

M.S., Georgia Institute of Technology, 2005B.S., Carnegie Mellon University, 2003 RESEARCH INTEREST

High-strain-rate dynamic mechanical properties of materialsHigh pressure phase stability of materialsBulk metallic glass ACHIEVEMENTS

>> GT Delegate to attend INNOVATE Conference in Vietnam and Singapore>> GT Materials Science & Engineering Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award (2008)>> German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Research Grant (2007)>> NSF East Asia and Pacific Summer Institute (2006)>> Sam Nunn Security Predoctoral Fellowship (2007)>> Boeing Graduate Fellowship (2005)>> Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science EAPSI Closing Ceremony Speaker>> CMU Materials Science & Engineering William W. Mullins Award (2003)>> NASA Glenn Research Center Electro-Physics Branch Best Paper Award (2003)>> CMU Presidential & Institutional Scholarships (1999-2003)

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Materials Science and EngineeringGeorgia Institute of Technology HOMETOWN

Henderson, NV

EDUCATION

B.S., Chemical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2004 RESEARCH INTEREST

Development and characterization of multi-protein nanostructures;Degradation of recalcitrant substrates and agricultural by-products ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Honorable Mention, Ford Foundation Pre-Doctoral Fellowship (2006)>> Recipient, FACES (Facilitating Academic Careers in Engineering and Science) Fellowship (2005)>> Recipient, GEM Fellowship (2004)>> Omega Chi Epsilon Chemical Engineering Honor Society>> Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

Shara McClendon

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Chemical EngineeringGeorgia Institute of Technology HOMETOWN

Madisonville, TN

81COHORT 6

Swati Mohan

EDUCATION

M.S., in Aeronautics/Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2007B.S., in Mechanical Engineering, Cornell University, 2004

RESEARCH INTEREST

Autonomous Assembly of Space telescopes; Control Reconfiguration methods for on-orbit assembly ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Amelia Earhart Fellowship Recipient (2008)>> Honorable Mention NSF Graduate Fellowship (2005)>> Semi-finalist, NASA Lunar Ventures Business Plan competition>> Semi-finalist, MIT 1K Entrepreneurship Competition>> Vice-President, Residential Life, Sidney Pacific Graduate Community (2007- 2008)

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Aeronautics/AstronauticsMassachusetts Institute of Technology HOMETOWN

San Diego, CA

EDUCATION

B.S., Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 2004B.S., Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 2004 RESEARCH INTEREST

Cellular engineering of the yeast S. cerevisiae; Crystallization of the humanadenosine A2a receptor ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Integrative Graduate Education Research Traineeship (IGERT) NSF Fellowship (2004–2006)>> Carnegie Mellon University Honors (2004)>> Carnegie Institute of Technology Research Honors (2004)>> Honorable Mention, Sigma Xi Research Competition, Carnegie Mellon Chapter (2004)>> University Athletic Association Academic Honors (2000–2004)>> Presidential Scholarship, Carnegie Mellon University (2000–2004)

Michelle O’Malley

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Chemical EngineeringUniversity of Delaware HOMETOWN

Cleveland, OH

82 COHORT 6

Napoleon Paxton

EDUCATION

B.S., Computer Science, Elizabeth City State University, 2005 RESEARCH INTEREST

Network SecurityInformation AssuranceBotnet Detection and Prevention ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Founding Member of the UNC Charlotte Honeynet Chapter>> Published paper in the 3rd International Conference on Information Warfare and Security>> Published paper in the IEEE Information Reuse and Integration Conference (2007)>> Published paper in the 11th Colloquium for Information Systems Security Education

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D.,Information TechnologyUniversity of North Carolina–Charlotte HOMETOWN

South Mills, NC

EDUCATION

M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, 2007B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Duke University, 2001B.A., Earth and Ocean Sciences (Geology), Duke University, 2001 RESEARCH INTEREST

Thermal management in nanostructured devicesThermoelectricityMicro-electrical-mechanical systems (MEMS) ACHIEVEMENTS

>> NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Fellow>> Bell Labs Graduate Research Fellow>> NASA Harriet G. Jenkins Pre-Doctoral Fellow

Anthony Pettes

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Mechanical EngineeringStanford University HOMETOWN

Douglas, AZ

83COHORT 6

Solimar Reyes

EDUCATION

B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez, 2005 RESEARCH INTEREST

Medical Imaging using Optical Coherence Tomography and Microwaves. ACHIEVEMENTS

>> NASA Graduate Student Research Program (GSRP) Fellowship>> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, Univ. of Puerto Rico Mayagüez>> Tau Beta Phi Honor Society>> UPRM Dean’s List>> UPRM Electrical Engineering Dept. Honor Roll>> National Activation Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) Scholarship>> Recipient, “Puerto Rico chapter of the Association of General Contractors” Scholarship

CONTACT INFORMATION


M.S., Electrical EngineeringMichigan State University HOMETOWN

Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

EDUCATION

M.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Central Florida, 2005M.S., Optics, University of Central Florida, 2003B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Central Florida, 2001 RESEARCH INTEREST

Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Technology for sensor applications ACHIEVEMENTS

>> UCF Engineering Student of the Year (2001)>> NSF Graduate Research Fellowship>> American Legion Leadership Medal>> AAUW Graduate Fellowship>> NASA/USRP Scholarship>> Wal-Mart “Competitive Edge” Scholarship>> Sons of the American Revolution Leadership Medal>> Walt Disney Dreamers and Doers Award (2)

Erica Wells

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Electrical EngineeringUniversity of Central Florida HOMETOWN

Titusville, FL

85

COHORT 7C7


Ricardo Collado ...........................................................................86Serina Diniega .............................................................................86Julianna Evans ............................................................................87Viola (Fucsko) Schweller ............................................................87Ellen Harju ..................................................................................88Nilsson Holguin ...........................................................................88Jedidah Isler ...............................................................................89Brandon Jones ............................................................................89Sean Williams ..............................................................................90Sharolyn Wynter .........................................................................90

86 COHORT 7

Ricardo Collado

EDUCATION

B.S., Mathematics, University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras RESEARCH INTEREST

Graph Theory, Optimization, Algorithms and Computability ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Recipient of DIMACS graduate student summer award (2006)>> Rutgers University NSF Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholarship>> University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras NASA, Puerto Rico Space Grant Consortium Fellowship (1997-2001)>> Recipient of Julio Garcia medal of Mathematics>> Office of Naval Research Scholarship (2002–2005)>> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Operations ResearchRutgers University HOMETOWN

San Juan, PR

EDUCATION

M.S., Applied Mathematics, University of Arizona, 2005M.S., Space Studies, International Space University, 2004B.S., Mathematics, California Institute of Technology, 2003 RESEARCH INTEREST

Developing a mathematical model of dune field evolution ACHIEVEMENTS

>> VIGRE Fellow (x2)>> NASA Space Grant/UA Graduate Fellow>> Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow Robert and Delpha Noland Summer Internship Scholar>> Caltech B.S. graduate with honors, awarded by committee decision President of SIAM>> UA Chapter Caltech NCAA Fencing Team Captain Girl Scout Gold Award

Serina Diniega

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Applied MathematicsUniversity of Arizona HOMETOWN

Pearl City, HI

87COHORT 7

Julianna Evans

EDUCATION

M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2008B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, 2005 RESEARCH INTEREST

Mechanical design with smart materials and structures ACHIEVEMENTS

>> National Aeronautics and Space Administration Harriet G. Jenkins Pre-doctoral Fellowship (NASA-JPFP)>> National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF-GRFP)>> Rackham Engineering Award>> Palmer Engineering Scholarship>> Cincinnatus University Scholarship>> University of Cincinnati Library Worker of the Year (2004-2005)>> American Society of Mechanical Engineers Chair>> Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honorar>> University of Cincinnati Honors Scholary>> BikeWorks Co-Chair

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of Michigan HOMETOWN

Canton, OH

EDUCATION

B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Idaho, RESEARCH INTEREST

Quantitative Biomedical OpticsMedical Imaging and Image Processing ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Outstanding Senior in Electrical Engineering>> Alumni Association Dean’s Scholarship, College of Engineering>> University of Idaho Honors Program Certificate>> NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium Scholar>> NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Space Grant Intern>> Idaho Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network Undergraduate Fellow>> Research Intern, Microelectronics Research and Communications Institute>> Honorable Mention, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program>> Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society>> Engineer-in-Training Certification

Viola (Fucsko) Schweller

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Michigan HOMETOWN

Boise, ID

88 COHORT 7

Ellen Harju

EDUCATION

B.S., Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, University of Washington RESEARCH INTEREST

Stability of organic molecules on Mars ACHIEVEMENTS

>> NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Summer Intern (4X)>> Robert T. and Nancy J. Knight Scholar>> Twin County Credit Union Scholar>> Sigma Xi Associate Member>> McNair Scholar>> Safeco Diversity Scholar>> Minority Science and Engineering Program>> Nation Initiative Scholar>> Phi Eta Sigma (freshman honor society) member

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., ChemistryUniversity of California, Los Angeles HOMETOWN

Olympia, WA

EDUCATION

M.S., Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, 2007B.S., Engineering, Trinity College, 2005 RESEARCH INTEREST

Intervertebral disc degeneration ACHIEVEMENTS

>> MARC Travel Award>> W. Burghardt Turner Fellow>> NASA- Undergraduate Student Research Program (USRP)>> Graduated Honors in Engineering from Trinity College>> Phi Gamma Delta Prize in Mathematics from Trinity College>> Thomas Shortman Scholar>> Venture Scholar

Nilsson Holguin

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Biomedical EngineeringStony Brook University HOMETOWN

Elmhurst, NY

89COHORT 7

Jedidah Isler

EDUCATION

M.A., Physics, Fisk University, 2007B.S., Physics, Norfolk State University, 2003 RESEARCH INTEREST

Galaxy formation, dark matter distributions and the large scale structure of the Universe ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Beta Kappa Chi Honor Society>> Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honor Society>> Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society>> Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society>> Golden Key International Honor Society>> Visiting Scholar, University of California at Santa Cruz (2007)>> Granted Proposal, Collaborative funding for continued research at UC, Santa Cruz>> Quality Education for Minorities Doctoral Summer Research Fellow>> NASA Minority Access Scholarship- DNIMAS Scholarship

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Physics and AstronomyYale University HOMETOWN

Niagara Falls, NY

EDUCATION

B.S., Electrical Engineering, Southern University and A&M College, 2005

RESEARCH INTEREST

Optimal Control, Parameter Estimation, Vehicular Networks, Dynamic Programming ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Graduate Researcher (Robotics Branch), Summer (2008)>> Cornell Diversity Programs in Engineering Student of the Month (2008)>> National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Graduate Recruiter >> NSBE National Conference (2008)>> Department of Defense SMART Fellowship (Declined)>> Cornell Sloan Fellowship Recipient Cornell >> Summer AGEP Scholar Boeing IDS Systems Test Engineer, Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS)>> NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Telerobotics Intern Southern University and A&M College Student Marshal, College of Engineering>> Southern University Academic Medallion of Honor

Brandon Jones

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Electrical and Computer EngineeringCornell University HOMETOWN

Alexandria, LA

90 COHORT 7

Sean Williams

EDUCATION

M.S., Computer Science, Vanderbilt University, 2003B.S., Electrical Engineering, Tennessee State University, 2000 RESEARCH INTEREST

Developing a wireless mobility model to address current limitations ofexisting models and improve communication between mobile entities. ACHIEVEMENTS

>> 1st in family to graduate from college>> NASA Sponsored presentation at 57th International Astronautical Congress>> Passed EIT/FE Exam>> Bill Gates Millennium Scholar>> Tennessee State Honors Program>> Eta Kappa Nu EE Honors Society>> IEEE Chapter President>> Full-time Software Engineer for IBM>> Graduate Research Intern IBM at Almaden

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Computer ScienceArizona State University HOMETOWN

Beloit, WI

EDUCATION

B.S., Mathematics, Spelman College, 2007 RESEARCH INTEREST

Mathematical Modeling of Humanitarian Relief LogisticsOptimization of Crew Health During Long Duration Lunar Missions ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Provost’s Fellowship, North Carolina State University>> College of Engineering Dean’s Fellowship, North Carolina State University>> Research Day 1st Place Math/Computer Science Oral Presentation, Spelman College >> Excellence in Mathematics Award in Probability & Statistics I, Morehouse College>> NASA Women in Science and Engineering Scholar, Spelman College>> Dean’s Scholarship Recipient, Spelman College>> Most Outstanding Mathematics Major Award, Honorable Mention, Spelman College

Sharolyn Wynter

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Operations ResearchNorth Carolina State University HOMETOWN

Southfield, MI

91

COHORT 8C8


Christopher J. Arellano ...............................................................92 Douglas A. Brooks .......................................................................92Erin E. Burke ...............................................................................93Lillian Chang ...............................................................................93Desiree Cotto-Figueroa ...............................................................94Nduka O. Enemchukwu ...............................................................94Shanna-Shaye S. Forbes ..............................................................95Jonathan E. Gaines .....................................................................95Athena R. Ganchorre ...................................................................96Kayra M. Hopkins .........................................................................96Briony H. N. Horgan .....................................................................97K. Renee Horton .........................................................................97Jennifer Kerekes .........................................................................98Calvin R. King Jr. ........................................................................98Kennda L. Lynch ..........................................................................99Dorian J. Perkins ..........................................................................99John L. Rigueur ...........................................................................100Levica M. Smith .........................................................................100José A. Torres ............................................................................101Shannon E. Tronick .....................................................................101

92 COHORT 8

Christopher J. Arellano

EDUCATION

M.S., Exercise Science, University of HoustonB.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 2005

RESEARCH INTEREST

The Effects of Weight and Inertia on Gait Stability of Walking and Running

ACHIEVEMENTS

>> NASA intern>> Awarded the UH AGEP Summer Research Program>> Awarded the Congressional Hispance Caucus Institute Scholarship>> Awarded the University of Houston College of Education Alumni Scholarship

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., BiomechanicsUniversity of Houston HOMETOWN

Corpus Christi, TX

EDUCATION

M.S. ECE, Georgia Institute of TechnologyB.S. ECE, North Carolina State University

RESEARCH INTEREST

Human-Robot InteractionAutonomous Robots for Exploration and Navigation ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Deemed as one of the 100 Most Influential Black Alumni NC State University >> Magna Cum Laude at NCSU>> 2008-2009 Student Teacher Enhancement Program Fellow>> Dean’s List>> National Dean’s List>> NSBE Collegiate Torchbearer>> Former Member of the NC board of Education>> University Scholar at NCSU>> GEM Fellow Graduate

Douglas A. Brooks

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Electrical EngineeringGeorgia Institute of Technology HOMETOWN

Pittsboro, NC

93COHORT 8

Erin E. Burke

EDUCATION

B.A., Mathematics & Geography, University of Vermont

RESEARCH INTEREST

Climatology, Glaciology, Remote Sensing ACHIEVEMENTS

>> University of Washington, Program on Climate Change Fellowship (2007-2008)>> University of Washington, Graduate Student Research Award (2008)>> Research Assistant, Harvard University (2006-2007)>> National Aeronautics and Space Administration, LARSS (2005)>> Induction into Phi Beta Kappa (2005)>> University of Vermont Honors for Completion of Undergraduate Thesis (2005)>> University of Vermont Department of Geography’s Outstanding Senior (2005)>> National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Summer Institute (2004)>> Induction into Gamma Theta Upsilon (2003)>> America East Scholar Athlete, University of Vermont Swimming (2001-2004)

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Earth and Space SciencesUniversity of Washington HOMETOWN

Boston, MA

Lillian Chang

CURRENT DEGREE SOUGHT

Ph.D., Robotics Carnegie Mellon University

EDUCATION

No Updated Information Available RESEARCH INTEREST

No Updated Information Available

ACHIEVEMENTS

No Updated Information Available

94 COHORT 8

Desiree Cotto-Figueroa

EDUCATION

B.S., Applied Physics (Electronics), University of Puerto Rico at Humacao, 2006

RESEARCH INTEREST

Spin distribution and rotational dynamics of Near-Earth Asteroids.Habitability of extra-solar planetary systems.

ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Awarded two NASA PRSGC Scholarships (2004-2006)>> Graduated from UPRH Magna Cum Laude>> Received a United States Achievement Academy’s All-American Scholar Award (2006)>> Received United States Achievement Academy’s All American Scholar Award (2005)>> Participated in two observing runs at the MDM Observatory in Arizona>> Participated in four observing runs at the Lowell Observatory in Arizona>> Experienced in optical CCD photometry and spectra analysis using IRAF and IDL>> Graduate TA for intoductory physics labs and astronomy classes at OU>> Presented posters at three American Astronomical Society (AAS) Meetings >> Physics and Astronomy public outreach at UPRH and OU

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Physics and AstronomyOhio University HOMETOWN

Guayama, PR

EDUCATION

B.S., Material Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2005

RESEARCH INTEREST

Biomaterials engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell Therapy, Cancer

ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Passed Georgia Tech Bioengineering Ph.D Qualifying Exam>> Publication in leading biomaterials journal: Biomaterials, 2008, 29, 2637-2645>> Graduation from MIT>> Selection for Ford Foundation Pre-doctoral Diversity Fellowship>> Member DuPont R&D team that developed dental composite material licensed by GC>> Raised $38,000 to fund a year of campus ministry following college graduation>> Led efforts to raise $60,000 for Georgia Tech Black Gradute Students Association>> Worked for Hitachi Chemical in Japan for summer months of 2004 >> Addressed assembly of parents of incoming MIT freshmen in consecutive years>> Selected in inaugural class of Florida Governor’s All-Stars

Nduka O. Enemchukwu

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., BioengineeringGeorgia Institute of Technology HOMETOWN

Mount Dora, FL

95COHORT 8

Shanna-Shaye S. Forbes

EDUCATION

B.S. University of Texas at Austin, 2007 RESEARCH INTEREST

Embedded systems: real-time operating systems and software, Systems software, Software Enginering/Development

ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Google UNCF Scholarship (2007-2008)>> Gates Millennium Scholar Graduate Fellowship (2007- 2008)>> UC Berkeley, Margaret E. McCamish Fellowship (2007-2008)

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., University of California at Berkeley HOMETOWN

Houston, TX

EDUCATION

Morehouse College, 2000-2005 (Dual Degree finished Morehouse 2003)2004-2005 Georgia Institute of Technology (Dual Degree), 2004-2005Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2006 RESEARCH INTEREST

Integrated Control Systems for Rotorcraft Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (RUAV)Fuel Cell Applications for Uninhabited Aerial Systems (UAS)Teaming of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) and RUAVs

ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Most Outstanding Transfer Student for the Dual Degree Engineering Program (2004)>> Ronald E. McNair NASA Scholarship Recipient (2000-2005)>> Office of Naval Research Future Faculty Fellowship Rotorcraft Scholar (2006-2008)>> VT Service Award for Founding Addison Middle School Mentoring Program (2008)>> Advisor for Student African American Brotherhood at Virginia Tech (2007)>> Present Advisor for Theta Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (2007)>> Present Vice President of Black Graduate Student Organization (2008)>> Best Oral Presentation for International Aerial Robotics Competition (2007)>> Graduate Teaching Assistant for First Place Team in IARC (2007)>> Ron Brown Scholarship Recipient (2000)

Jonathan E. Gaines

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering

Virginia Tech HOMETOWN

Charlottesville, VA

96 COHORT 8

Athena R. Ganchorre

EDUCATION

B.S., Ecology Evolution and Related Sciences, University of California at Santa Cruz, 2004B.S., Biology, University of Arizona, 2002 RESEARCH INTEREST

Prospective STEM teachers’ beliefs about high needs students and their familiesScience achievement and learning among diverse populations ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Philanthropic Education Opportunity Scholarship Nominee, Tucson PEO Chapter >> Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity Award, Health (NIH) award, UA>> Outstanding Senior Award Nominee, UA, Dept. of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology>> Minorities Access Research Careers (MARC) Scholar NIH award, UCSC>> National Association on Research in Science Teaching Annual Mtg ‘08 presentation>> Paper currently under review in the Journal of Teacher Education

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Biology University of Arizona HOMETOWN

Vashon Island, WA

EDUCATION

B.S., Computer Science, Spelman College, 2006

RESEARCH INTEREST

3D Computer Graphics, Embodied Agents, Animation

ACHIEVEMENTS

>> GEM Fellow>> Michigan State University Distinguished Fellow >> NASA Women In Science and Enginering (WISE) Scholar>> Intel Corporation Internship>> Pacific Gas & Electric Company Internship

Kayra M. Hopkins

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Computer Science

Michigan State University HOMETOWN

Oakland, CA

97COHORT 8

Briony H. N. Horgan

EDUCATION

B.S., Physics, Oregon State University, 2005 RESEARCH INTEREST

Mars urface composition and polar geology ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Cornell University Gaduate School Travel Grant (2007)>> President, Astronomy Graduate Network, Cornell University (2007)>> Vice President, Graduate Women in Physics, Cornell University (2007)>> Physical Sciences Rep., Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (2006)>> Summa Cum Laude Graduate, Oregon State University (2005)>> National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network Summer Intern (2004)>> Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow (2003)>> Excellence in Physics Scholarship (2003)>> Krane Scholarship in Physics (2003)

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., AstronomyCornell University HOMETOWN

Portland, OR

EDUCATION

B.S., Electrical Engineering, Louisisana State University, 2003 RESEARCH INTEREST

Anisotropy Graded Media, Women in Physics Gender concerns, Balancing Family and Career concerns ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Awarded the Outstanding Student-Initiated Engagement Effort Award (2008)>> Nominated for the Girls Scout Women of Distinction Career Award (2008)>> National Alumni Association Graduate Fellow (2008)>> Southern Regional Educational Board Fellow (2005-2008)>> NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Graduate Research Fellowship (2004-2007)>> Chairperson of the Women in Physics Committee for the National Society of Black Physicsts>> Coordinator for the Materials for Information Technology Scienctific Outreach Program

K. Renee Horton

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Materials Science

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa HOMETOWN

Baton Rouge, LA

98 COHORT 8

Jennifer Kerekes

EDUCATION

M.S., Ecology and Systematics, San Francisco State University, 2003-2006 B.S., University of Michigan, 1999 RESEARCH INTEREST

>> Soil microbial ecology>> Fungal ecology, evolution and taxonomy>> Saprotrophic fungal community structure >> Ecosystem carbon cycling

ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Peace Corps Volunteer, El Salvador, Central America (2000-2002)>> Peace Corps El Salvador- Successfully wrote and received a $10,000 grant for an interpretative educational center for the Walter T. Deninger Park in La Libertad, El Salvador>> Peace Crops El Salvador- Co-organized two regional and thirteen local environmental youth camps involving over 300 youth>> National Science Foundation GK-12 Fellow, (2003-2005)

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., MicrobiologyUniversity of California, Berkeley HOMETOWN

Rochester Hills, MI

EDUCATION

M.S., Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2007B.S., Electrical Engineering, Tennessee State University, 2005 RESEARCH INTEREST

Microelectronics, Computer Engineering, Electronics Design and Applications

ACHIEVEMENTS

>> IBM / Semiconductor Research Corporation Fellowship>> Ford Foundation Pre-doctoral Fellowship (2005-2007)>> Georgia Tech OMED Tower Award (2007)>> Qualcomm “Q” Award of Excellence (2007)>> Tennessee State University Presidential Scholar (2001-2005)>> NSBE Board of Corporate Affiliates Scholarship (2005)>> Tennessee State University Electrical Engineering Most Outstanding Senior>> Coca Cola Scholars Foundation National Scholarship (2001-2005)>> General Motors Minorities in Engineering and Science Scholarship (2003)>> Lee High School Valedictorian (2001)

Calvin R. King, Jr.

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Electrical and Computer EngineeringGeorgia Institute of Technology HOMETOWN

Marianna, AR

99COHORT 8

Kennda L. Lynch

EDUCATION

M.S., Aerospace Engineering Science, University of Colorado, 2008B.S., Biology, University of Illinois, 1999B.S., General Engineering, University of Illinois, 1999

RESEARCH INTEREST

Quantitative Habitability Assessment of Planetary Environments and Terrrestrial Analogues ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Brightest Stars Foundation, Founding Member & Board of Directors (2006- present)>> Alliances for Graduate Education in the Professoriate (AGEP) Fellowship >> Profiled in “Women in Aerospace, Cool Careers on the Final Frontier” (2003)>> University of Illinois Microgravity Research Team Founder (1998)>> Boeing Company Scholarship>> The Boeing Company -Cooperative Education Student (1997-1999)>> University of Illinois Knight of St. Patrick>> NASA Kennedy Space Center Space Life Science Training Program Graduate (1995)>> University of Illinois President Scholar>> Girl Scout Gold Award Recipient & Lifetime Member

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Aerospace EngineeringUniversity of Colorado HOMETOWN

Rockford, IL

EDUCATION

B.S., in Computer Science, University of California, Riverside, 2007 RESEARCH INTEREST

Wireless Sensor Networks, Computer Security, Computer Networks

ACHIEVEMENTS

>> UCR Bridge-to-the-Doctorate Fellowship>> GEM Consortium MS in Engineering Fellowship (declined)>> AGEP Summer Research Fellow>> Graduate School Conference Chair for 2009 NSBE National Convention>> Software Engineering Intern at Google>> Logistics Engineer at Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems>> Data & Systems Engineering Intern at Southern California Edison>> Graduate Advisor to NSBE at UC Riverside>> Graduate Advisor to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Pi Epsilon Chapter>> Bourns’ College of Engineering Student Ambassadoor

Dorian J. Perkins

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Computer ScienceUniversity of California, Riverside HOMETOWN

Riverside, CA

100 COHORT 8

John L. Rigueur

EDUCATION

B.S., Fisk University, 2003M.A., Fisk University, 2006 RESEARCH INTEREST

Ability to fabricate carbon nanotube (CNT) films on Si, silicon carbide and steel substrates by thermal decomposition and electrophoretic deposition(EPD) ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Interdisciplinary Graduate Program- Materials Science>> International Study Abroad Program, Clemson University at Trieste, Italy>> Conducted Literature reviews in the field of Electrophoretics (EPD)

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Materials Science Vanderbilt University

HOMETOWN

New York City, NY

EDUCATION

B.S., Physics, East Central University RESEARCH INTEREST

Nanoparticles and Nanohybrids, Low Temperature Condensed Matter, Superconducting Films ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Texas A&M Graduate Diversity Fellowship>> East Central University Regents Scholarship>> SPS Leadership Scholarship>> McNair Scholars Internship>> Alpha Gamma Delta Leadership Scholarship>> Co-Valedictorian of My High School Senior Class>> Graduated with Honors from East Central University

Levica M. Smith

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Physics Texas A&M University HOMETOWN

Idabel, OK

101COHORT 8

Jose A. Torres

EDUCATION

M.S., Environmental Science, Turabo University, 2004B.S., Biology, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, 1999

RESEARCH INTEREST

>> Enviromental microgravity and human toxicology>> Nanotoxicology and immunotoxicology of nanomaterials>> Toxicology and pharmacology of endocannabinoid system

ACHIEVEMENTS

>> 1st place poster presentation in 2008 research week at TSU>> Summer research colaboration with Wadsworth Center at New York (2007, 2008)>> Society of toxicology poster presentation in nanotoxicology (2008)>> Society of toxicology member (2008)>> Internship in Exponent-Consulting firm in toxicology and mechanistic biology (2007)>> Internship in USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services, Oklahoma City (2003)>> Top #1 undergraduate class in Biology-biomedical sciences (1999)>> MARC and PR-LSAMP research student award (1997-1999)>> Environmental Management of the year, Inter American University of PR (1997)

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Environmental ToxicologyTexas Southern University HOMETOWN

Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico

EDUCATION

B.S., Aerospace Engineering, Syracuse University, 2007 RESEARCH INTEREST

>> Life in extreme environments, particularly methanogens and methanotrophs in the Arctic>> Instrumentation for exploration of Mars>> Techniques for searching for and identifying life on Mars and other bodies

ACHIEVEMENTS

>> Interning at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center>> Only undergraduate paper selected by NASA for international conference>> Helping young students discover and explore science and engineering>> Class Marshal of the L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science>> Field work in the Canadian Arctic>> Captain of the Arapahoe High School track and field team (2003)>> Being admitted to Princeton University for graduate school>> State President of the Technology Student Association of Colorado (2002- 2003)>> Graduating with a degree in aerospace engineering

Shannon E. Tronick

CONTACT INFORMATION


Ph.D., Physical Sciences/Geochemistry Princeton University HOMETOWN

Parker, CO

102

JPFP PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Dr. Joyce L. WintertonAssistant Administrator for EducationNASA Headquarters, Office of Education300 E Street, SWWashington, DC 20546-0001

Dr. James StofanActing Deputy AssistantAdministrator for Education ProgramsNASA Headquarters, Office of Education300 E Street, SWWashington, DC 20546-0001

Dr. Carl S. PersonManager, Minority University Researchand Education ProgramsNASA Headquarters, Office of Education300 E Street, SWWashington, DC 20546-0001Email: [email protected]

Dr. Mabel Jones MatthewsHigher Education Outcome ManagerNASA Headquarters, Office of Education300 E Street, SWWashington, DC 20546-0001Email: [email protected]

Ms. Brenda J. CollinsActing Deputy Division ChiefOffice of EducationNASA Ames Research CenterMoffett Field, CA 94035Phone: (650) 604-3540Email: [email protected]

Dr. Melissa C. GreenDirector, Division of Science and TechnologyUnited Negro College Fund Special Programs Corporation (UNCFSP)2750 Prosperity Ave., Suite 600 Fairfax, VA 22031Phone: (703) 205-7636Email: [email protected]

Dr. Sonya L. GreeneDeputy Director, Division of Science and TechnologyUNCFSPPhone: (703) 205-8144Email: [email protected]

103

NOTES

HARRIETT G. JENKINS PRE-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP PROJECT [JPFP]c/o United Negro College Fund Special Programs Corporation (UNCFSP)

2750 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 600, Fairfax, VA 22031(703) 205-7635 or 1-800-231-9155 | (703) 205-7645 fax | email: [email protected]

NASA VALUES DIVERSITY

www.education.nasa.gov or www.uncfsp.org

NASA will set the Equal Opportunity Standard for Excellense through a highly skilled workforce which is represenatative, at all levels, of America’s diversity and built upon trust, respect, teamwork, communication,

empowerment and commitment in an environment which is free of discrimination.

JPFP - MMG Connect - Project Management Tools · that the essence of these principles will be...

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