FOCUS

Volume 11, Issue 1 Fall 2012 President’s Message

From inception, the mission of the Florida Dean at the University of Georgia, led our careers. Finally, Education Fund (FEF) has been to produce team of professors in developing publica- you’ll read about well-trained scholars and professionals tion workshops for our growing Summer the 2012 State who lead communities and forge impactful Research and Writing Institute. Brain Bowl Com- pathways to self-reliance and innovation. petitions, which Our efforts have paid great dividends, with At the pre-college level, we, our graduates boasted the highest 98% of our pre-college students earning and Fellows work around the State to help number of com- college admission and nearly 80% of improve STEM (Science, Technology, Engi- petitors yet in the McKnight Doctoral Fellows completing neering and Mathematics) education, an FEF’s intense con- Ph.D. programs within 5.5 years, two years area critical to U.S. economic strength and tests designed to earlier than the national average. With this global competitiveness. help students excel Dr. Lawrence Morehouse critical mass of successful students and in math. President & CEO graduates, we now help transform com- In this edition of the Focus, you will meet munities. Amanda Tazaz, a Florida State University These strategies to continue producing Fellow who trains Citrus County middle highly competitive pre-college students, As shown in this edition of the Focus, our school teachers to incorporate STEM into scholars, and professionals despite the graduate and matriculating McKnight Fel- their curricula. You will discover how our budget crisis benefit from graduates such lows help us fulfill our mission by provid- virtual math tutoring impelled the FEF to as Senator Anitere Flores, whose story also ing a significant portion of our academic develop a Web app to help students in- appears in this edition of the Focus. A support programming at both the pre-col- crease the computation speed essential to member of the Florida Legislature for eight lege and Ph.D. levels. performing well in class and on standard- years, Senator Flores has helped the FEF ized tests. You’ll learn about the FEF’s first meet most of its legislative budgetary With our doctoral programs, by presenting summer math and robotics camp in Opa- goals. We remain mindful that her ability workshops, collaborating on research and locka, where McKnight graduate Dr. Dawn to support us is strengthened as we con- publication projects, and mentoring Elliot Martin, a NASA Engineer, visited with tinue to invest in human capital, guided younger scholars in the spirit of the late students to talk about jobs in aerospace. by the wisdom of experience, and embrac- Dr. Bill Jones, graduates help extend our After interacting with Martin and other role ing the inevitability of change with the will- highly effective developmental efforts. models, learning math and building robots ingness to make timely adjustments. Most recently, for example, graduate Dr. at camp, most students reported improved Mark Dawkins, business school Associate math skills and heightened interest in STEM

Senator Anitere Flores Addresses FEF’s New Ph.D. Fellows Inside this Issue: In 1997, a bright, ambitious col- Flores won the District lege graduate named Anitere 38 State Senate seat in McKnight Mentor Tributes 2 Flores began law school with 2010. This June, at the MDF Class of 2012-2013 3 the help of FEF’s Minority Par- 2012 McKnight New ticipation in Legal Education Fellows’ Orientation, MDF Summer Research & Writing Institute 4 scholarship program. She Senator Flores spoke to earned her J.D., passed the bar, the FEF’s 40 new Fel- Pre-College Robotics Camp 5 and worked as Governor Jeb lows about the rewards Brain Bowl & Summit Academic Contests 6 Bush’s Education Policy Chief and responsibilities ap- before running for Florida State purtenant to FEF’s in- Pre-College Summit Highlights 7 Representative in District 114, vestment in them. South Miami-Dade. After serv- Contact Information 8 ing three terms in the Florida Without the FEF, she re- House of Representatives, counted, she would not Florida State Senator Anitere Flores continues on page 3 Page 2 FEF FOCUS

MDF’s Model Mentor Dr. William R. Jones Leaves Legacy of Scholarship and Guidance

Because of his expansive devotion to guiding and and theologian, Dr. Jones also exercised a deep counseling the next generation of scholars, the FEF, commitment to the cause of inclusiveness and di- in 1988, named its award to annually recognize out- versity that formed the basis of his scholarship and standing mentors in honor of Dr. William R. Jones. mentoring ethos. From the McKnight program’s inception, Dr. Jones’ tireless efforts to mentor have served to prepare The words of FSU criminology professor and and inspire hundreds of McKnight Fellows. McKnight alumnus Dr. Billy Close capture the feel- ings of students who had the opportunity to learn Sadly, Dr. Jones, who was still an active scholar, from Dr. Jones: “He was the epitome of a scholar- passed away on July 13, 2012. He is survived by a activist. He believed scholarship was not something loving family; extended family of students, you just pontificated about in front of an audience McKnights, and colleagues; and a legacy that will or shelved in journals. He believed scholarship continue forever. Dr. Bill Jones should impact the community.”

Dr. Jones was Professor Emeritus at the Florida State University Another of Dr. Jones’ protégés, Dr. Yong U. (FSU), after having retired as the longtime Director and founder Glasure, now Professor of Economics at the of the University’s Afro-American Studies Program. He gained University of Houston–Victoria, remembers national renown for authoring three books, producing vast num- asking Dr. Jones how he could repay him. “You bers of articles, and earning numerous teaching and scholarship do not need to repay me,” Dr. Jones replied. honors. Equally important, through the years, he mentored count- “Instead, help the disadvantaged when you less students and see them.” earned a special place “He was the epitome of a scholar-activist. He in the hearts of Mc- Indeed, the McKnight Pro- Dr. Billy Close Knights and other in- believed scholarship was not something you just gram continues to grow dividuals from under- pontificated about in front of an audience or stronger as more Fellows graduate and embody represented groups. Dr. Jones’ guiding spirit to help current Fellows shelved in journals. He believed scholarship and other historically underrepresented or dis- Not only an outstand- should impact the community.” advantaged students overcome challenges and ing scholar, philoso- reach their goals. pher, teacher, mentor, -- McKnight Alumnus Dr. Billy Close

MDF Mentor Dr. Glen Jones Rises to Presidency at Henderson State University

versity (ASU), Jones’ presidential tenure at Annual Fellows’ Meeting HSU began this fall, capping an impressive (AFM) and helping place array of professional accomplishments. At McKnight Alumna Dr. ASU, after teaching for years, Jones success- Guitele Rahill in a tenure fully oversaw advancement of the track position in 2008. University’s academic and research agenda He also served as a pan- and led all three of the academic colleges, elist on the enlightening the library, the Arkansas Biosciences Insti- AFM tenure and promo- Dr. Guitele Rahill tute, Research and Technology Transfer, tions panel in 2009 and and communications with external agen- delivered the AFM Keynote Address in Dr. Glen Jones at the MDF Annual Fellows’ Meeting cies and organizations. He also has served 2010. as president of the National Association of Longtime MDF mentor and friend Dr. Glen Diversity Officers in Higher Education and For the 2012 AFM, Dr. Jones’ has commit- Jones, Jr., has been appointed the 17th on the governing boards of St. Bernard’s ted to have ASU and HSU attend to recruit President of his alma mater, Henderson Healthcare, Southern Bancorp, City Youth McKnights, ex- State University (HSU) in Arkadelphia, Ar- Ministries (President), and the Arkansas tending the kansas. An incredibly warm, charismatic, Science and Technology Authority (Secre- partnership he and capable leader with great integrity, tary). and the FEF Jones is extremely well suited to lead “The plan to con- School with a Heart,” as HSU is known. After embracing the MDF program several tinue for many years ago, Jones has remained actively in- years to come. Formerly the interim Executive Vice Chan- volved with McKnight by personally recruit- cellor and Provost at Arkansas State Uni- ing Fellows for ASU faculty positions at each ASU recruits at the AFM. Volume 11, Issue 1 Fall 2012 Page 3

Senator Anitere Flores Addresses New Ph.D. Fellows at 2012 Orientation continued from page 1 have been able to afford law school, which made her accom- Majority Leader, plishments possible. She is grateful that, because of her educa- Chair of PreK-12 tion, she can advocate for vulnerable populations, lend her ex- Appropriations, pertise to boards and community organizations, and support ben- Vice-Chair of eficial policies, laws, and appropriations. She urged the new PreK-12 Policy, Fellows likewise to conduct research that advances local, na- and member of tional, and global communities; volunteer their services to schools several other and children; and work for government and community organiza- committees. As tions. a Senator, Flores The FEF’s Dr. Lawrence Morehouse thanks MDF Alumnus has served as Dr. Mark Dawkins for counseling and motivating Fellows in “Always remember your duty to give one hundred percent be- Majority Whip, the Orientation’s keynote address. cause others are paying for your education,” Senator Flores im- Chair of the Senate Judiciary, and member of at least six other plored her audience. “There will be challenges, some antici- influential committees with responsibilities for appropriations, pated and others not, and you must make every effort, through energy and utilities, reapportionment, accountability, and rules.

Flores is happy her position has allowed her to support McKnight and recognizes this is possible because of the program’s unpar- alleled record supporting students through their doctoral pro- grams. She noted that McKnight’s success is bolstered by the fact that, even before attaining doctorates, Fellows provide value to the educational system and communities through work as graduate, teaching, and laboratory assistants; instructors; lectur- ers; and volunteers. New Fellows talk with Dr. Mohsen Milani, USF, about “Negotiating the Ph.D. Environment.” Senator Flores congratulated the McKnight class of 2012-2013 discipline, focus, and determination, to succeed. You were cho- for their achievements and talents. “You have done a fantastic sen from a field of many applicants to receive resources be- job,” she said, “and now you must do everything in your power to cause of your talent and accomplishments, so now you must excel, so this program can continue for those who follow.” learn the requirements for good scholarship, be willing to under- take leadership responsibilities, and be innovative in your approach to learning,” she said.

The Senator praised FEF workshops and conferences designed to help McKnight Fellows develop professional networks and skills they need to collaborate on im- portant projects. She recalled her own experiences, which helped her cultivate relationships that contributed to her suc- cess as a member of the Florida House On the Orientation’s Graduate Deans’ Roundtable moderated by FAMU’s Dr. Verian Thomas, from left, Drs. Koren Bedeau (UM), Sonja Montas-Hunter (FIU), Laurence Alexander (UF), Peter Harries (USF), Anne Marie West for six years, where she served as Deputy (FSU), and Michael Stern (UCF) provide advice for thriving in and completing Ph.D. programs. Page 4 FEF FOCUS FEF’s Summer Institute Expands Support Amanda Tazaz Explores, Educates, Empowers

Since the McKnight Summer McKnight Doctoral Fellow Amanda Tazaz lives by the motto, “some- Research and Writing Institute one taught me everything I know, so I feel it is my duty to teach (SRWI) debuted on the Univer- someone else.” She thrives on communicating information to sity of South Florida (USF) cam- others that will help improve their lives. Amanda accomplishes pus six years ago, the number this mission by obtaining the education and training necessary to of scholars participating has effectively edify the various groups and individuals that benefit increased almost fourfold, from her expertise. from 26 in 2007, to 44 last year, to 99 this summer. Credit Toward that end, having earned the growth to FEF inviting a B.S. in Marine Biology from greater numbers of USF gradu- The 2012 Summer Research & Writing Florida International University ate students to participate in Institute welcomes more students from USF graduate programs. and a second B.S. in Econom- sessions each year. In 2011, ics from Florida State Univer- of 44 participants, 25 were from USF (seven McKnight Fellows sity (FSU), in the fall of 2008, plus 18 non-McKnights), and, this year, 79 out of 99 participants Amanda began her Ph.D. pro- matriculate at USF. gram in Oceanography at FSU as a McKnight Fellow. Her dis- Tazaz writes at the 2012 SRWI. They participate because the Institute provides information es- sertation research investigates sential to their academic requirements and scholarly goals. hypersaline ponds to identify methane production (which is largely Rajendra Kadel, who has juggled work, family, and his USF Ph.D. associated with life forms) for signs of life on other planets. By program in epidemiology and biostatistics for seven years, at- identifying methane patterns in water found on Earth, she hopes tended most of the to discover those same patterns on planets such as Mars, where Institute sessions, water and traces of methane have also been found. including work- shops by prolific au- To further her scholarship, she readily presents her research at thors, publishers, MDF Mid-Year Research & Writing Conferences as well as na- and grantwriters. tional conferences such as the American Geophysical Union; em- “It would have barks on numerous field research trips; and serves as a lab re- been better if I had search and teaching assistant at FSU. this information before spending Having completed almost all Ph.D. pro- this much time in my program,” he said. Other participants agreed. gram requirements, she expects to de- “We don’t get this training, not because they don’t care, but be- fend her dissertation and graduate by cause they don’t have the time,” according to Patrice Rasmussen, the spring of 2013. who researches adult education curriculum and instruction and statistics. Dean Moore, Electrical Engineering, said the sessions To share her knowledge pro bono, delineated “critical procedures and requirements, as well as the Amanda helps Citrus County middle politics” involved in graduate writing and publishing. school teachers enhance student Tazaz scores at the FEF’s 2012 learning by incorporating STEM into State Math Brain Bowl. Ramiro Vega, who is drafting his dissertation proposal in civil and their classrooms through the FSU environmental engineering, said “maybe the most important Learning Systems Institute; teaches in children’s chemistry labs; benefit in my case, since English is not my native language, and and scores team answers at the FEF’s annual State Math Brain I’m always afraid I’m not communicating my ideas, is learning Bowl Competitions. Beyond academia, she volunteers for the you have to write it and share; you have to be self-confident. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and runs marathons and other There is a process for communicating your ideas.” Melissa distance events for charities in the community. Coakley, Philosophy, called the Institute “an invaluable experi- ence,” due to at least one ses- Amanda is grateful for the opportunities the MDF Program af- sion that taught her a new ap- fords and keenly aware of the obligation to help sustain it. As proach to use with members of such, when called upon by Dr. Morehouse earlier this year, she her dissertation committee. appeared with other Fellows before key members of the Florida “I’ve actually learned you don’t Legislature to testify about the importance of MDF. While there, have to spend a year doing noth- the group successfully demonstrated that the impact of the work ing because you can’t figure out McKnight Fellows perform while in school, volunteering in com- what to do,” she said. “I’m re- munities and teaching students, far exceeds their personal re- ally grateful this Institute was search and academic achievements. This testimony helped not open to USF students.” only solidify MDF funding for 2012-2013 but also generate a new level of understanding and goodwill towards the Fellows, the Program, and the FEF. Volume 11, Issue 1 Fall 2012 Page 5

FEF’s Opa-locka Robotics Camp Inspires Interest in Math and STEM Careers

and former National Achievers Society program made an impact on him and his State President and current University of career choice. He has always been inter- Miami student Jasmine Holmes. ested in math and finding a career in the math/science field, but the summer camp Career visitors included McKnight Doctoral opened his eyes to new options. Now he Fellowship alumna Dr. Dawn Elliot Martin, wants to be a graphic engineer.” a NASA aerospace engineer; the City of Mi- ami Gardens City Attorney; an accountant; In fact, at the end of the Camp, 71% of a physician; an IT manager; and an air traf- students indicated they were more likely fic controller with the Federal Aviation Ad- to consider a math, science or technol- ministration. ogy-related career, and 92% A team builds its robot. said they had learned more One machine audibly identified and physi- In camp evaluations, several about how to prepare for col- cally separated balls by color; a mock alli- students commented positively lege. Also, 96% said they felt gator charged at its target after sensing on the speaker series, including they had improved their math motion; and another apparatus solved the one who said “The speakers are skills, sentiments largely con- Rubik’s cube. They were three of eight great; they teach us about their firmed by the fact that 83% of robots created and showcased by teams jobs and what awaits us in the students who took pre- and of students attending the FEF’s Summer future.” Another added, “thank post-tests improved their math Math & Robotics Camp in North Miami- you for the free camp…It was scores. “Thank you for making Dade. The Camp, funded by the Opa-locka wonderful with your inspiring this Camp possible,” said one Community Development Corporation, motivational speakers every student. “I had fun from the be- marked the FEF’s first robotics camp out- day.” Finally, parent Latoya ginning to the end, and at the side the Tampa Bay area, serving mostly James noted that the speakers same time I was learning the middle school students from Opa-locka. exposed her son to multiple vo- math I need for the next grade.” cational paths: “The summer A camper tests his creation. Each day from July 5th through August 1st, Camp students worked on their math skills with a certified math teacher and FEF App Aims to Boost Math Computation Skills then learned from a technology instructor to apply those skills to the tasks of build- While observing hours of middle school number of correct answers. We asked a ing Lego robots and programming them to math tutoring in the FEF’s virtual class- Florida school district Secondary Math perform. room, FEF staff has often watched valu- Specialist how long it should take a middle able tutoring minutes tick away as 6th grad- schooler to answer problems involving They also went on a field trip to the Miami ers slowly figure by hand foundational mul- numbers of varying digits and used those Museum of Science and participated in a tiplication facts they should already know time limits in the app. For instance, at speaker series that brought professionals by heart. Multiplication Level 1, stu- to campus 13 of the Camp’s 20 days to dents have 5 seconds to begin to focus on college and career pre- Staff, tutors, and instruc- multiply numbers from paratory strategies and goals. tors agree that more prac- the 0 to 12 times tables tice with the times tables and then type and enter College visitors included South Florida will help these students their answers; at Division Center of Excellence Director Jose Filpo accelerate performance, Level 3, they have 60 sec- from Florida International University, ad- not just when they calcu- onds to divide a four-digit mission representatives from Florida Me- late on real and virtual number by a double digit morial University and Miami-Dade College, whiteboards, but when one, etc. they perform sophisti- cated tasks on high The FEF will launch the stakes tests as well. app in 2013 and likely award prizes to students So, the FEF decided to who attain highest scores. develop a simple Web ap- While the students’ pri- plication that (a) pits stu- mary goals may be to earn dents against the clock as points for prizes, FEF’s will they practice multiplying be to help them maintain and dividing, (b) immedi- accuracy as they increase ately displays correct an- their computation speed. A team programs its robot. swers, and (c) tallies the Page 6 FEF FOCUS

Record Numbers Compete in FEF State Academic Championships

Once upon a time, the State Brain Bowl con- At the FEF’s 2012 sisted of no more than a total of 70 stu- State Brain Bowl dents divided into ten teams, competing Competitions in Or- for victory in the History & Culture Competi- lando, the contests tion started in 1985 by the FEF’s inaugural came closer than President Dr. Israel Tribble, Jr. Then, in ever to reaching 2001, new FEF President Dr. Lawrence that capacity, with a Morehouse initiated the tri-level Math record 188 stu- Competition, allowing each Center of Ex- dents competing cellence (COE) to enter a team for each on 35 Math and level, a potential 30-team, 150-student History & Culture increase. regional champion- ship teams.

After a full day of intense double-elimina- COE, and Harrisson Millien, UCF-McKnight tion competition, the following four teams COE, excelled through 4 rounds of play for emerged as State winners: The Mathletes, the 3rd-5th Grade and 6th-8th Grade win, Hillsborough County COE, 6th-8th Grade respectively. Math; Math Masters B, South Florida COE, 9th-10th Grade Math; Math Wizards, UCF- NAS Voices McKnight COE, 11th-12th Grade Math; and Precious Pearls, Santa Fe College COE, His- With a moving tory & Culture. speech on one of five official topics, As the major prize, each student on the win- “Children should ning 11th-12th Grade Math and the His- be required to eat tory & Culture teams won a 4-year scholar- healthy foods,” ship donated from one of the following Pashen Williams, Florida colleges and universities: Florida a 10th grader A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, from the North NAS Voices Contest winner Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida Insti- Florida COE, won Pashen Williams tute of Technology, Florida Memorial Uni- the 2012 second versity, Florida State University, New Col- annual NAS Voices Speech and Oratory Con- lege of Florida, Rollins College, St. Peters- test. Williams began her speech by citing burg College, University of Central Florida, research from the American Diabetes As- University of Florida, University of North sociation and other sources linking poor Florida, University of South Florida, Univer- nutrition to kids’ physical and developmen- sity of Tampa, and the University of West tal problems. She concluded by relating her Florida. own health challenges caused by a poor diet, as 6th-8th Grade and 9th-10th she urged parents to help Grade Math champions children lead more healthy won trophies, gift cards and lives. other prizes. Other NAS Voices contes- Word Wizard tants included Alexis Marion, Atlantic Coast COE; A record number of stu- Left: 3rd-5th Grade Word Wizard Linash Thomas; Right: 6th-8th Grade Thomas Coates, Palm dents also competed in the Word Wizard Harrisson Millien Beach County COE; Brianna FEF’s vocabulary competi- Collins, St. Petersburg Col- tions held at the annual statewide National lege COE; Chinyere Okafor, South Florida Achievers Society (NAS) Summit, with 8 stu- COE; and Alysia Waugh, UCF-McKnight COE. From top: Brain Bowl Champions in History & Culture, Precious Pearls, Santa Fe College COE; dents each seeking the title of 3rd-5th 11th-12th Grade Math, Math Wizards, UCF- Grade and 6th-8th Grade Word Wizard. McKnight COE; 9th-10th Grade Math, Math Asked to spell words, identify antonyms and Masters B, South Florida COE; and 6th-8th Grade Math, The Mathletes, Hillsborough County COE synonyms, complete sentences, and solve analogies, Linash Thomas, North Florida Volume 11, Issue 1 Fall 2012 Page 7

Pre-College Summit Recruiters Share Information with Prospective Students and Parents

Bethune-Cookman University University of Florida University of Miami University of South Florida

Nineteen recruiters from the University, Hillsborough Commu- following colleges and univer- nity College, St. Petersburg Col- “My favorite part of the Summit program was the sities set up tables at the 2012 lege, Stetson University, Univer- college recruiters. Thank you for all of the outstand- NAS State Summit to talk with sity of Central Florida, Univer- students and parents about sity of Florida, University of Mi- ing information I received. This will help me prepare higher education plans: ami, University of North Florida, myself for my college future.” Bethune-Cookman University, University of South Florida, Uni- Carleton College, Colby Col- versity of West Florida, and -- 2012 Summit Participant lege, Eckerd College, Edison Valencia College. State College, Florida A&M scheduling and admission sta- On evaluation forms, students, University, Florida Gulf Coast Recruiters answered questions tistics, to campus food options parents and recruiters indi- University, Florida International ranging from the list of majors and safety history, to school cated they valued the time University, Florida Memorial offered, to recommended SAT dropout and/or transfer rates. spent talking with each other. Achievers Sharpen Skills and Showcase Talents at State Summit

At the schedule-packed 2012 NAS State Summit, in addition to conducting the College Fair, hosting several academic contests, and presenting developmental workshops for students and par- ents, the FEF and student leaders ran biannual statewide NAS elections, staged a talent extravaganza, and acknowledged ex- emplary NAS members and parents through various awards.

The day began with an opening ceremony that included rousing campaign speeches by candidates running for statewide office. 2012 Talent Extravaganza Winners: The North Florida COE Step Team and Eddie After the speeches, high school NAS members cast ballots for Oliver, Atlantic Coast COE the following new student officers: Syclair Jones, Pasco-Hernando COE, President; Tyler Daniels, South Florida COE, Vice President; New officer announcements followed a two-tiered talent extrava- Priyanka Patel, North Florida COE, Secretary; and Kezra Johnson, ganza. The North Florida COE Step Team won the 3rd-7th grade St. Petersburg College COE, Treasurer. tier, while Eddie Oliver from the Atlantic Coast COE won the 8th- 12th grade tier with his vocal rendition of “Ordinary People.”

After talent, the FEF and NAS leaders presented more than 30 annual awards to outstanding individual COE Achievers and Par- ents of the Year as well as to the Largest Sum- mit and Parent 2012-2013 NAS Cabinet: From left, Tyler Daniels, Vice President; Kezra Delegations. Johnson, Treasurer; Syclair Jones, President; Priyanka Patel, Secretary Upcoming FEF Events

February 15-16, 2013 MDF Mid-Year Research and Writing Conference, Tampa

th March 22-23, 2013 28 Annual Brain Bowl Competitions and Florida National The 2012 Summit’s Largest Delegation from the St. Achievers Society Pre-College Summit, Orlando Petersburg College COE Page 8 FEF FOCUS

FEF Focus is a semi-annual publication of the Florida Education Fund. FEF Board of Directors ©2012, All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Hayward J. Benson, Jr., Chair Volume 11, Issue 1 Fall 2012 Dr. Sylvia W. Thomas, Vice Chair Dr. Robert L. Nixon, Treasurer Layout & Design: Lyra Logan, Monica Olivera Dr. Sylvia M. Carley Editing: Lyra Logan, Monica Olivera, Phyllis Reddick Ms. Cristal J. Cole Writing: Charles Jackson, Lyra Logan, Lawrence Morehouse, Mr. Adolfo J. Cotilla, Jr. Phyllis Reddick Dr. Carl M. Crawford Staff Photography: Charles Jackson Dr. Dovie J. Gamble Brain Bowl & Summit Ms. Magda R. Orta Photography: Thomas Paige, South Florida Center of Excellence Dr. Robert L. Thomas Mr. Philippe L. Villain

FEF Staff The FEF’s mission is to strengthen the

Dr. Lawrence Morehouse larger community by creating and imple- President and Chief Executive Officer menting programs and services that lead to Lyra Logan, Esquire greater educational advancement for histori- Vice President and General Counsel cally underrepresented groups. Mr. Charles Jackson MDF Program Manager Ms. Mindy Lai Finance Manager Ms. Monica Olivera Executive Assistant Ms. Phyllis Reddick Executive Assistant/ For information on how you may support FEF programs, please call 813-272-2772. Communication Specialist Ms. Katelyn Sengsoulya Administrative Assistant

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