EXPANDING MINDS, EXPLORING WORLDS
JPFP DIRECTORY OF FELLOWS
2007HARRIETT G. JENKINS PRE-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP PROJECT [JPFP] National Aeronautics and Space Administration | Office of Education
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Harriett G. Jenkins Pre-doctoral Fellowship Project ...... 3 List of Fellows by Cohort...... 6 List of Fellows Alphabetically...... 9 Fellow Biographies >> C1 Cohort 1...... 13 >> C2 Cohort 2...... 25 >> C3 Cohort 3 ...... 37 HARRIETT G. JENKINS >> C4 Cohort 4...... 49 PRE-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP PROJECT [JPFP] >> C5 Cohort 5...... 61 National Aeronautics and Space Administration >> C6 Cohort 6 ...... 73 >> C7 Cohort 7 ...... 85 JPFP Project Management ...... 92
United Negro College Fund Special Programs Corporation Division of Science & Technology JPFPthe introduction
Harriett G. Jenkins The objectives of the Harriett G. Jenkins Pre-doctoral Pre-doctoral Fellowship Project are: Fellowship Project >> To hone STEM expertise of interest to NASA among underrepresented groups ;=ß ß*0&0ß&ELLOWSß$IRECTORY >> To minimize financial barriers of fellows pursing STEM advanced degrees DR. HARRIETT G. JENKINS >> To provide “hands-on” research opportunities at NASA installations >> To expose fellows to the salient aspects of professional and career development
In September of 2000, the National Aeronautics and Space Thus, this effort seeks to not only provide access and opportunity Administration (NASA) entered into a cooperative agreement to those underrepresented and underutilized persons of society with the United Negro College Fund Special Programs Corporation who want to earn advanced degrees, but it also facilitates the to administer the Harriett G. Jenkins Pre-doctoral Fellowship development of a more inclusive, multicultural and sustainable Project (JPFP). The program provides the salient emphasis items STEM workforce. needed to eliminate the noticeable dearth of skilled workers in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Eliminating the Barriers to a Competitive STEM Workforce related disciplines. The ultimate goal of the JPFP is to increase the U.S. talent pool of the underrepresented groups, including While the Harriett G. Jenkins Pre-doctoral Fellowship Project women, minorities, and disabled persons with Masters and Doctoral seeks to increase the numbers of underrepresented persons in the degrees participating in the STEM workforce. STEM Ph.D. pipeline, it also seeks to holistically develop the fellows
while they are in the pipeline. The aspect of student development A Quick Glance at the JPFP alone distinguishes the JPFP from any other fellowship program of its kind. >> Since the program’s inception in 2000, the JPFP has opened new worlds of opportunity to tomorrow’s scientific pioneers. While there are a number of pre-college and college programs that attempt to address the barrier problem holistically, there >> More than 130 graduate students, representing over 50 higher are few if any graduate educational programs that address the education institutions, have participated in the JPFP. needs of underrepresented students for support, mentoring, coaching and nurturing during their graduate school experience. >> While maintaining a high level of diversity, the JPFP contains a This is due to the assumption that coaching and mentoring occur proportionate number of male and female graduate students. naturally with little or no effort. American Indian - 2% The JPFP was developed to help eliminate the fiscal, educational Caucasian - 14% quality and most importantly the support barriers to graduate African-American - 51% student success. In the program, young minds are cultivated; Hispanic - 24% community is formed among kindred spirits; and a sense of Asian/Pacific Islander - 8% conquest over all adversity is instilled in all of the students. It Females - 58% is believed that the essence of these principles will be born out Males - 42% in the JPFP Fellow’s academic and work performance, workplace Persons w/ disabilities - 6% and self image and desire to be more exposed to diverse perspectives of research and life. >> Graduates of the JPFP have entered the STEM workforce to pursue careers in government, academia, and private industry.
>> During the 2005-2006 academic school year, 22 fellows published “All of the critical support provided allowed me to bridge the gap from 31 research articles in peer-reviewed, scientific journals. graduate student to Ph.D. As a graduate student, there were several issues as I meandered through toward the doctoral degree, but money >> In 2006, 22 fellows participated in the JPFP Mini Research Award was not one of them. This was an immense relief. Graduate school was Program. These students conducted research at 6 NASA centers difficult enough. I sincerely owe a huge debt of gratitude to all of the and 2 research institutions. pioneers who realize the importance of education and fight hard to secure funding, especially Dr. Harriett G. Jenkins.” -- Dr. Hassan Moore, JPFP Cohort 2 Quotes from JPFP Fellows
"This life changing experience as a JPFP recipient resides and is “I expected that I would simply receive a check in the mail and a deeply lodged in my heart. As a Cohort 1 fellow, I have had the letter telling me how the program was excited to be supporting my opportunity to meet some of the world’s greatest gifts (i.e. researchers, education. Instead there was a feeling of belonging to a family that professors, entrepreneurs, etc.); an opportunity of this magnitude served as a support group” …Priceless! With your help, JPFP, you have allowed me to participate -- Bryan Reid, JPFP Cohort 3 in programs, symposiums, grants, etc. and all have exposed me to a world full of opportunities. Thanks Dr. Jenkins and JPFP!" “The program's financial support was clearly instrumental in allowing --Dr. Tatangla S. Coleman, JPFP Cohort 1 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 “I’ve always been extremely interested in NASA’s Space Program, family is a fantastic support network and resource, and one that I will and I want to land a career that will let me use my engineering continue to interact with for years to come, I hope.” skills to contribute to that cause in some way. I’m really excited -- Dr. Marcel Agueros, JPFP Cohort 3 that I discovered the JPFP program because I’m sure that it will help me navigate my career path to reach my goals.” “[JPFP] has provided funding that let me focus on my Ph.D. research, -- William MacKunis, JPFP Cohort 6“ without having to undertake other research activities to provide for funding.” -- Janine Johnson, Cohort 4
LIST OF FELLOWS BY COHORT
>> C1 COHORT 1 >> C2 COHORT 2 Carrie M. Anderson...... 14 John L. Baker Jr...... 26 Kera Z. Bell ...... 14 Lakesha Bates ...... 26 Nathan R. Brooks...... 15 Reginald Crawford...... 27 Jorge Camacho...... 15 April R. Crenshaw ...... 27 Tatangla S. Coleman ...... 16 Rachel Cruz...... 28 Felicia L. Conley...... 16 Tiffany M. Finch ...... 28 Talithia Daniel-Williams...... 17 Hiram A. Firpi...... 29 Miguel A. Figueroa-Villanueva ...... 17 Brian K. Harris ...... 29 Joseph Gale ...... 18 DaJuanicia N. Holmes...... 30 Natasha A. Greene...... 18 Hassan Moore...... 30 Dawn M. Holt...... 19 Oseoghaghare Okobiah...... 31 William C. Howell...... 19 Merlyn X. Pulikkathara...... 31 Laura M. Hudy...... 20 Ramiro L. Rivera-Rivera...... 32 Shellie M. Jones...... 20 Fernmarie Rodriguez...... 32 Jennifer S. McIntosh...... 21 Brandy L. Rogers ...... 33 Jabberia Miller...... 21 Ramsey L. Smith ...... 33 Lisa Oravecz-Simpkins...... 22 Adam R. Villarreal...... 34 Susan Song ...... 22 Jason D. White ...... 34 Abel Vargas...... 23 Valerie Williams-Clark...... 35 Ceceile Wight-Mason ...... 23 Kimberly Wise...... 35
LIST OF FELLOWS BY COHORT
>> C3 COHORT 3 >>C4 COHORT 4 Marcel A. Agüeros ...... 38 Omavi Bailey ...... 50 Kevin P. Anthony ...... 38 Shweta Bansal ...... 50 Tiffani N. Bailey ...... 39 Ife D. Calmese ...... 51 Diona S. Bateman...... 39 Steven Chischilly ...... 51 Alberto Cruz-Martín ...... 40 Miguel Daal ...... 52 Rene D. Elms ...... 40 James C. Ford ...... 52 Vanessa R. Green ...... 41 Janae N. Foss ...... 53 Jeremy J. Jackson ...... 41 Christopher Green ...... 53 Lorenza Levy ...... 42 Jerrod A. Henderson ...... 54 Danena L. Lewis ...... 42 Janine Johnson...... 54 Michele Manuel Myers...... 43 Lora Koenig ...... 55 Jessica Marquez ...... 43 Charles Lee ...... 55 Omar Mireles ...... 44 Victor L. Marrero ...... 56 Manu Platt ...... 44 Tammara Massey ...... 56 Tyesia Pompey ...... 45 Lisa P. Mickens ...... 57 Bryan Reid ...... 45 Olufemi Olumoko...... 57 Shavesha L. Rutledge ...... 46 Mamta Patel ...... 58 Johnny Seymore III ...... 46 Ravi Prakash ...... 58 Alicia N. Washington ...... 47 Miguel O. Roman-Colon ...... 59 Cranos M. Williams ...... 47 Darilis Suarez-Gonzalez ...... 59 Jamal O. Wilson ...... 48
LIST OF FELLOWS BY COHORT
>> C5 COHORT 5 >> C6 COHORT 6 >> C7 COHORT 7 Danielle Adams ...... 62 Laura M. Barge ...... 74 Ricardo Collado...... 86 Kenneth Miguel Armijo...... 62 Quenton Bonds ...... 74 Serina Diniega ...... 86 Elizabeth Deems ...... 63 Christian Braneon...... 75 Julianna Evans ...... 87 Sandra Geffert...... 63 Heather Coleman...... 75 Viola Fucsko ...... 87 Daryl Haggard...... 64 Moogega Cooper...... 76 Ellen Harju ...... 88 Byron Johns...... 64 Amy Daniels...... 76 Nilsson Holguin ...... 88 Cassidy B. Johnson...... 65 Ana De La Ree...... 77 Jedidah Isler...... 89 Darin Leonhardt...... 65 Daniel Faissol...... 77 Brandon Jones ...... 89 Vasana Maneeratana ...... 66 Sara Jarvis...... 78 Sean Williams ...... 90 Emmanuell Murray...... 66 Thompson Le Blanc...... 78 Sharolyn Wynter...... 90 Line van Nieuwstadt ...... 67 Maria del Carmen Lopez Garcia...... 79 Omonike Omotoso...... 67 William MacKunis ...... 79 Ana J. Picón...... 68 Morgana Martin ...... 80 Jason Polendo ...... 68 Shara McClendon ...... 80 Tamara Singleton...... 69 Swati Mohan...... 81 Otis Smart...... 69 Michelle O’Malley...... 81 Adrienne P. Stephenson...... 70 Napoleon Paxton ...... 82 Amber N. Straughn ...... 70 Anthony Pettes...... 82 Cherita Thomas...... 71 Solimar Reyes...... 83 Idalis Villanueva...... 71 Erica Wells ...... 83
LIST OF FELLOWS ALPHABETICALLY
Adams, Danielle ...... 62 Conley, Felicia L...... 16 Agüeros, Marcel A...... 38 Cooper, Moogega...... 76 Anderson, Carrie M...... 14 Crawford, Reginald...... 27 Anthony, Kevin P...... 38 Crenshaw, April R...... 27 Armijo, Kenneth M...... 62 Cruz, Rachel...... 28 Bailey, Omavi ...... 50 Cruz-Martín, Alberto...... 40 Bailey, Tiffani N...... 39 Daal, Miguel ...... 52 Baker, John L. Jr...... 26 Daniel-Williams, Talithia...... 17 Bansal, Shweta ...... 50 Daniels, Amy...... 76 Barge, Laura M...... 74 Deems, Elizabeth...... 63 Bateman, Diona S...... 39 Diniega, Serina...... 86 Bates, Lakesha ...... 26 De La Ree, Ana...... 77 Bell, Kera Z...... 14 Elms, Rene D...... 40 Bonds, Quenton ...... 74 Evans, Julianna...... 87 Braneon, Christian...... 75 Faissol, Daniel...... 77 Brooks, Nathan R...... 15 Figueroa-Villanueva, Miguel A...... 17 Calmese, Ife D...... 51 Finch, Tiffany M...... 28 Camacho, Jorge...... 15 Firpi, Hiram A...... 29 Chischilly, Steven...... 51 Ford, James C...... 52 Coleman, Heather...... 75 Foss, Janae N...... 53 Coleman, Tatangla S...... 16 Fucsko, Viola ...... 87 Collado, Ricardo...... 86 Gale, Joseph ...... 18
LIST OF FELLOWS ALPHABETICALLY
Garcia, Maria del Carmen Lopez...... 79 Le Blanc, Thompson...... 78 Geffert, Sandra...... 63 Leonhardt, Darin...... 65 Green, Christopher ...... 53 Levy, Lorenza ...... 42 Green, Vanessa R...... 41 Lewis, Danena L...... 42 Greene, Natasha A...... 18 MacKunis, William ...... 79 Haggard, Daryl...... 64 Maneeratana, Vasana ...... 66 Harju, Ellen ...... 88 Manuel Myers, Michele...... 43 Harris, Brian K...... 29 Marquez, Jessica...... 43 Henderson, Jerrod A...... 54 Marrero, Victor L...... 56 Holguin, Nilsson...... 88 Martin, Morgana ...... 80 Holmes, DaJuanicia N...... 30 Massey, Tammara ...... 56 Holt, Dawn M...... 19 McClendon, Shara ...... 80 Howell, William C...... 19 McIntosh, Jennifer S...... 21 Hudy, Laura M...... 20 Mickens, Lisa P...... 57 Isler, Jedidah ...... 89 Miller, Jabberia...... 21 Jackson, Jeremy J...... 41 Mireles, Omar ...... 44 Jarvis, Sara ...... 78 Mohan, Swati ...... 81 Johns, Byron...... 64 Moore, Hassan ...... 30 Johnson, Cassidy B...... 65 Murray, Emmanuell...... 66 Johnson, Janine ...... 54 Jones, Brandon ...... 89 Nieuwstadt, Line van ...... 67 Jones, Shellie M...... 20 Okobiah, Oseoghaghare...... 31 Koenig, Lora...... 55 Olumoko, Olufemi...... 57 Lee, Charles...... 55 O’Malley, Michelle...... 81
10 LIST OF FELLOWS ALPHABETICALLY
Omotoso, Omonike...... 67 Song, Susan ...... 22 Oravecz-Simpkins, Lisa...... 22 Stephenson, Adrienne P...... 70 Patel, Mamta...... 58 Straughn, Amber N...... 70 Paxton, Napoleon ...... 82 Suarez-Gonzalez, Darilis...... 59 Pettes, Anthony...... 82 Thomas, Cherita...... 71 Picón, Ana J...... 68 Vargas, Abel...... 23 Platt, Manu ...... 44 Villanueva, Idalis...... 71 Polendo, Jason ...... 68 Villarreal, Adam R...... 34 Pompey, Tyesia...... 45 Washington, Alicia N...... 47 Prakash, Ravi...... 58 Wells, Erica ...... 83 Pulikkathara, Merlyn X...... 31 White, Jason D...... 34 Reid, Bryan...... 45 Wight-Mason, Ceceile ...... 23 Reyes, Solimar...... 83 Williams, Cranos M...... 47 Rivera-Rivera, Ramiro L...... 32 Williams-Clark, Valerie...... 35 Rodriguez, Fernmarie...... 32 Williams, Sean ...... 90 Rogers, Brandy L...... 33 Wilson, Jamal O...... 48 Roman-Colon, Miguel O...... 59 Wise, Kimberly...... 35 Wynter, Sharolyn ...... 90 Rutledge, Shavesha L...... 46 Seymore III, Johnny...... 46 Singleton, Tamara...... 69 Smart, Otis...... 69 Smith, Ramsey L...... 33
11 ;=ß ß*0&0ß&ELLOWSß$IRECTORY ;=ß ß*0&0ß&ELLOWSß$IRECTORY C1 COHORT 1
Carrie M. Anderson...... 14 Kera Z. Bell ...... 14 Nathan R. Brooks...... 15 Jorge Camacho...... 15 Tatangla S. Coleman ...... 16 Felicia L. Conley...... 16 Talithia Daniel-Williams...... 17 Miguel A. Figueroa-Villanueva ...... 17 JPFP Fellows Joseph Gale ...... 18 (By Cohort) Natasha A. Greene...... 18 Dawn M. Holt...... 19 William C. Howell...... 19 Laura M. Hudy...... 20 Shellie M. Jones...... 20 Jennifer S. McIntosh...... 21 Jabberia Miller...... 21 Lisa Oravecz-Simpkins...... 22 Susan Song ...... 22 Abel Vargas...... 23 Ceceile Wight-Mason ...... 23
13 Carrie M. Anderson Kera Z. Bell
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Currently Ph.D., Astronomy Working in STEM Industry New Mexico State University Hometown Hometown Clinton, MD Phoenix, AZ
Education Education M.S., Astronomy, New Mexico State University, 2003 Ph.D., Computer Science, North Carolina State University, 2006 B.S., Physics, Arizona State University, 2000 M.S., Computer Science, Clark Atlanta University, 1999 B.S., Mathematics, Spelman College, 1996 Research Interest Aerosol Vertical Structure in Planetary Atmospheres Research Interest Testing of Network-based Software Achievements >> Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society Research Grant (2004) Achievements >> NASA Harriett G. Jenkins Mini Research Award (2003, 2002) >> ACAAGS College of Engineering Achievement Award (2006) >> NASA Pair Summit Review Panelist (2003) >> IEEE Computer Society and Reliability Society (2001–02) >> Astronomy Graduate Student Organization, Vice President (2001–Present) >> IEEE Women in Engineering (2001–02) >> NASA Planetary Science Summer School (2001) >> National Society of Professional Engineers (20–02) >> Scholastic Scholarship (1994–98) >> Alpha Omega Epsilon Professional Engineering Sorority (2001) >> Lunar and Planetary Science Institute Internship >> 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 (1998–99) >> Army Center of Excellence Graduate Research Assistantship (1997–99)
14 COHORT 1 Nathan R. Brooks Jorge Camacho
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Currently Currently Working in STEM Industry Working in STEM Industry
Hometown Hometown Houston, TX Juarez Chihuahua, Mexico
Education Education Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, Florida A&M University, 2004 Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 2006 B.S., Electrical Engineering, Florida A&M University, 2000 M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 2003 B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 2000 Research Interest Computer Solutions of Inverse Magnetostatic Problems for Design Synthesis Research Interest Magnetoplasmadynamic Technology for Hypersonic Applications Propulsion and Combustion in Rocket Engines
Achievements Achievements >> Florida A&M University Life-Gets-Better Presidential Scholarship >> National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) 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)
COHORT 1 15 Tatangla S. Coleman Felicia L. Conley
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Currently Currently Working in STEM Industry Working in STEM Industry
Hometown Hometown Chicago, IL Crowley, LA
Education Education Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 2004 Ph.D., Environmental Toxicology, Texas Southern University, 2004 M.S., Electrical Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 2000 B.S., Biology, University of Louisiana, Lafayette, 1996 B.S., Chemical Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 1998 Research Interests Research Interests Organic & fossil biomarker research; analysis of atmospheric compounds Electronic Device Materials Processing, Characterization and Design Fiber Optics Achievements >> Post Doc, NASA Johnson Space Center, Astrobiology Lab (2004–05) Achievements >> African American Health Institute Board of Directors (2004–05) >> National Science Foundation Engineering Scholarship >> ETAP/EMBL Apprenticeship Recipient (2004) >> Department of Energy Award >> 18th Congressional District Sheila Jackson Lee/NASA Science and Technology >> NACME Fellowship Scholar (2002–03) >> Texas Southern University Program Council Leadership Award (2002) >> Mickey Leland Environment Careers Internship (2001) >> Environmental Toxicology Graduate Student Association President (2000–03) >> TSU/NASA JSC High Pressure Laboratory Research Intern (1999–02) >> Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society >> Society of Toxicology (SOT)
16 COHORT 1 Talithia Daniel-Williams Miguel A. Figueroa-Villanueva
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Currently Ph.D., Statistics Working in STEM Industry Rice University Hometown Hometown Aguada, Puerto Rico Columbus, GA
Education Education M.S., Mathematics, Howard University, 2002 M.S., Electrical Engineering, Michigan State University, 2001 B.S., Mathematics, Spelman College, 2000 B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez, 1999 Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, Michigan State University, 2006 Research Interest Improving radar rainfall analysis and prediction through bias judgment Research Interest Pattern Recognition and Image Processing Achievements >> Alfred P. Sloan Scholar Achievements >> Graduate Summer Research Intern, NASA Johnson Space Science Center >> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez >> Graduate Summer Research Intern, National Security Agency >> Golden Key Honor Society >> Who’s Who among Students in Colleges and Universities >> Competitive Doctoral Enrichment Fellowship (CDEF) >> Pi Mu Epsilon Math Honor Society President >> Gold medal winner and most valuable rookie, Judo LAI (1997) >> Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honor Society >> Bronze medal winner, Olympic Weightlifting LAI (1996) >> 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
COHORT 1 17 Joseph Gale Natasha A. Greene
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Currently Currently Working in STEM Industry Working in STEM Industry
Hometown Hometown San Antonio, TX California
Education Education M.S., Computer Science, Hampton University, 2004 Ph.D., Atmospheric Sciences, Howard University, 2006 B.S., Computer Science, Elizabeth City State University, 2001 M.S., Atmospheric Sciences, Howard University, 2000 B.S., Physics, Grambling State University, 1997 Research Interest N1 Grid Service Provisioning System Research Interest Environmental Health Studies via Characterization and the Effects of Achievements Particulate Matter >> Goddard/Howard Fellowship in Atmospheric Science (NOAA) >> Langley Aerospace Research Summer Scholar (NASA) Achievements >> NASA Office of Naval Research (ONR) Student Researcher >> Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (G.A.A.N.N) Fellowship, >> NASA Networking Resources and Training Site Fellowship (1998–01) >> Thurgood Marshall Scholar >> Society of Physics Students (SPS) Scholar (1996–97) >> Center for Excellence in Remote Sensing Education and Research (CERSER) >> S.R.I. International Summer Intern (1996) Fellowship >> University of Central Florida / Center of Research for Electro-Optics and >> Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) Honors Program Lasers (CREOL) Summer Intern (1995) >> ONR Nurturing ECSU Research Program Award >> 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
18 COHORT 1 Dawn M. Holt William C. Howell
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Currently Ph.D., Medical Pathology Working in STEM Industry University of Maryland–Baltimore Hometown Hometown Cheverly, MD Hyattsville, MD
Education Education M.S., Biology, North Carolina A&T State University, 2003 Ph.D., Applied Mathematics, University of Maryland–College Park, 2006 B.A., Psychology (Biopsychology), University of Maryland, 1999 M.S. Applied Mathematics, University of Maryland, 2002 B.S. Mathematics and Computer Science, Morehouse College, 1999 Research Interests Cancer Disparities; Cancer Metastasis Research Interests Optimization and Simulation of Vehicular Traffic; Gradient Estimation; Achievements >> Department of Defense Breast Cancer Pre-doctoral Traineeship Award Achievements (2006) >> Winter Simulation Conference, Presenter (2003) >> University of Maryland – Baltimore Program Enrichment Fellowship (2005) >> Hawaii International Conference on Statistics, Presenter (2002) >> University of Maryland – Baltimore Merit Award (2005) >> Member of Phi Beta Kappa (2001) >> Science Consultant, Reid Temple Educational Focus Group (2003–Present) >> GEM Fellowship (1999) >> National Cancer Institute Introduction to Cancer Research Careers (ICRC) >> NASA Kennedy Space Center Intern (1999) Program (2003) >> University of Maryland Fellowship (1999) >> Graduate Student of the Year, North Carolina A&T State University (2002) >> Most Outstanding Graduate in Mathematics and Computer Science at >> South African Mission (2002) Morehouse College (1999) >> PROMISE [Maryland Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate >> Ronald E. McNair Scholarship (AGEP)], Member >> Summa Cum Laude Graduate, Morehouse College >> Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society and Beta Kappa Chi Science Honor Society
COHORT 1 19 Laura M. Hudy Shellie M. Jones
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Currently Currently Working in STEM Industry Working in STEM Industry
Hometown Hometown Livonia, MI Anchorage, AK
Education Education M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, August 2001 M.S., Biology, North Carolina A&T State University, 2004 B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, May 1999 B.S., Professional Biology, North Carolina A&T State University, 1996 Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University Research Interest Research Interest Effects of Corticosteroids on Rat Myocardium Tissue within a Microgravity Wall-pressure-based stochastic estimations Bioreactor
Achievements Achievements >> AIAA Foundation Orville and Wilbur Wright Graduate Award (2004) >> PURSUE Fellowship (2000–01) >> Amelia Earhart Fellowship Award from Zonta International (2004, 2000) >> GAANN Fellowship (1999–00) >> NASA Langley Research Center Visiting Researcher (2004, 2003 & 2000) >> NASA Science Week, Presenter >> NASA Dryden Flight Research Center Visiting Researcher (2002) >> Grant Award for Research from the Astrobiology Institute >> Dept. of Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student of the Year (2001, 2000) >> NASA Pair Summit Panelist, Bennett College >> NASA Graduate Student Research Program Fellowship (1999–01) >> Beta Kappa Chi National Honor Society, President >> National Technical Paper winner at Society of Women Engineers Conference >> Beta Beta Beta Biology Honor Society (1999) >> National American Scholar >> Study Abroad with the RWTH/MSU Exchange Program in Aachen, Germany, >> Summer Premedical Academic Enrichment Program (SPAEP), University of (1998) Pittsburgh >> National Scholarship from Society of Women Engineers >> Tau Beta Pi, Pi Tau Sigma, and Golden Key Honor Societies
20 COHORT 1 Jennifer S. McIntosh Jabberia Miller
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Currently Currently Working in STEM Industry Working in STEM Industry
Hometown Hometown Hanover, MD Rock Hill, SC
Education Education Ph.D., Mathematics, University of California at Irvine, 2003 Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, Clemson University, 2005 M.S., Mathematics, University of California at Irvine, 2000 M.S., Electrical Engineering, Clemson University, 2001 B.S., Mathematics, University of California at Irvine, 1996 B.S., Electrical Engineering, Clemson University, 1997
Research Interests Research Interest Measure Theory and Probability as it applies to Mathematical Modeling of Multilayer Microwave Circuits Perception: Directed Convergence and Adaptation Achievements Achievements >> Cum Laude Graduate, Clemson University >> Excellence in Teaching Award with Dissertation Fellowship for the School of >> Tau Beta Pi Physical Sciences, University of California at Irvine (2001) >> Eta Kappa Nu >> Eugene Cota-Robles Fellowship (1996–98) >> NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Summer Intern-Structural Test Branch >> Undergraduate Departmental Service Award-Mathematics (1996) (3X) >> Ford Foundation Outstanding Minority Undergraduate Scholarship (1996) >> NASA GEM Fellow >> Golden Key Honor Society (1994) >> NASA Undergraduate Student Researcher’s Program (USRP) >> 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
COHORT 1 21 Lisa Oravecz-Simpkins Susan Song
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Currently Currently Working in STEM industry Working in STEM industry
Hometown Hometown Painesville, OH Iowa City, IA
Education Education M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, 2001 M.S., Michigan State University, Electrical Engineering, 2004 M.S., Physics, Michigan State University, 1997 M.S., Electrical Engineering, Michigan State University, 2004 B.S., Mathematics, Notre Dame College, 1993 Research Interest Research Interest Carbon nanotube growth and applications Combustion of Gas Turbine Engines and Microgravity Combustion Achievements Achievements >> ALANA Discretionary Fellowship (2000–01) >> Weekend Television Reporter WILX NBC–Channel 10 Lansing (2004) >> SLOAN Program Participant (2000–04) >> National Association of Science Writers (2001) >> IEEE/ISP/GE Travel Grants >> ZONTA Amelia Earhart Fellowship (2000) >> Walter R. Yates Memorial Engineering Scholarship (1997, 1996) >> Miss America Scholarship Program, Miss Ohio Interview winner and crowned >> National Honor Society (1995) 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
22 COHORT 1 Abel Vargas Ceceile Wight-Mason
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Currently Currently Working in STEM Industry Working in STEM Industry
Hometown Hometown El Paso, TX New York City, NY
Education Education Ph.D., Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, George Washington University, 2006 Ph.D., Pharmacology/Toxicology, Florida A&M University, 2006 M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 2002 M.S., Pharmacology/Toxicology, Florida A&M University, 2002 B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 2000 B.S., Chemical Science, Florida State University, 1998
Research Interests Research Interest Biocomputational Fluid Mechanics, Insect Flight The Development of Apoptosis in Diabetic Neuropathy
Achievements Achievements >> Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Outstanding Graduate >> Florida A & M University Graduate Association of Pharmaceutical Sciences Student (2002) President >> Summa Cum Laude Graduate, University of Texas at El Paso >> Rho Chi Honor Society >> GEM Fellowship >> McKnight Fellowship >> National Science Foundation Scholarship >> MARC Travel Grant Recipient-Endocrine Society Conference >> Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society >> Volunteer Math Tutor >> 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
COHORT 1 23 ;=ß ß*0&0ß&ELLOWSß$IRECTORY ;=ß ß*0&0ß&ELLOWSß$IRECTORY C2 COHORT 2
John L. Baker Jr...... 26 Lakesha Bates ...... 26 Reginald Crawford...... 27 April R. Crenshaw ...... 27 Rachel Cruz...... 28 Tiffany M. Finch ...... 28 Hiram A. Firpi...... 29 Brian K. Harris ...... 29 JPFP Fellows DaJuanicia N. Holmes...... 30 (By Cohort) Hassan Moore...... 30 Oseoghaghare Okobiah...... 31 Merlyn X. Pulikkathara...... 31 Ramiro L. Rivera-Rivera...... 32 Fernmarie Rodriguez...... 32 Brandy L. Rogers ...... 33 Ramsey L. Smith ...... 33 Adam R. Villarreal...... 34 Jason D. White ...... 34 Valerie Williams-Clark...... 35 Kimberly Wise...... 35
25 John Lee Baker, Jr. Lakesha Bates
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Neuroscience and Psychology Ph.D., Electrical Engineering Seton Hall University/University School of University of Maryland College Park Medicine and Dentistry of New York Hometown Hometown Wichita, KS Brandon, MS
Education Education M.A., Biology, Fisk University–Meharry Medical College, 2001 M.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Central Florida, 2004 B.S., Biology, Savannah State University, 1996 B.S., Mathematics, Bethune–Cookman College, 2001 A.S., Pre-Engineering, Independence Community College, 1997 Research Interests Gynecological Disorder and Sexual Dysfunctions across Women of Color; The Research Interest Need for Healthcare Assistance for Women of Color who are Incarcerated Future Improvements on the Eastern Missile Test Range
Achievements Achievements >> National Republican Congressional Committee Businessman Award (2005) >> Semiconductor Research Corporation Education Alliance (SRCEA) >> FASEB/MARC Grantsmanship Training Travel Award (2004) Scholarship (2001–02) >> Minority Access Inc. National Role Model Awardee (2004) >> NASA Summer Institute in Engineering and Computer Applications (SIECA) >> FASEB/MARC Peer Mentor (2003, 2004) Summer Program (2001) >> Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) SPINES Participant (2003) >> University of Central Florida National Science Foundation (UCF-NSF) >> Endocrine Society Molecular & Cellular Research Award (2002) Scholarship (2000–01) >> The Association for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS), Student >> The Florida Rock Industries Scholarship Program (2000) Chairman (2003) >> Intern, GTE/Verizon Laboratory (2000) >> Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (ASECT) >> National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) (1999–Present) >> Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. >> Los Alamos National Laboratory Intern (1999) >> All-Academic Athlete Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) (1999–00)
26 COHORT 2 Reginald Crawford April R. Crenshaw
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Currently Currently Working in STEM Industry Working in STEM Industry
Hometown Hometown Birmingham, AL Sumter, SC
Education Education Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2006 Ph.D., Financial Mathematics, Florida State University M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2004 B.S., Mathematics, Spelman College, 2002 B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Tennessee State University, 2002 Research Interest Research Interest Probability and Stochastic Processes Research of Force Versus Position Control of Friction Stir Welding at High Spindle Speeds with Feedback Force Control Implementation Achievements >> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, Spelman College Achievements >> Gates Millennium Scholarship >> NASA Center for Automated Space and Science Scholar >> Golden Key Honor Society >> NASA Glenn Scholar and Micro-Gravity Branch Summer Intern >> NASA Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Scholarship >> Vanderbilt Space Grant Fellow >> NASA-Ames Research Center Summer Intern (3X) >> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, Tennessee State University >> Pi Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honors Society >> University Dean’s List and National Dean’s List >> Spelman College Honors Program >> Pi Tau Sigma Honor Society >> National Society of Black Engineers Outstanding First Year Student (1998–99) >> USAF Blue Chip >> AWS Fellow (2003–04) >> Mr. Tennessee State University 1st Runner Up (1999–00)
COHORT 2 27 Rachel Cruz Ti any M. Finch
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Currently Currently Working in STEM Industry Working in STEM Industry
Hometown Hometown Patuxent River, MD Raleigh, NC
Education Education Ph.D., Physics, University of Florida, 2006 M.S., Materials Science and Engineering, Purdue University, 2005 M.S., Physics, University of Florida, 2004 B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Florida A&M University, 2002 B.S., Physics, Mathematics, North Park University, 2000 B.A., Mathematics, North Park University, 2000 Research Interest Electroceramics: Characterization of Navy Class IV Hard Lead Zirconate Research Interest Titanate (PZT) Time Delay Interferometry for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) Achievements Achievements >> NASA-Marshall Space Flight Center Summer Intern >> JPFP Mini Research Award, NASA-JPL, Interferometry Metology and Optics >> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, Florida A&M University Group (2005) >> Tau Beta Pi Engineering, Pi Tau Sigma Mechanical Engineering and Golden >> Presidential Recognition for outstanding achievement and contributions to Key National Honor Societies the University of Florida (2004) >> Delegate to the Dominican Republic through the Honors Freshman >> University of Florida GAANN Fellow (2000–01) International Leadership Program >> Cancer Federation Prize (1999) >> Florida A&M University NASA Scholarship >> North Park University Nyvall Scholar and University Outstanding Senior >> Alpha Sigma Mu Materials Science Engineering Honor Society Award >> Crowned Miss Young, Gifted and Black (1999) >> Sigma Pi Sigma Honor Society >> NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center Summer Intern, Extraterrestrial Physics >> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, North Park University
28 COHORT 2 Hiram A. Firpi Brian K. Harris
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Currently Currently Working in STEM Industry Working in STEM Industry
Hometown Hometown San Juan, Puerto Rico Virginia Beach, VA
Education Education Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, Michigan State University, 2005 M.S., Materials Engineering, University of Maryland–College Park, 2004 M.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez, 2001 B.S., Chemistry, Norfolk State University, 2000 B.S., Electrical Engineering, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 1999 Research Interest Research Interests Magnetic Refrigerants Nonlinear, linear, optimal, autonomous, and intelligent control and robotics; Fuzzy logic, neural networks, and evolutionary algorithms Achievements >> Honors Graduate, Norfolk State University Achievements >> Center for Materials Research Scholar >> Cum Laude Graduate, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico >> American Chemical Society’s National Convention, Poster Presentation >> Tau Beta Pi Honor Society >> Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship >> National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) Award >> NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center Co-Op >> NSF Program for Research in Computing and Information Sciences and >> LARSS Summer internship, NASA-Langley Research Center, Materials Engineering (PRECISE) Award Competency Branch >> Recipient, Competitive Doctoral Enrichment Fellowships (CDEF) >> Several Publications and Conference Presentations
COHORT 2 29 DaJuanicia N. Holmes Hassan Moore
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Currently Ph.D., Statistics Working in STEM Industry North Carolina State University Hometown Hometown New Orleans, LA Fairport, NY
Education Education M.S., Operations Research, North Carolina State University, 2004 Ph.D., Atmospheric Science, Howard University, 2006 B.S., Mathematics, Spelman College, 2002 M.A., Mathematics Education, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1995 B.S., Physics, Dillard University, 1993 Research Interests Design of Experiments, Stochastic Processes Research Interest Ozone Concentration Detection via Raman Backscatter of Nitrogen and Oxygen Achievements >> NASA Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Scholarship Achievements >> NASA-Ames Research Center Summer Internship, Fluid Mechanics >> Entergy Corporation Intern (1993–95) Laboratory (3X) >> Argonne National Laboratory Intern (1993) >> GEM Fellow >> University of North Carolina Intern (1992) >> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, Spelman College >> Cum Laude Graduate, Dillard University >> Golden Key International, Pi Mu Epsilon Mathematics and Alpha Lambda >> UNCF/Citicorp Fellow and UNCF/Andrew Mellon Fellow Delta Honor Societies >> National Dean’s List >> Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges >> Society of Physics Students (Sigma Pi Sigma) >> Department of Energy Scholar >> 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
30 COHORT 2 Oseoghaghare Okobiah Merlyn Xavier Pulikkathara
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Physics Ph.D., Engineering Ohio State University Rice University
Hometown Hometown Pittsburgh, PA Kuwait City, Kuwait
Education Education B.S., Physics, Fisk University, 2002 M.S., Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, 2004 B.S., Physics, Prairie View A&M University, 2001 Research Interest B.S., Chemical Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, 2001 Condensed Matter Physics Research Interest Achievements Radiation Effects of Carbon Nanotube Materials >> Dean’s List Honor Roll (1999–02) >> NASA Telemedicine Scholarship (1999) Achievements >> Tennessee NASA Space Center Scholarship (1999) >> Sigma Pi Sigma Physics and Omega Chi Epsilon Chemical Engineering Honor >> Summa Cum Laude Graduate, Fisk University Societies >> Beta Kappa Chi Science Honor Society >> 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)
COHORT 2 31 Ramiro L. Rivera-Rivera Fernmarie Rodriguez
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Currently Currently Working in STEM Industry Working in STEM Industry
Hometown Hometown Ponce, Puerto Rico Arecibo, Puerto Rico
Education Education M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2003 Certificate in Remote Sensing, University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez, 2002 B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Turabo, 2001 Certificate in Space Studies, International Space University (ISU), 2002 B.S., Theoretical Physics, University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez, 2001 Research Interests Heat Transfer, Combustion, and Energy Systems Research Interests Intelligent Control and Dynamic Systems, Mechatronics, Neural Networks, Achievements Robotics >> Georgia Institute of Technology Presidential Fellowship (2001–Present) >> NASA Graduate Student Researcher Program (GSRP) (2001–02) Achievements >> Third Highest GPA in the School of Engineering at University of Turabo >> NASA ISU Summer Session Program Scholarship (2002) (2001) >> NASA Academy Alumni Goddard Space Flight Center (2000) >> Fifth Prize-ASME Region II Old Guard Oral Presentation Competition (2000) >> National Space Society >> University of Turabo ASME Student Section President (1999–00) >> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, UPR–Mayagüez >> NASA/SHPE H.O.N.O.R.E.S. Scholarship (1999–00) >> Golden Key National Honor Society >> First Prize-ASME Region II Old Guard Technical Poster Competition (1999) >> All-American Scholar and Natural Science Collegiate Awards >> NASA-John C. Stennis Space Center Summer Intern, Propulsion Test >> Arecibo Radio Observatory, Astronomy Branch Research Associate Directorate Design & Analysis Branch (4X)
32 COHORT 2 Brandy Rogers Ramsey L. Smith
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering Ph.D., Chemistry Georgia Institute of Technology Howard University
Hometown Hometown Macon, GA Detroit, MI
Education Education B.S.E., Civil Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2002 B.S., Chemistry, Morehouse College, 2000 B.S., Mathematics, Fort Valley State University, 2000 Research Interests Research Interests The Radiative Forcing Effects of Perfluorocarbons in the Martian and Terrestrial Cellular Biomechanics and the Design of New Bio-Prosthetic Materials Atmospheres
Achievements Achievements >> Summa Cum Laude Graduate, Fort Valley State University >> Science Fair Judge, Newport Mill Middle School, Kensington, MD (2004) >> Fort Valley State Cooperative Developmental Energy Program Scholar >> Guest Scientist: Department of Energy, Lawrence Berkeley National >> Al Knox Awardee Laboratory, Chemical Dynamics Division (2003) >> Highest Honors Graduate from Georgia Institute of Technology >> President, Chemistry Graduate Student Association (CGSA), Howard >> Golden Key, Beta Kappa Chi, Alpha Kappa Mu and Chi Epsilon National Honor University (2003–Present) Societies >> Carnegie Initiative on the Doctorate Student Representative (2003–Present) >> National Society of Black Engineers >> Lecturer, Howard University Graduate School’s Peer Mentoring Workshop >> Valedictorian, Fort Valley State Class of 2000 (2002–Present) >> Dean’s List (1998–02) >> Founder and Director, CGSA Mentoring Program (2002–Present) >> Mentor, University of Michigan Middle School Tele-mentoring Project (2002)
COHORT 2 33 Adam R. Villarreal Jason D. White
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Currently Ph.D., Physics Working in STEM University of Arizona Hometown Hometown Opelousas, LA Las Vegas, NV
Education Education B.S., Physics, University of Nevada–Las Vegas, 2002 Ph.D, Atmospheric Science, Howard University, 2006 B.A., Psychology, University of Nevada–Las Vegas, 2002 M.S., Atmospheric Sciences, Howard University, 2000 B.S., Physics, Grambling State University, 1996 Research Interests X-Ray Binaries, Neutron Stars, and Black Holes Research Interest Analysis of the Impact of Saharan Dust Transport on Cloud Properties Achievements >> Richard P. Feynman Award for Outstanding UNLV Physics Students Achievements >> Nevada Space Grant Consortium NASA Space Grant Scholarship >> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, Grambling State University >> Western Alliance to Expand Student Opportunities (WAESO) Scholarship >> Golden Key National Honor Society >> Mitzie and Johnny Hughes UNLV Honors College Scholarship >> Alpha Kappa Mu, Gamma Beta Phi and Sigma Pi Sigma National Honor >> Golden Key International Honor Society Societies >> UNLV Ronald E. McNair Research Institute Scholars Program >> G.A.A.N.N. Fellowship Award (1998–01) >> National Science Foundation Experimental Program to Stimulate >> NASA / Howard University Center for the Study of Terrestrial and Competitive Research Extraterrestrial Atmospheres Research Fellowship (1996–98) >> USA Funds Access to Education and University of Arizona Graduate >> Grambling State University Presidential Scholarship (1992–96) Registration Scholarships >> Minority Graduate Education at Mountain States Alliance Fellowship
34 COHORT 2 Valerie Williams-Clark Kimberly Wise
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Currently Currently Working in STEM industry Working in STEM Industry
Hometown Hometown Delhi, LA Richmond, VA
Education Education M.S., Electrical Engineering, Portland State University, 2004 Ph.D., Environmental Toxicology, Texas Southern University, 2005 B.S., Electrical Engineering, Southern University, 2001 M.S., Biology, Texas Southern University 2004 B.S., Biology, Texas Southern University, 1999 Research Interests Controls & Power Systems Research Interests Heavy Metal Neurotoxicology; Simulated Microgravity Neurotoxicology; Achievements Environmental Tobacco Smoke Neurotoxicology >> Outstanding Student of the Year for EE Dept (2000–01) >> Summa Cum Laude Graduate, Southern University Achievements >> Golden Key and Eta Kappa Nu Electrical Engineering Honor Societies >> Nature Heritage Society: Athenia Morris Urban Dove Scholarship Recipient >> Laura Capazolli Scholarship from the Louisiana Society of Engineers (2003) >> Southern University College of Engineering Scholarship >> President, Environmental Toxicology Graduate Student Association (2004–05) >> Louis Stokes Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (LS-LAMP) >> Student Representative, NASA University Research Center Advisory Committee >> Internships at Hewlett-Packard in Research & Development, Caterpillar, Inc. >> Student Representative, Faculty Curriculum Advisory Committee and General Motors >> Society of Toxicology, Travel Award Recipient
COHORT 2 35 ;=ß ß*0&0ß&ELLOWSß$IRECTORY ;=ß ß*0&0ß&ELLOWSß$IRECTORY C3 COHORT 3
Marcel A. Agüeros...... 38 Kevin P. Anthony...... 38 Tiffani N. Bailey ...... 39 Diona S. Bateman...... 39 Alberto Cruz-Martín...... 40 Rene D. Elms...... 40 Vanessa R. Green...... 41 Jeremy J. Jackson...... 41 JPFP Fellows Lorenza Levy ...... 42 (By Cohort) Danena L. Lewis...... 42 Michele Manuel...... 43 Jessica Marquez...... 43 Omar Mireles ...... 44 Manu Platt ...... 44 Tyesia Pompey...... 45 Bryan Reid ...... 45 Shavesha L. Rutledge ...... 46 Johnny Seymore III...... 46 Alicia N. Washington ...... 47 Cranos M. Williams...... 47 Jamal O. Wilson...... 48
37 Marcel A. Agüeros Kevin P. Anthony
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Currently Current Degree Sought Working in STEM Discipline M.S., Biology Texas Southern University Hometown New York, NY Hometown Houston, TX
Education Education Ph.D., Astronomy, University of Washington, 2006 B.S., Biology, Texas Southern University, 1998 M.S., Astronomy, University of Washington, 2002 M. Phil., Philosophy, University of Cambridge, UK, 1998 Research Interests B.A., Astronomy, Columbia College, 1996 Sequenced Based Characterization of the Yeast Deletion Strains and DNA Chip Technology Development Research Interests Optical identification of X-ray sources; Isolated neutron stars; Supernova Achievements remnants >> Premedical Concepts Institute Participant-Prairie View A&M Univ. >> Member, American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Achievements >> Education Associates Program (EDAP) >> National Science Foundation (NSF) Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral >> Texas Academy of Science Fellow, Columbia University (2006–09) >> Trailblazer Award, Latino Alumni Association of Columbia University (2006) >> National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Teaching Fellow in K-12 Education (2002–03) >> National Science Foundation (NSF) Summer Program in Japan (2002) >> Columbia College Kellett Fellow at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, UK (1996– 98) >> Phi Beta Kappa (1996) >> National Hispanic Fund Scholarship Recipient (1994–96)
38 COHORT 3 Ti ani N. Bailey Diona S. Bateman
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Currently Currently Working in STEM Industry Working in STEM Industry
Hometown Hometown Greensboro, NC Baltimore, MD
Education Education Ph.D., Chemistry, North Carolina State University, 2006 M.S., Industrial Engineering, North Carolina State University, 2004 M.S., Chemistry, North Carolina State University, 2004 B.S., Industrial Engineering, Florida A&M University, 2002 B.S., Chemistry, Hampton University, 2002 Research Interest Research Interest Computer Integrated Manufacturing Systems Surface bound chemical gradients of various types of polymers and how they can be used to direct transport processes on surfaces Achievements >> NASA Kennedy Space Center Summer Intern (2002) Achievements >> Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Center for Naval Analysis Summer >> JPFP Mini Research Awardee, Marshall Space Flight Center (2005) Intern (2001) >> Project SEE (Science in Everyday Experiences) Coordinator; Delta Sigma >> Most Outstanding Student in Academics, Service & Leadership (2001) Theta Sorority (2005) >> Institute of Industrial Engineers, Student Chapter President (2000–02) >> Dow Chemical/NOBCChe Graduate Research Award >> NASA Scholar (1999–02) >> American Chemical Society Leadership Development Award >> Recipient, GEM Fellowship >> Recipient, GEM Fellowship and National Science Foundation Research >> Golden Key, Tau Beta Pi and Alpha Pi Mu Honor Societies 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
COHORT 3 39 Alberto Cruz-Martín Rene D. Elms
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Neuroscience Ph.D., Chemical Engineering University of California–Los Angeles Texas A&M University
Hometown Hometown Puerto Rico Arlington, VA
Education Education B.S., Biology, University of Puerto Rico–Rio Piedras, 2000 M.S., Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 2002 B.S., Genetics, Texas A&M University, 1998 Research Interest B.S., Biochemistry, Texas A&M University, 1998 Synaptic Transmission Research Interest Achievements Development of micro and nanoscale biotechnology for genomics, proteomics, >> MARC Travel Grant Award for the Biophysical Society Meeting and cell biology >> Golden Key Society >> Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Award Achievements >> Puerto Rico Alliance for Minority Participation Award (PR-AMP) >> JPFP Mini Research Award, NASA Johnson Space Center (2004–06) >> Minority Access to Research Careers Fellowship (MARC) Award (1999–00) >> Interplanetary Science Summer School, NASA JPL (2003) >> Puerto Rico Alliance for Minority Participation Fellowship (1998–99) >> Space Life Sciences Training Program, NASA KSC (1997) >> Minority Biomedical Research Support Fellowship (1997–98) >> Celanese Excellence Award, Chemical Engineering (2003) >> Graduate Chemical Engineering Scholarship (1999–02) >> Undergraduate Research Fellow, Texas A&M University (1997–98) >> Virginia Environmental Endowment Scholarship (1992–97) >> Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholar–Congressional Award >> Francis-Sydney Lewis Environmental Endowment Scholarship >> Grand Award Winner: Edison-McGraw National Science and Engineering Competition
40 COHORT 3 Vanessa R. Green Jeremy J. Jackson
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Currently Currently Working in STEM Industry Working in STEM Discipline
Hometown Hometown New Bern, NC Baton Rouge, LA
Education Education M.S., Operations Research Science, North Carolina State University, 2004 Ph.D., Physics, Florida A&M University, 2006 B.S., Mathematics, Spelman College, 2002 M.S., Physics, Southern University Baton Rouge, 2000 B.S., Physics, Southern University Baton Rouge, 1998 Research Interest Forecasting, marketing research Research Interests Optimum Conditions for Fabricating Carbon-Based Micro and Nanostructures; Achievements The Generation of Carbon Nanotubes >> Department of Energy Scholar (2000–01) >> NASA Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Scholar (1998–02) Achievements >> Alpha Lambda Delta Academic Honor Society >> Golden Key National Honor Society >> Pi Mu Epsilon International Mathematics Fraternity >> Cum Laude Graduate, Southern University Baton Rouge (2000, 1998) >> Diversity Enhancement Grant >> Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society, Southern University (1997) >> Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
COHORT 3 41 Lorenza Levy Danena L. Lewis
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Physics and Astronomy Ph.D., Civil Engineering University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill Georgia Institute of Technology
Hometown Hometown Flagstaff, AZ Warner Robins, GA
Education Education B.S., Physics and Astronomy, Northern Arizona University, 2001 M.S., Civil Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2003 B.S., Civil Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2002 Research Interest B.S., Mathematics, Fort Valley State University, 2000 The Effects of the Cluster Environment on Galaxy Evolution Research Interests Achievements Incorporating Safety Considerations into the Transportation Planning Process >> Minority Graduate Education Fellowship (2001–03) >> Senior Bedwell Scholar in Astronomy (2001) Achievements >> Ana Catherine Ryan Scholarship for Women in Physics (1999–01) >> Georgia Facilitating Academic Careers in Engineering & Science (FACES) Fellow >> NASA Space Grant Student Researcher at Lowell Observatory (1998–00) (2005–06) >> Golden Key National Honor Society >> 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 (2003–06) >> Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program Fellow (2002–03) >> Georgia Transportation Institute Fellow (2002) >> Cooperative Developmental Energy Program (CDEP) Scholar (1997–00)
42 COHORT 3 Michele Manuel Myers Jessica Marquez
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Currently Currently Working in STEM Discipline Working in STEM Industry
Hometown Hometown Crestview, FL Lima, Peru
Education Education Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, 2007 Ph.D. Aeronautics/Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2006 B.S., Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, 2002 M.S., Aeronautics/Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2002 B.S.E., Mechanical Engineering, Princeton University, 1999 Research Interest Smart Materials and Structures, Materials Design, Biomimetics, Adaptive Research Interests Composites Human-computer interactions, Human space exploration and Human factors engineering Achievements >> Patent: “Sol-Gel Processing to Form Doped Sol-Gel Monoliths Inside Hollow Achievements Core Optical Fiber and Sol-Gel Core Devices Made Thereby”, >> AAUW Dissertation Fellowship (2006–07) US Patent No. US6,445,861 >> Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship (2005–06) >> NASA/GSFC Special Act Award (2000, 2002) >> Graduate Association of Aeronautics and Astronautics (2003–05) >> NASA Certificate of Recognition for the Disclosure of an Invention (2001) >> Board Member, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, MIT Chapter (2003–04) >> NASA Certificate of Recognition for the Creative Development of a >> Student Leadership Council, MIT (2001–03) Technical Innovation (2001) >> Joseph Clifton Elgin Prize & George Bienkowski Memorial Prize (1999) >> Alpha Sigma Mu – Materials Science and Engineering Collegiate Honor >> NASA Ames Astrobiology Academy (1998) Society (2001) >> New Jersey Space Grant: Scholarship for Internship at Ames Research Center >> Golden Key National Honor Society (1999) (1998) >> Presidential Scholar at the University of Florida (1997–02) >> National Hispanic Scholarship Fund Award (1997)
COHORT 3 43 Omar Mireles Manu Platt
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Currently Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering Working in STEM Industry University of Florida–Gainesville Hometown Hometown Trenton, NJ Santa Teresa, NM
Education Education M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2004 Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory B.S. Mechanical Engineering, New Mexico State University, 2002 University, 2006 B.S. Applied Mathematics, New Mexico State University, 2002 B.S., Biology, Morehouse College, 2001
Research Interests Research Interests Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion Systems The Role of Shear Stress in the Differential Regulation of Endothelial Cystatin C and Cathepsins in Atherosclerosis; Microgravity effects on endothelial cell Achievements dysfunction >> NASA Group Achievement Award, Early Flight Fission Test Facility Team (2004) >> Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Award (2003–Present) Achievements >> National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship–Honorable Mention (2003) >> Howard Hughes Origins of O.R.D.E.R (2005–06) >> NASA Academy Outstanding Researcher (2002) >> APS/NIDDK Minority Travel Fellow (2004) >> NASA Academy Research Associate, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (2002) >> Outstanding Teaching Assistant (2002–03) >> University Honors & Crimson Scholar Graduate, New Mexico State (2002) >> David and Lucile Packard Foundation Fellowship (2001) >> KC-135 “ Weightless Wonder” Experiments, NASA Undergraduate Student >> Phi Beta Kappa (2000) Flight Opportunities Program (2001–02) >> NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Co-op (2001, 2000) >> New Mexico Space Grant Consortium Research Fellow (1999–02)
44 COHORT 3 Tyesia Pompey Bryan Reid
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Currently Current Degree Sought Working in STEM Industry Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering University of Michigan Hometown Columbia, SC Hometown Ann Arbor, MI
Education Education Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 2005 M.S., Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan, 2004 M.S., Electrical Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 2001 B.S., Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan, 2003 B.S., Electrical Engineering, South Carolina State University, 1998 Research Interests Research Interest Lifetime and Neutral Injection Schemes of High Thrust-to-Power Hall-Effect Combining statistics, adaptive neural network and clustering algorithms to Thrusters detect differential gene expression Achievements Achievements >> Associate Member of Sigma Xi, University of Michigan (2006) >> JPFP Mini Research Award Recipient (2005) >> Elected Rackham Student Government Engineering Representative, >> Two Publications for IEEE International Workshop on Genomic Signal University of Michigan (2006) Processing and Statistics (2005) >> Recipient of the Distinguished Student Presenter Award, Tech Symposium >> 7th Annual Conference on Computational Genomics, Presenter (2004) Conference (2005) >> Student Transition and Retention Symposium, Presenter (2004) >> Michigan Space Grant Consortium Fellowship Recipient (2005–Present) >> National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) >> Rackham Engineering Award Fellowship (2004–Present) >> Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) >> NASA Co-op Student, Glenn Research Center (2004) >> Graduate Engineer Student Alliance (GESA) at North Carolina A&T State >> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, University of Michigan (2003) University >> NASA Intern and NASA Scholar, Glenn Research Center (1999–03) >> Vice-President, Sigma Gamma Tau, Aerospace Honor’s Society
COHORT 3 45 Shavesha L. Rutledge Johnny Seymore III
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Currently Current Degree Sought Working in STEM Industry Ph.D., Atmospheric Sciences Howard University Hometown Headland, AL Hometown Jacksonville, FL
Education Education Ph.D., Analytical Chemistry, American University 2006 M.S., Atmospheric Sciences, Howard University, 2002 B.S., Chemistry, Alabama A&M University, 2000 B.S., Physics, Bethune–Cookman College, 1999
Research Interests Research Interest Sol-Gel Fiber Optic Sensor, Carbon Nanotechnology, Applications of The Implementation of Improved Model Physics into a Numerical Weather fluorescence spectroscopy Prediction Model
Achievements Achievements >> NASA Special Act Award (2005) >> NOAA Center for Atmospheric Sciences (NCAS) Fellow (2002) >> Awarded Outstanding Research Presentation at the Ann Robyn Mathias >> Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) Fellow Student Research Conference (2005) (1999–02) >> GAANN Fellowship (2002–03) >> Howard University Fellow (1999–02) >> NASA Sharp Unity Mentor Excellence Award (2002) >> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, Bethune–Cookman College (1999) >> Iota Sigma Pi National Honor Society for Women in Chemistry (2001–05) >> American Chemical Society (1996–05) >> National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers >> NASA Goddard Co-Op Program >> National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) >> NASA Research assistant for their patented Sol-Gel Fiber Optic Bio-sensor >> Cum Laude Graduate, Alabama A&M University
46 COHORT 3 Alicia N. Washington Cranos M. Williams
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Currently Current Degree Sought Working in STEM Industry Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, North Carolina State University Hometown Durham, NC Hometown St. Thomas, USVI
Education Education Ph.D., Computer Science/Networking, North Carolina State University, 2005 M.S., Electrical Engineering, North Carolina State University, 2002 M.S., Computer Science, North Carolina State University, 2002 B.S., Electrical Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 2001 B.S., Computer Science, Johnson C. Smith University, 2000 Research Interests Research Interest Estimating the system dynamics of metabolic networks using data obtainable Sub-wavelength Path Allocation in Network Design from current experimental technologies
Achievements Achievements >> Honors College Senior Award (2000) >> Association of Achievement & Leadership Award (2005) >> All-American Scholar Award (1999) >> Minority Graduate Education (MGE) Fellowship Recipient, North Carolina >> Focus Participant-Georgia Tech (1999) University (2003) >> Who’s Who Among College Students (1998–00) >> Dean’s Fellowship, North Carolina State University (2001) >> President’s List (1996–00) >> Association for the Concerns of African American Graduate Students >> Summa Cum Laude Graduate, Johnson C. Smith University (ACAAGS) College of Engineering Academic Achievement & Leadership >> Alpha Lambda Delta, Alpha Chi and Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Societies Award (2003) >> Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. >> 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)
COHORT 3 47 Jamal O. Wilson
Contact Information [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology
Hometown Decatur, GA
Education B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2002 B.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
COHORT 3 ;=ß ß*0&0ß&ELLOWSß$IRECTORY C4 COHORT 4
Omavi Bailey...... 50 Shweta Bansal ...... 50 Ife D. Calmese...... 51 Steven Chischilly...... 51 Miguel Daal ...... 52 James C. Ford...... 52 Janae N. Foss...... 53 Christopher Green ...... 53 JPFP Fellows Jerrod A. Henderson ...... 54 (By Cohort) Janine Johnson...... 54 Lora Koenig...... 55 Charles Lee...... 55 Victor L. Marrero ...... 56 Tammara Massey ...... 56 Lisa P. Mickens...... 57 Olufemi Olumoko...... 57 Mamta Patel...... 58 Ravi Prakash...... 58 Miguel O. Roman-Colon...... 59 Darilis Suarez-Gonzalez...... 59
49 Omavi Bailey Shweta Bansal
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought M.S., Public Health Ph.D., Computational and Applied Mathematics University of South Florida University of Texas–Austin
Hometown Hometown Houston, TX Sunnyvale, CA
Education Education B.S., Math/Chemistry, Morehouse College, 2003 B.S., Mathematics and Computer Science, Santa Clara University, 2004 Makerere University, Study Abroad in Kampala, Uganda, Spring 2001 Research Interests Research Interests Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases with Contact Networks and Environmental Factors that Contribute to the Spread and Proliferation of Percolation Theory Malaria throughout Various Geographical Locations in Eastern Africa Achievements Achievements >> “Community Structure in Networks” Society for Mathematical Biology, >> Jesse H. Jones Scholar Presenter >> MARC U* Scholar >> University of Texas Graduate Fellowship >> National Science Fair Winner (2nd place) >> Phi Beta Kappa >> NASA “Project Space” Scholar >> Paul Halmos Prize in Mathematics >> Howard Thurman Scholar >> Santa Clara University Presidential Scholar >> Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society >> Packard Scholar with the School for International Training
50 COHORT 4 Ife D. Calmese Steven Chischilly
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Electrical Engineering Ph.D., Biology (Population Genetics) Southern Illinois Univ.–Carbondale University of Colorado at Boulder
Hometown Hometown Chicago, IL Navajo Nation
Education Education M.S., Electrical Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 2004 M.A., Biology, University of Colorado at Boulder, 1994 B.S., Electrical Engineering, Southern Illinois University, 2002 B.S., Biology, Fort Lewis College, 1989 A.A., Agriculture, Fort Lewis College, 1989 Research Interests Image and Signal Processing Research Interests The Effects of Radiation on Plants Achievements >> Intel Scholarship Achievements >> CIA Fellow >> NASA Faculty Fellowship (2002) >> Minority Engineering Program Student of the Year >> Presidential Community Service Award (2002) >> Student Transition and Retention Fellowship >> Global Engagement for Multi-Faceted Stakeholders Award (2002) >> Patricia Roberts Harris Fellowship (1989–91) >> Chief Manuelito High Academic Achievement Scholarship (1985)
COHORT 4 51 Miguel Daal James C. Ford
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Physics Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering Georgia University of California at Berkeley Institute of Technology
Hometown Hometown Baltimore, MD Akron, OH
Education Education Sc.B., Mathematics, Brown University, 2002 B.S., Mathematics, Morehouse College, 2003 Sc.B., Physics, Brown University, 2002 B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2003
Research Interests Research Interests State of the Art Detector Development; Cosmology; Gravitation; Biophysics Design and Modeling of Energy Systems in Particular Solid Oxide and Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Achievements >> Lindau meeting of Physics Nobel Laureates and Graduate Students Achievements Attendee (2004) >> Department of Energy Mickey Leland Fellow (2006) >> Summer Rhode Island NASA Space Grant Fellowship (2001) >> National Science Foundation Honorable Mention (2003) >> Mellon Mays Fellowship (2000) >> David and Lucile Packard Foundation Scholar >> Math and Physics Departmental Undergraduate Groups President, Brown >> Central Intelligence Agency Graduate Fellow University (1998–02) >> NASA Ron E. McNair Project S.P.A.C.E. Scholar
52 COHORT 4 Janae N. Foss Christopher Green
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Computer Science Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering Michigan Technological University Georgia Institute of Technology
Hometown Hometown Clare, MI Hephzibah, GA
Education Education M.S., Computer Science, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 2001 M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2004 B.S., Saginaw Valley State University, 1999 B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2001 B.S., Mathematics, Morehouse College, 2001 Research Interest Computer Science Field of Artificial Intelligence Research Interest Developing a design methodology of compressive mica-based seal for solid Achievements oxide fuel cells >> MTU Graduate Teaching Instructor (2002–04) >> MTU Graduate School Fellowship (2001) Achievements >> RPI Graduate Research Assistant (2000) >> David and Lucille Packard Fellow (2001–Present) >> RPI Graduate Teaching Assistant (1999–00) >> Georgia Tech Presidential Fellow (2001–Present) >> NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates, University of Alabama (1998) >> Georgia Tech FACES Fellow (2001–Present) >> SVSU University Scholar Award (scholarship) (1995–99) >> Most Outstanding Dual Degree Engineering Student (2000–01) >> Michigan Competitive Scholarship (1995–99) >> Most Outstanding Fifth Year Mechanical Engineering Student (2000–01) >> 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 (1996–01)
COHORT 4 53 Jerrod A. Henderson Janine Johnson
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign Georgia Institute of Technology
Hometown Hometown Kinston, NC Clinton, AR
Education Education B.S., Chemistry, Morehouse College, 2003 M.S, Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2004 B.S., Chemical Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 2003 B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Arkansas State University, 2000 Waste Management Certificate, 2003 Research Interests Research Interest Finite element techniques; Fuel cells in the development of an accurate Intracellular REDOX Environment and its implications fatigue life prediction model
Achievements Achievements >> Research Team Leader (UIUC Summer Research Opportunities Program) >> Six Sigma Black Belt Training for Eaton Aerospace >> Ronald E. McNair Undergraduate Scholar & honor society >> Supplemental Presidential Fellowship from Georgia Institute of Technology >> Phi Beta Kappa Society (Delta of GA) (2004) >> Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society >> Graduate Research Assistantship from Georgia Institute of Technology >> Omega Chi Epsilon (Chemical Engineering Honor Society) (2002) >> Golden Key National Honor Society >> Product Engineer I and II, Eaton Hydraulics and Eaton Aerospace (2000–02) >> National Society of Collegiate Scholars >> Valedictorian, College of Mechanical Engineering, Arkansas State >> American Chemical Society Scholar University (2000) >> McKinsey and Company Scholar >> Outstanding Student in Mechanical Engineering (2000) >> President’s Scholar at Arkansas State (1995–00)
54 COHORT 4 Lora Koenig Charles Lee
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Earth and Space Science Ph.D., Electrical Engineering University of Washington University of Texas at Austin
Hometown Hometown Seattle, WA Fort Washington, MD
Education Education M.S., Geography, University of Utah, 2002 M.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 2004 B.A., Mathematics, Linfield College, 1999 M.B.A., Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, 1998 B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Maryland at College Park, 1994 Research Interests Applying Satellite Remote Sensing Techniques to Determine Physical Research Interest Properties of Snow and Ice Plasma propulsion specifically with NASA’s Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) engine Achievements >> Principle Researcher, Crater Lake National Park, Measured Thermal Achievements Conductivity of Snow >> NASA JPFP Mini Research Award (2005) >> Snow Surveyor, NASA Cold Land Processes Experiment >> University of Texas Bruton Fellowship (2004) >> Achievements Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Scholarship, >> University of Texas Graduate Research Assistant Fellowship (2003–04) University of Washington >> American Physical Society (APS) poster presentation >> Program on Climate Change, Seed Scholarship, University of Washington >> Eta Kappa Nu, National Electrical Engineering Honor Society >> Outstanding Graduate Student Award, Department of Geography, University >> Dual-Degree Program, Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with Universite Paul of Utah Sabatier in Toulouse, France >> Environmental Research Systems Institute (ESRI), Summer Intern, North >> Language and Area Studies Immersion program in Strasbourg, France Seattle >> Full 4-year Undergraduate US Air Force ROTC Scholarship >> Boys and Girls Club of America, Volunteer
COHORT 4 55 Victor L. Marrero Tammara Massey
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering Ph.D., Computer Science Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute University of California–Los Angeles
Hometown Hometown Yabucoa, Puerto Rico Asheboro, NC
Education Education M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico–Mayaguez, 2004 M.S., Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2004 B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Turabo–Gurabo, 2002 B.S., Computer Science, University of North Carolina–Wilmington, 2002
Research Interests Research Interests Stabilized Finite Element Method to Accurately Model Particle Deposition in Sensor Networking the Human Respiratory System Achievements Achievements >> Graduate Degree for Minorities in Engineering and Science Fellow >> RPI Dr. Paul B. Zuber and Dr. Eddie Knowles Graduate Student Founders >> National Science Foundation Honorable Mention Award (2005) >> Verizon Scholar >> Executive V. Pres. of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc.–Alpha Chapter (2005) >> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, UNC Wilmington >> Alliance for Graduate Education and Professoriate (AGEP) Program (2004) >> “Making a Difference” Award, NAACP >> Pi Tau Sigma Honor Society (2004) >> Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, Member (2002–03) >> UPRM/NSF Engineering Excellence Award (2003) >> NAACP, President (2001–02) >> NASA Co-op Program (2002–04) >> Outstanding New College Chapter, NAACP (2002) >> Summer Institute in Engineering and Computer Applications (SIECA) >> Dr. Leroy W. Upperman Scholarship, Recipient (1998–02) Fellowship (2002) >> Outstanding Student of the Year, College of Arts and Sciences, UNCW (2001) >> University of Turabo Alumni Award (2002) >> SHPE/NASA HONORES Scholarship Program (2000–01) >> Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges (2x)
56 COHORT 4 Lisa P. Mickens Olufemi Olumoko
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Currently Working in STEM Industry Working in STEM Industry
Hometown Hometown Petersburg, VA Riverdale, GA
Education Education M.S., Electrical Engineering, Morgan State University, 2004 M.S., Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2005 B.S., Electrical Engineering, Morgan State University, 2001 B.S., Computer Science, Bowie State University, 2003
Research Interests Research Interests Image processing, pattern recognition, computer vision Ubiquitous Computing, Assistive Technologies, Human Computer Interaction (HCI)
Achievements Achievements >> Tau Beta Pi, National Engineering Honor Society member >> Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Award (2004) >> Golden Key International Honor Society member >> Verizon Scholarship Award (2004) >> Recipient, National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship >> National Science Foundation (NSF) Honorable Mention (2004, 2003) >> Booz Allen & Hamilton Team Appreciation Award >> Most Outstanding Computer Science Student (2003) >> Outstanding Honors Program Student (2003) >> Alpha Chi National Honor Society (2002) >> Science, Engineering and Mathematics (SEM) Fellowship (2000–03) >> Dean’s List for Academic Achievement (1999–03) >> Bowie State University Academic Excellence Award >> National All-American Scholar Honors
COHORT 4 57 Mamta Patel Ravi Prakash
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Currently Ph.D., Bioengineering Working in STEM Industry Georgia Institute of Technology Hometown Hometown Texas City, TX San Angelo, TX
Education Education M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2005 M.S., Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2005 B.S., Engineering, Texas A&M University, 2003 B.S., Aerospace Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 2003
Research Interests Research Interests The mechanism by which microgravity induces bone loss in humans and how to Design of a Long Endurance Vertical Takeoff and Landing Spacecraft to counteract the pathology Explore Titan
Achievements Achievements >> Outstanding NASA Co-Op Special Achievement Award (2003) >> First Tier Group Award–NASA Revolutionary Vehicles Design Competition >> Outstanding NASA Co-Op Flag Award Summer (2002) >> Performed combustion experiment onboard NASA’s KC-135 >> Outstanding NASA Co-Op Flag Award Spring (2002) >> Undergraduate Research Fellowship–The University of Texas >> TAMU Outstanding Engineering Cumulative GPA Spring (2002) >> Sigma Gamma Tau–National Aerospace Engineering Honor Society >> Outstanding NASA Co-Op Special Achievement Award (2001) >> NASA Academy Alumni Association >> TAMU Project Sunshine (2000–01) >> University of Texas’ University Honors List >> Texas A&M University (TAMU) College of Engineering Dean’s List >> New York University’s Dean’s List >> TAMU College of Engineering Distinguished Students List >> Gold Star Award–Northside Elementary School >> TAMU College of Engineering Outstanding Academic Recognition >> Suzuki Rock ’n Roll Marathon in San Diego, CA–The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
58 COHORT 4 Miguel O. Román-Colón Darilis Suarez-Gonzales
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Remote Sensing and GIS Ph.D., Materials Science Boston University University of Wisconsin–Madison
Hometown Hometown San Juan, Puerto Rico Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
Education Education M.S., Systems Engineering, Cornell University, 2005 B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez, 2004 B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez, 2004 Research Interests Research Interests Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Development and application of remote sensing techniques Achievements Achievements >> JPFP Mini Research Award recipient (2005 & 2006) >> AAAS International Student Research Competition, Honorary Mention >> Engineering in Training Certificate (2004) (2003) >> PR Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation in Science Scholarship >> IBM Corp. Delegate–Summer Venture in Management Program, Harvard (2003) Business School (2002) >> Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science >> First prize at the NASA-PAIR Summit Research Poster Competition (2002) (SACNAS) National Conference, Poster Presentation (2000) >> US-Army Major General James Ursano scholar (2000–Present) >> Hispanic Scholarship (1999–02) >> Hispanic Scholarship Fund Award Recipient (1999–Present) >> National Collegiate Engineering Award >> University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez Distinguished Scholar Award (2x) >> All American Scholar >> United States Department of the Interior STAR Award Recipient (2x) >> National Dean’s List >> NASA-PaSCoR Distinguished Researcher Award >> Chemical Engineering and General Engineering Honor Roll >> Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research (SOARS) Protégé
COHORT 4 59 ;=ß ß*0&0ß&ELLOWSß$IRECTORY ;=ß ß*0&0ß&ELLOWSß$IRECTORY C5 COHORT 5
Danielle Adams ...... 62 Kenneth Miguel Armijo...... 62 Elizabeth Deems ...... 63 Sandra Geffert...... 63 Daryl Haggard...... 64 Byron Johns...... 64 Cassidy B. Johnson...... 65 Darin Leonhardt...... 65 JPFP Fellows Vasana Maneeratana ...... 66 (By Cohort) Emmanuell Murray...... 66 Line van Nieuwstadt ...... 67 Omonike Omotoso...... 67 Ana J. Picón...... 68 Jason Polendo ...... 68 Tamara Singleton...... 69 Otis Smart...... 69 Adrienne P. Stephenson...... 70 Amber N. Straughn ...... 70 Cherita Thomas...... 71 Idalis Villanueva...... 71
61 Danielle Adams Kenneth M. Armijo
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degrees Sought Current Degree Sought M.S., Aeronautics and Astronautics Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering M.S., Technology and Policy Univ. of California–Berkeley Massachusetts Institute of Technology Hometown Hometown Sabinal, NM Orlando, FL
Education Education B.S., Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of California-Berkeley, 2006 2005 B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of New Mexico, 2005
Research Interests Research Interests Controls for formation flight of autonomous spacecraft, tether dynamics Thermodynamics, thermal/fluid sciences and energy systems
Achievements Achievements >> Recipient of One Year Department Fellowship, MIT Aero/Astro (2005–06) >> 1st Place Technical Paper Award, National Technical Symposium (2005) >> Member of Cape Town University of Technology – MIT Communications >> UNM FSAE Team (2004) Workshop & Student Exchange (2006) >> National HENAAC Scholarship (2004) >> Liason between MIT Aeronautics/Astronautics department and University of >> NASA Johnson Space Center Energy Systems Test Area Test Director (2003) Pretoria, South Africa to build inter-university collaboration >> United Space Alliance (USA) Training Academy (2001) >> Alumni of the 2004 Goddard NASA Academy Summer Internship Program >> NASA ORBIT MPSR Prep. 1st stage certification (2001) >> Three time summer volunteer with Homeless Children International, Kenya; >> 3rd Place Technical Paper Award, International Mexican Americans in MIT Public Service Center Fellow Engineering and Science Symposium >> Staff of 2005 Goddard NASA Academy Summer Internship >> Who’s Who among American College Students >> National Dean’s List >> Outstanding Student Award, National Atomic Museum’s Hispanics in Science and Engineering Month
62 COHORT 5 Elizabeth Deems Sandra Ge ert
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Currently Current Degree Sought Working in STEM Industry Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering University of Houston Hometown Springfield, VA Hometown Kingwood, TX
Education Education M.S., Aerospace Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2006 M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Houston, 2003 B.S., Aerospace Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2005 B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Houston, 2001
Research Interests Research Interests Space Systems Design and Multidisciplinary Optimization Fluid mechanics; Heat transfer; Numerical Modeling; Bioreactor Design and Development; Biological Sensors; Tissue Engineering Achievements >> National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Recipient Achievements (2005) >> JPFP Mini Research Award (2006) >> Massachusetts Institute of Technology Departmental Fellowship Recipient >> Fellow, Texas Space Grant Consortium (2005) (2005–06) >> Presenter, NASA Cell Science Conference (2005, 2004, 2003) >> Tau Beta Pi Senior Award, GA Tech College of Engineering at Georgia Tech >> NASA Group Achievement Award (2005) >> University of Houston Presidential Graduate Student Award (2003, 2004) >> Aerospace Engineering Senior Salute Award, GA Tech (2005) >> U.S. Representative, WKA World Championships (2001–05) >> Founder, Aerospace Engineering School Advisory Council, GA Tech (2004) >> Assistant for numerous NASA KC–135 Flight Experiments (2001–04) >> Impact Scholarship Recipient (2004) >> Outstanding Engineering Academics Award, University of Houston (2001) >> Henry Ford Scholar, GA Tech College of Engineering (2004) >> Summer Faculty Fellows Assistant, NASA Johnson Space Center (2000) >> Society of Women Engineers Scholarship (2003–05) >> Haven’s Foundation Fellowship (1996–01) >> Women’s Leadership Conference Executive Board (2003)
COHORT 5 63 Daryl Haggard Byron Johns
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Astronomy Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering University of Washington Georgia Institute of Technology
Hometown Hometown Santa Fe, NM Largo, MD
Education Education M.S., Astronomy, University of Washington, 2005 B.S., Electrical Engineering, Hampton University, 2005 M.S., Physics, San Francisco State University, 2004 B.A., Philosophy, St. John’s College, 1995 Research Interests Robotics; Autonomous vehicles; Mobile robots; Automation and Mechatronics Research Interests Optical, X-ray, and theoretical Gravity Wave characterization; He II and Achievements deuterium absorption; Compact binary X-ray sources >> Honorable Mention, Technical Symposium 2006 >> Georgia Tech FACES Fellowship (2005) Achievements >> FAMU-FSU College of Engineering CISCOR Summer Research Internship (2004) >> Pre-Major in Astronomy Seminar leader, University of Washington (2005–06) >> Cornell University Summer REU Research Program (2002) >> Graduate School Top Scholar Award, University of Washington (2003–04) >> ATLAS Labs Research Fellow (2002) >> Project ASTRO Volunteer, Astronomical Society of the Pacific (2002–03) >> NASA SHARP Program (2001) >> Achievement Awards for College Scientists, ARCS Foundation (2001–03) >> Hampt n University Presidential Scholar (2001–05) >> NSF Graduate Teaching Fellow in K-12 Education (2001–02) >> Hampton University Merit Scholar (2001–05) >> X-Ray Astronomy School Scholarship, USRA, NASA Goddard & The Chandra X-ray >> Hampton University Dean’s List (2001–05) Observatory Center (CXC; 2001 & 2002) >> Golden Key International Honor Society >> Honorable Mention, National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (2001) >> Student Research Award, SFSU (2000 & 2001) >> Burr & Virginia Burbank Scholarship, San Francisco State University (2000–01) >> Senator Millard E. Tydings Award for Excellence in Public Speaking, St. John’s College (1995)
64 COHORT 5 Cassidy B. Johnson Darin Leonhardt
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Biochemistry and Cellular Biology Ph.D., Chemical Engineering Rice University University of New Mexico
Hometown Hometown Kerrville, TX Albuquerque, NM
Education Education M.S., Biology, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, 2005 B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of New Mexico, 2005 B.S., Biology, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, 2001 A.A.S., Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, San Juan Community College, 1997 Research Interests Gravi-sensing in Drosophila melanogaster; Investigating how genes affect Research Interests behavior Semiconductor Materials Science
Achievements Achievements >> Presenter at the NASA Cell Science Conference (2005) >> Summa Cum Laude Graduate, Univ. of New Mexico (2005) >> Texas Space Grant Consortium Fellow (2003–05) >> Sandia National Laboratories Internship (2004–05) >> Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi President Search Committee (2004) >> Research Assistant Positions (2004–05) >> Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi Honors Program Planning Committee >> Volunteer, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science (2004–05) (2004) >> President, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society (2004) >> Member, Sigma Xi Research Honors Society (2004–05) >> Outstanding Junior in Chemical Engineering Award, Univ. of New Mexico >> “NASA Means Business” National Student Competition Finalist (2004) (2004) >> Texas A&M University Student Government Graduate Senator (2002–04) >> NASA Training Project Scholarship (2003–05) >> Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi Student Government President (2000– >> Employee, Intel Corporation (1997–01) 01) >> Washington Space Grant “OUR Earth” Summer Internship (1999)
COHORT 5 65 Vasana Maneeratana Emmanuell Murray
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Materials Science & Engineering Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering University of Florida Univ. of California–Los Angeles
Hometown Hometown Gainesville, FL Glendale, CA
Education Education M.S., Materials Science & Engineering, University of Florida, 2005 M.S., Aerospace Engineering, University of California–Los Angeles, 2005 B.S., Materials Science & Engineering, University of Florida, 2002 B.S.E.., Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, 2003 Certificate in Robotics and Intelligent Systems, 2003 Research Interests Investigating the effect of electro-processing on sol-gel chemistry Research Interests Spacecraft formation guidance and control Achievements >> Nominated committee member of AAAS Committee for Opportunities in Achievements Science (COOS) (2006) >> Co-author AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference and AIAA >> JPFP Mini-grant Award (2006) Guidence, Navigation, and Control Conference papers (2006) >> NASA Headquarters Sponsored Student for Presentation at the >> Collegiate All-American Scholar Award (2005) International Astronautical Conference (2006) >> Employee, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (2004) >> NASA Internship, Access-Entry Point Program (2005) >> Honors Graduate, Princeton University (2003) >> Honorable Mention, Ford Dissertation Fellowship (2005) >> Sigma Xi Research Society Inductee (2003) >> Producer, Multifunctional composite particle for modules aboard NASA shuttle (2003–04) >> MSE Teach Co-coordinator (2002–Present) >> Co-Organizer for Outreach Programs, University of Florida (2002–Present) >> Undergraduate Scholars Program (2001–02) >> Particle Engineering Research Center Scholarship (2001)
66 COHORT 5 Line van Nieuwstadt Omonike Omotoso
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Electrical Engineering Ph.D., Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences University of Michigan Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Hometown Hometown Ann Arbor, MI Houston, TX
Education Education M.S., Electrical Engineering, Cornell University, 1989 B.A., Chemistry, University of St. Thomas (TX), 2001 B.S., Electrical Engineering, California State Polytechnic University–Pomona, 1987 Research Interests Identification and Characterization of Novel Inhibitors of MetAPs Research Interests Microwave circuit and remote sensing Achievements >> JPFP Mini Research Award (2006) Achievements >> Minority Trainee Research Forum Travel Fellowship, Acres of Diamond Award >> Team Engineer, Mars Pathfinder Sojourner Rover Communication System (2005) (1996) >> UNCF/Merck Graduate Science Research Dissertation Fellowship (2005) >> Patent Number 5,218,357: “Miniature Modular Microwave End-To-End >> Pharmacology Training Grant, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (2002–04) Receiver” (1993) >> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, University of St. Thomas (2001) >> President’s Fund Research Award, California Institute of Technology and >> UNCF*Merck Undergraduate Research Fellow (2000) NASA (1993) >> Collegiate Academy Research Appreciation Award, Texas Academy of Science >> Member, Mars Speakers bureau (1999) >> Volunteer, NASA JPL Middle school science fairs >> Fr. Francis Monaghan Scholarship, University of St. Thomas (1998)
COHORT 5 67 Ana J. Picón Jason Polendo
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Currently Ph.D., Computing and Information Sciences & Working in STEM Discipline Engineering University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez Hometown San Antonio, TX Hometown Arecibo, Puerto Rico
Education Education M.S., Computer Engineering, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, 2006 Ph.D., Electrical Engineering,University of Texas at San Antonio, 2006 B.S., Computer Engineering, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, 2002 M.S., Telecommunications, Southern Methodist University, 2001 B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, 1999 Research Interests Use of Airborne and Satellite Sensors to Retrieve Surface Properties for the Study Research Interests of Urban Climatology in Tropical Coastal Cities Nonlinear Systems and Control; Intelligent Systems; MEMS and NEMS Simulation; Biomedical Applications of Control Systems Achievements >> Co-author, AMS Annual Meeting, Poster Presentation (2005) Achievements >> ATLAS mission campaign, Mayaguez, PR (2004) >> Member, IEEE Control Systems Society (2003–Present) >> Presenter, American Geophysical Union (AGU) Annual Meeting and the >> SIAM Activity Group on Control and Systems Theory (2003–Present) American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) Annual >> Member, Tau Beta Pi (2002–Present) Conference (2004) >> UTSA Electrical Engineering Ph.D. Fellow (2002–05) >> Summer Intern, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (2004) >> Member, IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (2001–Present) >> NOAA NESDIS/NASA Summer Intern, Cooperative Institute for Meteorological >> Member, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (1998–Present) Satellite Studies (CIMSS) (2003) >> President, UTSA Engineering Honor Society (1998–99) >> Presenter, IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium >> UTSA Engineering Honor Society (1998) (2003) >> NASA Undergraduate Research Scholar (1995–99) >> NOAA Educational Partnership Program/Minority Serving Institutions, 3rd Place Winner for Poster Competition (2002) >> Member, NOAA Cooperative Remote Sensing Science and Technology (CREST)
68 COHORT 5 Tamara Singleton Otis Smart
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Currently Ph.D., Applied Mathematics Working in STEM Discipline Tulane University Hometown Hometown Augusta, GA Houston, TX
Education Education M.S., Mathematics, Tulane University, 2004 Ph.D., Electrical & Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology B.S., Mathematics, Dillard University, 2002 M.S., Electrical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2002 B.S., Electrical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2001 Research Interests B.S., General Science, Morehouse College, 2001 Applied and Computational Mathematics; Fluid and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics; Atmospheric Sciences Research Interests IEEG and Functional Image Analysis; Pattern Recognition Tools; Data Achievements visualization >> Southern Regional Education Board–AGEP Scholar (2003) >> FOCUS Scholar, Georgia Institute of Technology (2002) Achievements >> Participant, NCAR, Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science >> Fellow, Georgia Tech Facilitating Academic Careers in Engineering & (SOARS; 2000–04) Science, Fall (2005–Present) >> Participant, Dillard University’s Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (2000–02) >> IEEE TPS Development Workshop (2005) >> Ruth Hall and Jan Tore Scholarship Recipient (2001) >> Mentor, Intel Opportunity Scholar’s Program (2005–Present) >> Participant, Tulane University’s Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (1999–00) >> Mentor and Tutor, Centennial Place Elementary School (2004–Present) >> Alfred Chisolm UNCF Scholarship Recipient (1999) >> General Electric Faculty for the Future Fellow >> Visiting Graduate Research Assistant–National Center for Atmospheric Research >> INROADS Atlanta Outstanding Student of Year (1999) Institute for Mathematics Applied to Geosciences (IMAGe) >> Senator, Morehouse Mathletes (1998–99) >> Visiting Graduate Research Assistant–National Aeronautics Space Administration >> Outstanding Freshman, Morehouse College (1997) (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center Mesoscale Atmospheric Processes Branch >> Center of Excellence Top Scholar, Morehouse College (1997)
COHORT 5 69 Adrienne P. Stephenson Amber N. Straughn
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Pharmacology / Toxicology Ph.D., Physics Florida A&M University Arizona State University
Hometown Hometown Washington, D.C. Bee Branch, AR
Education Education M.S., Pharmacology / Toxicology, Florida A&M University, 2005 B.S., Physics, University of Arkansas; Physics, 2002 B.A., Chemistry, Lincoln University, PA, 2000 Research Interests Research Interests Cosmology; Galaxy formation & evolution; High-redshift galaxies; Dark energy The Global Effects of MnCl2 on Expression of Genes Related to Apoptosis, Cellular Protection, and Damage Control Mechanisms Achievements >> NASA Gerald A. Soffen Memorial Fund Travel Grant (2005) Achievements >> NASA Space Grant Fellowship (2004, 2003) >> Special Topics in Biotechnology: DNA Microarray and PCR, National >> NSF Graduate Fellowship Honorable Mention (2002) Institutes of Health (2005) >> Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) Fellowship (2002) >> Delores Auzenne Fellowship, Florida A&M University (2004–05) >> NASA Undergraduate Reduced Gravity Flight Program Participant (2001) >> Florida A&M University Developmental Research School (DRS): Mentor/ >> M.I.T Haystack Observatory’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates Volunteer (2000–Present) (2001) >> Los Alamos National Laboratory Intern (1999) >> Rear Admiral William C. Bryson Astronomy Scholarship, University of >> NASA HBCU Research Consortium Scholarship Recipient (1997–00) Arkansas (2001) >> Oakridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) / Department of >> University of Arkansas Departmental Physics Scholarship (1999, 2000) Energy Scholarship Recipient (1997–00) >> University of Arkansas Chancellor’s Scholarship (1998–02) >> Lincoln Advanced Science and Engineering Reinforcement (LASER) >> Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship (1998) Scholarship (1996–00) >> Beta Kappa Chi National Scientific Honor Society
70 COHORT 5 Cherita Thomas Idalis Villanueva
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]; [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Environmental Toxicology Ph.D., Chemical and Biological Engineering Texas Southern University Univ. of Colorado–Boulder
Hometown Hometown Navasota, TX Boulder, CO
Education Education M.S., Biology, Texas Southern University, 2005 B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, 2004 B.S., Biology, Texas Southern University, 2002 Research Interests Research Interests Cell signaling processes in osteoarthritis Development of rapid detection and identification approaches for environmental fungi Achievements >> Puerto Rico NASA Space Grant Poster Presenter (2004) Achievements >> UPR Recognition for engineering and science research (2004) >> Co-author/Presenter, NASA Cell Science Conference (2005) >> Chemical and Biological Representative, Alliance for Graduate Education and >> Visiting Researcher, Stanford University, Genome Technology Center (2004– Professoriate (AGEP; 2004) 05) >> 2nd Place Winner, AIChE Student Poster Competition (2003) >> NASA/NAFEO Ames Research Academy (2004) >> Puerto Rico NASA Space Grant for Research in Engineering and Science (2003) >> Co-presenter, Stanford Genome Technology Center Research Retreat (2004) >> Chemical Engineering Honor Roll Award (2002–04) >> Lifetime Member, Alpha Kappa Mu International Honor Society (2002) >> Chemical Engineering Student Representative Award, Golden Key (2002) >> Lifetime Member, Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society (2002) >> HESS Scholarship for Academic Excellence Winner (2002) >> Lifetime Member, Golden Key International Honor Society (2002) >> 3rd Place, Tae Kwon Do L.A.I. competition, Women’s Division >> Presenter, Texas McNair Research Conference (2002) >> Member, American Chemical Society (ACS), Society of Hispanic Professional >> Presenter, TSU McNair Scholars Research Conference (2002) Engineers (SHPE) and Society of Women Engineers (SWE) >> Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program Scholar (2000–02)
COHORT 5 71 ;=ß ß*0&0ß&ELLOWSß$IRECTORY ;=ß ß*0&0ß&ELLOWSß$IRECTORY C6 COHORT 6
Laura M. Barge ...... 74 Quenton Bonds ...... 74 Christian Braneon...... 75 Heather Coleman...... 75 Moogega Cooper...... 76 Amy Daniels...... 76 Ana De La Ree...... 77 Daniel Faissol...... 77 JPFP Fellows Sara Jarvis...... 78 (By Cohort) Thompson Le Blanc...... 78 Maria del Carmen Lopez Garcia...... 79 William MacKunis ...... 79 Morgana Martin ...... 80 Shara McClendon ...... 80 Swati Mohan...... 81 Michelle O’Malley...... 81 Napoleon Paxton ...... 82 Anthony Pettes...... 82 Solimar Reyes...... 83 Erica Wells ...... 83
73 Laura Marie Barge Quenton Bonds
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Geological Sciences Ph.D., Electrical Engineering Univ. of Southern California University of South Florida
Hometown Hometown Lafayette, CA Montgomery, AL
Education Education B.S., Astronomy and Astrophysics, Villanova University, 2004 M.S., Electrical Engineering, University of South Florida, 2006 B.S., Mathematics, Alabama State University, 2001 Research Interests Life in Extreme UV Radiation Environments; Assessing Habitability on other Research Interests Solar System Bodies Embeddable Fabric Antennas for Medical Monitoring Applications; NASA Radio Pill Technology Achievements >> Recipient, NAI Scholarship (2006) Achievements >> LAPLACE Astrobiology Winter School Participant, Univ. of Arizona (2006) >> NASA Science & Technology Institute for Minority Institutions–Summer >> NAI Astrobiology Winter School Participant, Univ. of Hawaii (2005) Internship Program (2006) >> College Merit Award Fellowship, USC (2004) >> McKnight Doctoral Fellowship (2005–06) >> Research Assistant, NASA JPL (2004–Present) >> UNCF Northrop Grumman Fellowship (2005–06) >> NASA Academy Participant, NASA Goddard (2004) >> 1st Place Oral Presentations, Engineering Category, Emerge (2005) >> Blue White Scholarship (2003–04) and National Merit Scholarship (2000–04), >> AAAS Conference Travel Award (2006) Villanova University >> NSF Bridge to the Doctorate Fellowship (2004–06) >> Delaware Space Grant Consortium Summer Research Scholar (2002) >> Minority Graduate Fellowship, University of South Florida (2004–05) >> National Institute of Standards in Technology (NIST) Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (2004)
74 COHORT 6 Christian Braneon Heather Coleman
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Civil Engineering Ph.D., Environmental Science and Management Georgia Institute of Technology Univ. of California–Santa Barbara
Hometown Hometown Houston, TX Los Angeles, CA
Education Education B.S., Applied Physics, Morehouse College, 2005 M.A., Economics, UCSB, 2006 B.S., Civil Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2005 B.S., Atmospheric, Oceanic & Environmental Science, UCLA, 2003 Nanzan University (Nagoya, Japan), 2002 B.S., Marine Biology, UCLA, 2003
Research Interests Research Interest Water resources planning, policy and management; Forecasting and remote Estuarine and river ecology and restoration, environmental economics sensing of hydrologic variables Achievements Achievements >> Institute of Turkish Studies Research Grant (2006) >> Outstanding Grad. Teaching Assistant. Award, Civil and Env. Engr. Dept. >> NSF Economics and Environmental Science IGERT Fellow (2005–06) (2005–06) >> NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Honorable Mention (2005, 2006) >> Vice-President, Georgia Tech African-American Student Union (2004–05) >> UC Natural Reserve System Mathias Grant (2005) >> Outstanding Leadership Award, AUC Dual-Degree Engineering Program >> American Meteorological Society Graduate Fellow (2004–05) (2004–05) >> UCLA Miller Award Research Grant (2002, 2003) >> Civil Engr. Representative, Georgia Tech Undergrad. Student Government >> Selected to present at the Council on Undergraduate Research Conference Assoc (2004) (2003) >> 1st Place, NSBE Regional Undergrad. Science and Tech. Research Competition (2004) >> NASA Ronald E. McNair Scholar (2000–04) >> Outstanding 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Year Dual-Degree Engineering Student (2000–03)
COHORT 6 75 Moogega Cooper Amy Daniels
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering Ph.D., Interdisciplinary Ecology Drexel University University of Florida
Hometown Hometown Hampton, VA Apalachicola, FL
Education Education B.S., Physics, Hampton University, 2006 M.S. Interdisciplinary Ecology, University of Florida, 2004 B.S., Biology, Wesleyan College, 1999 Research Interest Correlating plasma knowledge with sterilization techniques Research Interests Landscape-level human/environment interactions; Remote sensing of Achievements wetlands; Tropical ecosystem services >> Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society (2006) >> President of the Sigma Pi Sigma Physics National Honor Society (2005–06) Achievements >> Associate Zone Director for the Society of Physics Students (2005–06) >> Presentations, the Florida Society of Geographers, the Association >> President of Beta Kappa Chi Science Honor Society (2005–06) of American Geographers and the International Congress on Wildlife >> Secretary of Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society (2005–06) Management (2004–06) >> Member of Golden Key International Honor Society (2005–06) >> Coca-Cola World Citizenship Fellow (2003) >> Hampton University Presidential Scholar (2002–06) >> Fulbright Research Fellowship, Costa Rica (2001–02) >> NASA Langley Research Center Co-op Program (DEVELOP) >> Delta Airlines International Scholar (1998) >> 1st Place Oral Presentation in Math, Physics, & Computer Science >> Tropical Conservation and Development Summer Field Grant >> Tinker Foundation Summer Field Grant >> Phi Kappa Phi Research Fellowship
76 COHORT 6 Ana De La Ree Daniel Faissol
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry Ph.D., Industrial and Systems Engineering University of California Irvine Georgia Institute of Technology
Hometown Hometown Bell, CA Freemont, CA
Education Education B.S., Chemistry, California State University–Los Angeles, 2004 M.S., Economics, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2006 B.S., Electrical Engineering, Univ. of California–Los Angeles, 2003 Research Interest Ultra high vacuum instrument development for imaging molecules on surfaces Research Interests Operations Research for Health Policy; Economic Decision Analysis; Supply Achievements Chain Productivity and Security >> University of California Faculty Mentor Program Fellowship (2005–06) >> Founding Member, Iota Sigma Pi National Honor Society for Women in Achievements Chemistry (2005–06) >> Institute for Defense Analysis Internship (2006) >> Graduate Assistance in the Areas of National Need (GAANN) Fellowship >> Presenter, CDC National STD Prevention Conference (2006) (2004–05) >> AT&T Labs Fellowship Program (2004) >> NSF Collaborative Research at Undergraduate Institutions Scholarship >> University of Southern California Center for Sustainable Cities Summer (2003–04) Fellow (2003) >> Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) Honors Fellowship (2001–03) >> Founder of Engineering Without Borders at UCLA (2002) >> Writer and Performer, UCLA’s Spring Sing show (2000)
COHORT 6 77 Sara Jarvis Thompson Le Blanc
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Kinesiology Ph.D., Physics/Astronomy Penn State University, University Park PA Vanderbilt University
Hometown Hometown Escondido, CA San Juan, Puerto Rico
Education Education B.S., Exercise Science, University of Puget Sound, 2002 M.S., Physics, Fisk University, 2006 B.S., Computer Science, Universidad Metropolitana, 2003 Research Interest Neural control of cardiovascular function Research Interest Angular momentum evolution of young stars Achievements >> Graduate Assistantship, Penn State University, (2004–05) Achievements >> Outstanding Graduate of the Year, University of Puget Sound (2002) >> Member, SPS and BKX Societies, Fisk University (2006) >> Joseph Peyton Leadership Award (2001) >> Participant, Masters to Ph.D. Bridge Program (2004) >> Murdock Summer Research Award (2001) >> Recipient, Fisk Astronomy & Space Science Training (FASST) Program >> Korean-American Scholarship Award (2001) (2004) >> President and Co-founder, Exercise Science Club (2000–01) >> Participant, Fisk Minority University College Education and Research >> Junior Class Leadership Award (2000) Partnership Initiative (MUCERPI) in Space Science (2004) >> Commander’s Award for Public Service, Dept of the Army, Fort Bragg, NC (1995)
78 COHORT 6 Maria del Carmen Lopez Garcia William MacKunis
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Material Science Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering Univ. of Wisconsin–Madison University of Florida
Hometown Hometown Aguadilla, Puerto Rico Fort Lauderdale, FL
Education Education M.S., Material Science Program, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 2005 M.S., Electrical Engineering, Florida Atlantic University, 2003 B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, 2003 B.S., Electrical Engineering, Florida Atlantic University, 2000
Research Interests Research Interest Cell mechanics, micro-PIV, IVF sperm tracking Nonlinear, Lyapunov-based control of mechatronic systems and wheeled mobile robots Achievements >> Dr. Bonnet Scholarship, Colegio de Ingenieros y Agrimensores de Puerto Achievements Rico (2004) >> University of Florida Alumni Fellow (2005) >> Graduate Engineering Research Scholarship (GERS) (2006) >> Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar (2004–05) >> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez (2003) >> Summa Cum Laude Graduate, Florida Atlantic University (2000) >> Distinguished Students of the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez (2003) >> FAU Outstanding Undergraduate Achievement Award (1999) >> 2nd Prize Undergraduate Research Poster Competition, AIChE National >> FAU Best Senior Design Project Award (1999) Student Convention (2002) >> Study abroad at Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan >> Hess Scholarship (2002) >> Honor student, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez (1999)
COHORT 6 79 Morgana Martin Shara McClendon
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D. Materials Science and Engineering Ph.D., Chemical Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Institute of Technology
Hometown Hometown Henderson, NV Madisonville, TN
Education Education M.S., Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2005 B.S., Chemical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2004 B.S., Materials Science and Engineering & Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 2003 Research Interests Development and characterization of multi-protein nanostructures; Research Interest Degradation of recalcitrant substrates and agricultural by-products High-strain-rate deformation, bulk metallic glass Achievements Achievements >> Honorable Mention, Ford Foundation Pre-Doctoral Fellowship (2006) >> Boeing Graduate Fellowship (2005) >> Recipient, FACES (Facilitating Academic Careers in Engineering and >> Winner, Georgia Tech Symphony Orchestra Inaugural Concerto Competition Science) Fellowship (2005) (2004–05) >> Recipient, GEM Fellowship (2004) >> Semifinalist, Best Division Paper, NASA Glenn Research Center Power and >> Omega Chi Epsilon Chemical Engineering Honor Society Electrical Propulsion Division (2004) >> Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated >> William W. Mullins Award, Carnegie Mellon University, (2003) >> Recipient, Best Paper Award, NASA Glenn Research Center Electro-Physics Branch (2003) >> Carnegie Mellon University Presidential & Institutional Scholarships
80 COHORT 6 Swati Mohan Michelle O’Malley
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought M.S., Aeronautics/Astronautics Ph.D., Chemical Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Delaware
Hometown Hometown San Diego, CA Cleveland, OH
Education Education B.S., Cornell University, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, 2004 B.S., Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 2004 B.S., Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 2004 Research Interest Autonomous Assembly of Space telescopes; Control algorithms from docking Research Interests and reconfiguration Cellular engineering of the yeast S. cerevisiae; Crystallization of the human adenosine A2a receptor Achievements >> Coordinator and Documentor, Interface and operations issues on Cassini- Achievements Huygens >> Integrative Graduate Education Research Traineeship (IGERT) NSF >> Designer, Sensors arrangement for the satellite Fellowship (2004–06) >> Developer, PID control law to code instructions for magnetic torque coils >> Carnegie Mellon University Honors (2004) >> Leader, Mission Architecture subsystem Team, Laboratory for Spacecraft >> Carnegie Institute of Technology Research Honors (2004) and Mission Design >> Honorable Mention, Sigma Xi Research Competition, Carnegie Mellon >> Competent Toastmaster and Competent Leader certified from Toastmasters Chapter (2004) International >> University Athletic Association Academic Honors (2000–04) >> Pilot in training >> Presidential Scholarship, Carnegie Mellon University (2000–04)
COHORT 6 81 Napoleon Paxton Anthony Pettes
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Information Technology M.S., Mechanical Engineering University of North Carolina–Charlotte Stanford University
Hometown Hometown South Mills, NC Douglas, AZ
Education Education B.S., Computer Science, Elizabeth City State University, 2005 B.S.E., Mechanical Engineering, Duke University, 2001 B.A., Geology, Duke University, 2001 Research Interests Honeynet Technologies, Passive Network Packet Sensing, Botnet defense Research Interest 3-omega characterization of microelectronic devices, carbon nanotube Achievements synthesis >> Recipient, United States Achievement Award in Computer Science (2004) >> National Deans List (2004) Achievements >> Chancellor’s List (2003–04) >> NSF Graduate Research Fellowship >> NOAA Scholarship (2003–05) >> Lucent Bell Labs Graduate Research Fellowship >> Office of Naval Research Scholarship (2002–05) >> David M. Knox Fellowship >> Recipient, Certificate of Commendation for Demonstrated Leadership >> USMC/Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran (1999) >> Naval ROTC 4-year Scholarship >> Center of Excellence in Remote Sensing Education and Research Award >> Erwin Fry Foundation Scholarship
82 COHORT 6 Solimar Reyes Erica Wells
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought M.S., Electrical Engineering Ph.D., Electrical Engineering Michigan State University University of Central Florida
Hometown Hometown Rio Grande, Puerto Rico Titusville, FL
Education Education B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, 2005 M.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Central Florida, 2005 M.S., Optics, University of Central Florida, 2003 Research Interest B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Central Florida, 2001 Medical Imaging using Optical Coherence Tomography and Microwaves. Research Interest Achievements Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Technology for sensor applications >> NASA Graduate Student Research Program (GSRP) Fellowship >> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, Univ. of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Achievements >> Tau Beta Phi Honor Society >> UCF Engineering Student of the Year (2001) >> UPRM Dean’s List >> NSF Graduate Research Fellowship >> UPRM Electrical Engineering Dept. Honor Roll >> American Legion Leadership Medal >> National Activation Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) >> AAUW Graduate Fellowship Scholarship >> NASA/USRP Scholarship >> Recipient, “Puerto Rico chapter of the Association of General Contractors” >> Wal-Mart “Competitive Edge” Scholarship Scholarship >> Sons of the American Revolution Leadership Medal >> Walt Disney Dreamers and Doers Award (2)
COHORT 6 83 ;=ß ß*0&0ß&ELLOWSß$IRECTORY ;C7=ß Cß*0&0ß&ELLOWSß$IRECTORYOHORT 7
Ricardo Collado...... 86 Serina Diniega...... 86 Julianna Evans...... 87 Viola Fucsko...... 87 Ellen Harju...... 88 Nilsson Holguin...... 88 Jedidah Isler...... 89 Brandon Jones...... 89 Sean Williams...... 90 Sharolyn Wynter...... 90 (JByPCohFortP) Fellows
85 Ricardo Collado Serina Diniega
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Operations Research Ph.D., Applied Mathematics Rutgers University (minor: Planetary Science) University of Arizona Hometown Hometown San Juan, PR Pearl City, HI
Education Education B.S., Mathematics, University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras M.S., Applied Mathematics, University of Arizona, 2005 M.S., Space Studies, International Space University, 2004 Research Interests B.S., Mathematics, California Institute of Technology, 2003 Graph Theory, Optimization, Algorithms and Computability Research Interest Achievements Developing a mathematical model of dune field evolution >> Recipient of DIMACS graduate student summer award, 2006 >> Rutgers University NSF Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Achievements Scholarship >> VIGRE Fellow (x2) >> University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras NASA, Puerto Rico Space Grant >> NASA Space Grant/UA Graduate Fellow Consortium Fellowship, (1997-2001) >> Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow Robert and Delpha Noland Summer >> Recipient of Julio Garcia medal of Mathematics, Internship Scholar >> Office of Naval Research Scholarship (2002–05) >> Caltech B.S. graduate with honors, awarded by committee decision President of SIAM >> University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Magna Cum Laude Graduate, University >> UA Chapter Caltech NCAA Fencing Team Captain Girl Scout Gold Award of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras
86 COHORT 7 Julianna Evans Viola Fucsko
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering M.S./Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering University of Michigan University of Michigan
Hometown Hometown Canton, OH Boise, ID
Education Education B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, 2005 B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Idaho, Minor in Physics Minor in Spanish and Mathematics 2006
Research Interest Research Interest Mechanical design with smart materials and structures Quantitative Biomedical Optics and Medical Imaging
Achievements Achievements >> National Aeronautics and Space Administration Harriet G. Jenkins >> Outstanding Senior in Electrical Engineering Alumni Association Dean's Scholarship Pre-doctoral Fellowship (NASA-JPFP) >> College of Engineering University of Idaho Honors Program Certificate >> National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF-GRFP) >> NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium Scholar >> Rackham Engineering Award >> NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Space Grant Intern >> Palmer Engineering Scholarship >> Idaho Biomedical Research Infratructure Network Undergraduate Fellow >> Cincinnatus University Scholarship Research Intern >> University of Cincinnati Library Worker of the Year (2004-2005) >> Microelectronics Research and Communications Institute Honorable Mention >> American Society of Mechanical Engineers Chair >> NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program >> Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honorar >> Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society Engineer-in-Training Certification >> University of Cincinnati Honors Scholary >> BikeWorks Co-Chair
COHORT 7 87 Ellen Harju Nilsson Holguin
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Chemistry Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering UCLA Stony Brook University
Hometown Hometown Olympia, WA Elmhurst, NY
Education Education B.S., Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, University of Washington M.S., Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, 2007 Minor in Physics B.S., Engineering, Trinity College, 2005
Research Interests Research Interest Stability of organic molecules on Mars Intervertebral disc degeneration
Achievements Achievements >> NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Summer Intern (4X) >> MARC Travel Award >> Robert T. and Nancy J. Knight Scholar >> W. Burghardt Turner Fellow >> Twin County Credit Union Scholar >> NASA- Undergraduate Student Research Program (USRP) >> Sigma Xi Associate Member >> Graduated Honors in Engineering from Trinity College >> McNair Scholar >> Phi Gamma Delta Prize in Mathematics from Trinity College >> Safeco Diversity Scholar >> Thomas Shortman Scholar >> Minority Science and Engineering Program >> Venture Scholar >> Nation Initiative Scholar >> Phi Eta Sigma (freshman honor society) member
88 COHORT 7 Jedidah Isler Brandon Jones
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Physics and Astronomy Ph.D.,Electrical and Computer Engineering Yale University Cornell University
Hometown Hometown Niagara Falls, NY Alexandria, LA
Education Education M.A., Physics, Fisk University, 2007 B.S., Electrical Engineering, Southern University and A&M College, 2005 B.S., Physics, Norfolk State University, 2003 Minor in Physics
Research Interest Research Interest Galaxy formation, dark matter distributions and the large scale structure of the Computer Vision, Machine Learning and Wireless Sensor Networks Universe Achievements Achievements >> Systems Test Engineering- Boeing Satellite Development Center >> Beta Kappa Chi Honor Society >> Space Mission Challenges for Information Technology Presenter >> Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honor Society >> Science and Engineering Alliance Presenter >> Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society >> Magna Cum Laude Graduate, Southern University and A&M College (SU) >> Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society >> Robotics Research Intern- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory >> Golden Key International Honor Society >> Software Systems and Requirements Intern- Boeing Integrated Defense Systems >> Visiting Scholar, University of California at Santa Cruz, (2007) >> Battery Research & Development Intern, Naval Surface Warfare Center >> Granted Proposal, Collaborative funding for continued research at UC, Santa Cruz >> Student Marshal, SU College of Engineering >> Quality Education for Minorities Doctoral Summer Research Fellow >> SU Academic Medallion of Honor >> NASA Minority Access Scholarship- DNIMAS Scholarship >> IEEE Student Member
COHORT 7 89 Sean Williams Sharolyn Wynter
Contact Information Contact Information [email protected] [email protected]
Current Degree Sought Current Degree Sought Ph.D., Computer Science Ph.D., Operations Research, Arizona State University North Carolina State University
Hometown Hometown Beloit, WI Southfield, MI
Education Education M.S., Computer Science, Vanderbilt University, 2003 B.S., Mathematics, Spelman College, 2007 B.S., Electrical Engineering, Tennessee State University, 2000 Minor in Physics
Research Interests Research Interest Developing a wireless mobility model to address current limitations of Artificial Neural Networks and Operations Research existing models and improve communication between mobile entities. Achievements Achievements >> United States Achievement Academy Collegiate All-American Scholar Award >> 1st in family to graduate from college >> Research Day 1st Place Mathematics/Computer Science Oral Presentation >> NASA Sponsored presentation at 57th International Astronautical Congress >> Pi Mu Epsilon, Mathematics Honor Society >> Passed EIT/FE Exam >> Mortar Board, Senior Honor Society >> Bill Gates Millennium Scholar >> Beta Kappa Chi, Scientific Honor Society >> Tennessee State Honors Program >> Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges >> Eta Kappa Nu EE Honors Society >> Catch A Rising Star Award, Spelman College Office of Student Activities >> IEEE Chapter President >> National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Spelman College >> Full-time Software Engineer for IBM >> NASA Summer Intern (Marshall & Johnson Space Flight Centers) >> Graduate Research Intern IBM at Almaden >> NASA Women in Science and Engineering Scholar
90 COHORT 7
;=ß ß*0&0ß&ELLOWSß$IRECTORY ;=ß ß*0&0ß&ELLOWSß$IRECTORY JPFP PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Dr. Joyce L. Winterton Dr. Carl S. Person Dr. Melissa C. Green Assistant Administrator for Education Acting Manager, Minority University Research Director, Division of Science and Technology NASA Headquarters and Education Programs, Office of Education United Negro College Fund Special Programs Office of Education NASA Headquarters Corporation (UNCFSP) Washington, DC 20546-0001 300 E. Street 2750 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20546 Fairfax, VA 22031 Mr. James Stofan Phone: (202) 358-2378 Phone: (703) 205-7636 Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for Fax: (202) 3472 Fax: (703) 205-7645 Education Programs Email: Carl.S.Person@nasa.gov Email: [email protected] NASA Headquarters Office of Education Ms. Brenda Collins Washington, DC 20546 Dr. Sonya L. Greene Acting Chief Education Officer Manager, Workforce Development, UNCFSP NASA Ames Research Center Dr. Mabel J. Matthews Phone: (703) 205-8144 Moffett Field, CA 94035 Acting Director for Higher Education (703) 205-7645 Phone: (650) 604-3540 NASA Headquarters Email: [email protected] Email: Brenda.J.Collins@ nasa.gov 300 E. Street Washington, DC 20546 Phone: (202) 358-0406 Fax: (202) 358-3745 Email: [email protected]
92 NOTES
93 NASA VALUES DIVERSITY 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.
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]
www.education.nasa.gov or www.uncfsp.org