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My scholarly journey before joining Howard was long and limited in options. The day I became a bison, I realized that, at Howard, the possibilities are boundless, and the opportunities are endless. With Howard, I can go somewhere, and that somewhere is absolutely wonderful. It is an inspiring journey of rediscovery, hope, and renewed promises

Nicholas Abram is a computer science major from Arlington, Texas. He is focused on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning research and he chose Howard University for its significant cultural history and role in the black community, contrasting his experiences in predominantly white environments. Abram loves STEM due to its ever-evolving nature, ensuring he never gets bored. He aims to become a professional and mentor, inspiring young Black programmers to pursue their aspirations. He lives by the motto, "Pressure will make diamonds or juice.”

Morayo Adeyemi, from Bannockburn, Illinois is a Computer Science major with a minor in Mathematics. With her first interests in Computer Graphics programming she has taken that passion to pursue graduate studies into Computer Graphics research. She hopes to get a PhD in Computer Science with a focus in Computer Graphics or Computer Vision. Adeyemi decided to pursue a career in STEM research because she has always enjoyed a challenge as well as innovation. Also with her past experiences in creating 3D games for fun she would love to add to the field of 3D generation/ analysis. With the many different applications of Computer science Graphic/ Vision research, Morayo hopes to impact the STEM world in a positive way. She chose to study Computer Science at Howard University for the mentorship opportunities with faculty that have varying research backgrounds. Morayo was inspired by a woman in STEM while she was in high school, and in turn, she wants to be a mentor to young Black girls who would want to pursue STEM fields. .

Nyla Adon is a chemistry major from Bowie, Maryland, who is minoring in biology. She aspires to obtain an MD-Ph.D to study hematology, with a focus on cancer research. After receiving her M.D-Ph.D, she desires to travel the world, conduct medical research, and treating patients around the globe. Her passion for science and culture encourages her to push forward to make an impact in global health care. As an African American woman, she felt that Howard University and the Karsh STEM Scholars program would provide a number of resources and opportunities curated for the advancement of Black people in STEM, which would hold off barriers that could hinder her goals as a future medical professional.

Temiloluwa is a member of the fourth cohort of the Karsh STEM Scholars program and a chemical engineering student from Lagos, Nigeria. She is motivated to pursue research in chemical engineering or materials science and engineering, fundamentally researching how nanotechnology and characterization techniques can be applied to real-world problems. With her degree, she wants to research materials that can be applied to daily living and environmental challenges. She was attracted to the Karsh STEM Scholars program because of its drive to diversify and increase the number of people in the STEM field. She also believes that going to Howard University has provided her with great opportunities.

Howard emboldens its students to firmly step into their individual purpose and to lead an even greater path than the exceptional Bison that came before them.

Ms. Jordyn Allen is a senior marketing major from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and serves at the 62nd executive president of the Howard University Student Association (HUSA). 

Ms. Allen has served in HUSA for three years as executive chief of staff intern, and the youngest and only two-term chair of the HUSA Senate and senator for the School of Business. During her time in the HUSA Senate, Ms. Allen passed legislation creating $70,000 in permanent annual funding for the Howard University Royal Court, established “Junior Senate” sessions to provide nearly 50 freshman the opportunity to draft, debate and pass legislation, and authored “Black Panther Day,” “The Kamala Harris Public Servant Award,” and “The Good Trouble Award” legislation to honor the work of past and current Bison. 

As a student, Ms. Allen has interned at Google, JPMorgan Chase & Company, Emerson Collective, and National Crittenton, and for the Honorable Kamala D. Harris, U.S. Vice President, and former U.S. Senator. On campus, Jordyn is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the HU Speech & Debate Team, the HU Florida Club, and is a Student Ambassador for Admissions. 

Beyond Howard, Ms. Allen is a passionate public speaker who lives by the motto “Speak to Inspire. Speak to Empower.” Her speeches have been imbedded in high school and college public speaking curricula across the nation and at Howard University. Ms. Allen was named the NSDA Informative Speaking National Champion, HBCU National Informative Speaking Champion, and Harvard University Informative Speaking Champion. Upon graduating, Ms. Allen plans to complete law school and become a corporate attorney and litigator. 

I want to tell bold stories that reflect the times that we are in now. I just want to tell stories and stay true to the realities of the people who inspire them. I see film as a surreal art. If the work isn’t bold, then it hasn’t gone far enough.

Nora Auma is a biology major from Baltimore, Maryland who currently plans to pursue a MD-PHD, and then a career as a Pediatric Hematologist Oncologist  with a focus on clinical practice. Nora aspires to research sickle cell disease to find an alternative to pain medicine for sickle cell patients one day. She chose to attend Howard because of the welcoming family environment and the contributions the university has made to African American culture and the country. Nora was drawn to Howard University because of the research opportunities offered through the Karsh STEM Scholars program. Nora is looking forward to researching not only in her fields of interest but also exploring other research opportunities in the STEM field.

Khukheper Awakoaiye is a biology (pre-med) student double minoring in chemistry and psychology, from Oakland, California. Awakoaiye’s career interest is to pursue an MD-Ph.D. surrounding neurodevelopmental disorders and become a research-physician. He chose to attend Howard because he feels he knows the school the best as a result of his two siblings attending Howard before him. So far, he has enjoyed his experience at Howard, meeting many people like him with incredible drive and high aspirations. Awakoaiye was drawn to STEM and specifically biology because of a neuroscience camp he attended focusing on neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. He was amazed at the complexity of the brain and how and why these diseases manifest. Outside of neuroscience, Awakoaiye aspires to investigate Congenital Insensitivity to Pain, a disease that prevents patients from feeling pain. He wants to work to develop a drug to block or hinder pain in chronic pain patients. Awakoaiye looks forward to earning his MD-Ph.D. so he can contribute to the medical field and make a meaningful impact.

Racheal Ayankunbi is a biology major and chemistry minor from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. She aspires to pursue an MD-Ph.D. to become a cardiothoracic surgeon while also conducting research on lung cancer cells. She decided to attend Howard University because she knew she would be surrounded by individuals who could inspire her and motivate her to achieve success. She hopes to enhance the quality of life for individuals affected with cancer, especially in her parents' native country, Nigeria. Ayankunbi has already taken an active role in her achieving her goals – she recently conducted research on lung cancer cells in the Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. She found the experience to be extremely rewarding and is excited to see what the future holds for her.

Anisa Baines is a chemistry major with a French and biology double minor from Grand Blanc, Michigan. She obtained her high school diploma along with 32 college credits from Grand Blanc High School and the University of Michigan-Flint. Baines serves as the 2019-2020 Membership Chair of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and she is also an active member of NSBE Jr. and the Michigan Club. In the summer of 2019, she conducted research at the Los Alamos National Lab in a polymer chemistry group. Next, Baines will begin conducting research in material science with a focus of nanotechnology and material science at Howard University.

Jordan Banks is an applied mathematics student with a minor in computer science from Calera, Alabama. Banks’s interest in STEM grew from her passion for logical thought processes and problem-solving. She plans to pursue a Ph.D in applied mathematics and later conduct research in the field and eventually teach future generations at the collegiate level to think critically towards seeking solutions. Banks chose to attend Howard University not only because of its prominence as a leading and challenging HBCU, but also because Howard is a place where she can grow academically and socially among scholars who both look like her and who are also preparing to lead our society. She hopes to share her passion for STEM, specifically mathematics, and inspire future generations at Howard University while giving back to the university that gave to her.

Teanna Barrett is a computer science student from Austin, Texas, and the proud daughter of Jamaican immigrants. With her undergraduate degree in computer science, she is committed to obtaining a graduate education in data science. Barrett wants to be in the forefront of cultivating a data-driven society that acknowledges and remedies institutionalized bias, such as racism and sexism. More specifically, she is interested in building data analysis systems that will not only quantitatively define institutional injustice, but also produce its solutions. She chose to attend Howard University because she says it is the ideal community for her to fully realize her goals. Whether it is the thriving Howard West campus or the numerous professor-led research opportunities in the various applications of data science, the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science proves that Howard is moving forward to embrace the technological future. Barrett is honored to be a member of the Bison STEM Scholars Program because she says the organization boldly establishes a legacy for all black STEM students to aspire to. She says the world is now being rebuilt with computer science.She wants to ensure that there are more empowered, Black, and female computer scientists leading the way. 

Ms. Minnie V. Baylor-Henry, Esq., a member since 2018, is president of B-Henry & Associates, LLC and a member of the board of directors of several publicly traded life sciences companies. Previously, she was the worldwide vice president for regulatory affairs, Johnson & Johnson, (J&J), Medical Devices & Diagnostics. In that capacity, she was responsible for coordinating the global regulatory strategy for J&J’s device companies.  Ms. Baylor-Henry’s other experiences include vice president for Global Regulatory & Medical Affairs- Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals at McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a J&J company, and senior director of J&J’s Pharmaceutical Research & Development Company. 

Previously, Ms. Baylor-Henry served as a managing director in the Life Sciences Regulatory Practice at Deloitte & Touche, LLP and a former director of the Division of Drug Marketing, Advertising, and Communications, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). She also served as the national health fraud coordinator in the FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs. Ms. Baylor-Henry is a former president & board chair of the Drug Information Association and board chair for the Food and Drug Law Institute.   

 Ms. Baylor-Henry earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (B.S.P.) degree from Howard University’s College of Pharmacy and a law degree (J.D.) from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law.  Ms. Baylor-Henry chairs the Howard University College of Pharmacy Board of Visitors and serves as interim chair of the Board of Visitors for the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Board of Visitors.  

The Center for Women, Gender and Global Leadership Studies (CWGGL) is the only Black woman-focused women’s center in the nation. As the Assistant Director of CWGGL, Anjerrika Bean aims to build collaborative relationships across HBCUs to address the needs of Black women in the U.S. and abroad. She seeks innovative approaches and ideas for highlighting and providing space for Black women in academic and corporate environments, while continuing to inspire other HBCUs to open women centers that directly address  Black women’s concerns through research, community, and services. 

Prior to earning her PhD in Sociology and Criminology at Howard, she received a BS in Christian Leadership from the College of Biblical Studies in Houston, Texas and a MA in Sociology from Prairie View A&M University.  As a student at Howard,  Bean was a Frederick Douglass Fellow. After graduating, she became the Dr. Ralph Gomes Social Justice Post-Doctoral Fellow in the history department. This educational journey took true tenacity and grit, as there was no blueprint for Bean to follow; getting to the point of being able to tell her story, and the stories of other Black women, involved attending summer and night school as a fifteen-year-old mother, serving as a senior airman in the Airforce, and pursuing real estate and cosmetology licenses.   

Attending Howard University as a doctoral student inspired Bean. Watching her Black professors and deans embrace their race, gender, and identity reminded her that she could embrace all of herself too. Bean credits her mentors Dr. Terri Adams Fuller and Dr. Valethia Watkins with challenging her to re-center the lives of Black women. Through her work at CWGGL, Bean ensures that Black women have the space to tell their own stories. In this role, Bean is an integral part of the ecosystem of “intelligent, witty, and fly Black women” to which she attributes her humility and confidence. 

My work is about ensuring Black women are able to tell our stories. Stories of excellence and struggle. I had to learn that my voice mattered. As a 15-year-old mom, I believed that parts of me did not matter. I had to learn that everything in me matters. The parts of me matter that I don't want people to see, the parts of me matter that people praise, the parts of me matter that keeps me grounded, and the parts of me matter that I hold sacred and private away from the eyes of the world. My intellect and my research matter. I matter and I am the only person that can tell that story.

Sydney Bell is a biology student minoring in chemistry, from Snellville, Georgia by way of Kansas City, Missouri. Bell chose to attend Howard University through the Karsh STEM Scholars Program because of its mission to equip students for entering the STEM profession pipeline with the goal of promoting diversity within the industry. After completing her undergraduate degree, Bell plans to obtain an MD-Ph.D. investigating Reproductive Endocrinology and focused research in Embryology. Her primary career goals are to develop and support advancements in medicine and other treatments specifically targeting women of color struggling with reproductive-related conditions and bridge the gap between socioeconomic issues and medicine by combating healthcare disparities experienced by people of color. Bell believes Howard’s rich legacy and resources will greatly prepare her for a successful professional career in STEM.

Kaylah Benton is a Biology Major, Chemistry and Psychology double minor from Snellville, Georgia. She is interested in becoming a physician scientist, obtaining an MD/PhD, to help minorities in underserved areas. She enjoys all things Science, Mathematics, Mental Health and Wellness. She is interested in STEM because of the versatility, challenge, and ability to make an impact among communities. Kaylah strives to be a role model for young African American girls who have big dreams and future goals. She chose Howard based on its rich history, undergraduate opportunities, and community of like-minded minorities who can help her learn and grow. Her goal is to find a field as a physician scientist and dominate, making positive contributions to the medical field and the world of science.

Dr. Richard Besser is president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), a position he assumed in April 2017.  At RWJF, Dr. Besser leads the largest private foundation in the country devoted solely to improving the nation’s health. In his role, Dr. Besser is a leading voice on the importance of health equity, advocating for racial justice, full inclusion of people with disabilities, and a COVID-19 response and recovery that prioritizes those most impacted. Previously, as the former chief health and medical editor at ABC News, Dr. Besser provided medical analysis and reports for all ABC News programs and platforms. His weekly health chats on social media reached millions. The author or co-author of hundreds of presentations, abstracts, chapters, editorials, and publications, Dr. Besser has earned many awards for his work in public health and for his volunteer service. He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine. He received the Surgeon General's Medallion for his leadership during the H1N1 response, and in 2011 he accepted the Dean's Medal for his contributions to public health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.  Dr. Besser received his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Williams College and medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He completed a residency and chief residency in pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore.  For nearly 30 years, Dr. Besser practiced as a volunteer pediatrician in community clinics around the country.  

Brooklynn Blackwell is a Civil Engineering major from Cleveland, Ohio. After completing her undergraduate studies, she will pursue a Ph.D in Civil Engineering. Blackwell chose to pursue Civil Engineering because she has a deep love for people and the environment. In this field, she can consciously cater to both people and the planet without having to sacrifice one over the other. She aspires to pursue a career in Environmental Engineering while also working to specialize in Construction Technology and Management. Her goal is to provide clean drinking water to communities worldwide and to take part in projects that encourage the development of infrastructures that are conducive to preserving our habitat. She chose Howard University because she knew that Howard would challenge her and help her to achieve her career goals as well as encourage her personal development in a community setting. As a student who moved around a lot, she’s happy to have finally found a place to call home with the Karsh STEM Scholars Program.

Kylee Blount is a biology major minoring in chemistry and French, from Augusta, Georgia. After completing her undergraduate STEM degree, Kylee plans to enter an MD/Ph.D program to become a maternal-fetal medicine obstetrician/gynecologist, specializing in high-risk patients. She chose to attend Howard because she wanted to be surrounded by other student leaders who want to change society for the benefit of minorities and equality, in an environment where she will be supported and challenged academically. Kylee chose a career in STEM because she wants to research the causes of high-risk pregnancies and discover new methods of preventing fatal extremities. Her passion for science motivates her to use her interests in STEM to make long-lasting impacts in disadvantaged communities. She plans to own several medical practices and use her MD/Ph.D to educate others about the importance of preventing implicit bias and training them to recognize physical signs and symptoms.

Cade Boggan is a physics and mathematics student from Takoma Park, Maryland. He is interested in researching renewable energy sources and functional materials. He is attending Howard University in order to learn from and become involved with the plethora of talented students and staff. Cade chose to enter the field of STEM due to a lifelong interest in its disciplines and a desire to serve as a role model for aspiring STEM scholars. His interest emanates from the limitless possibilities that STEM offers, both in careers and real-world impact. Cade plans to pursue his PhD in a renewable energy related field with aims to combat the climate crisis and pave the way for many STEM scholars to follow.

Malcolm Bogroff is a computer engineering student from Flemington, New Jersey, who is interested in researching quantum computing. They chose Howard University to experience the vast diaspora of black culture and gain a better appreciation of the contributions made to higher education by Black people. Malcolm wants to be on the cutting edge of the interdisciplinary environment that is quantum science and engineering and pursue a PhD in it. They look forward to being a part of the movement to propagate diversity into their field.

Sarah Bolarinwa hails from East Greenbush, New York. She is a biology major, with a double minor in chemistry and Afro-American studies. She is interested in neuroscience and neurogenetics with a sociology, anthropology, and public health perspectives. She intends to pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience/neurogenetics. Her future research goals include studying the neurological effects of trauma stemming from racism among people of color. Bolarinwa chose to further her intellectual and academic development at Howard University to be amongst bright and forward-thinking peers. Sarah hopes to discover more about herself and the world around her through the more decolonized educational experience that Howard will provide. She is enthusiastic about the opportunity to pursue a STEM career in an environment that will provide her with the resources necessary to join the ranks of scientists whose work has had a positive impact on the lives of our society’s most vulnerable populations.

Maize Booker is a Computer Science major from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. His natural curiosity and eagerness to learn about new concepts and ideas are what led him into the constantly evolving world of computer science. His goal is to make an impact in the learning, training, and education sectors by creating interactive software applications that will benefit the global community. After graduating from Howard University, Maize plans to earn his Ph.D. in computer science with a focus on augmented and virtual reality as he continues to progress in his journey to achieve his goal.

A native of South Carolina, Chadwick Boseman graduated from Howard University and attended the British American Dramatic Academy at Oxford, after which he began his career as an actor, director and writer. Boseman starred as T'Challa/Black Panther in the worldwide phenomenon Marvel Studios' "Black Panther," which has shattered box-office records both domestically and internationally. Boseman made his debut as the African superhero Black Panther in Marvel Studios’ “Captain America: Civil War,” in May 2016. He reprised the role for Marvel’s “Avengers: Infinity War” in 2019.Boseman's breakout performance came in 2013 when he received rave reviews for his portrayal of the legendary Jackie Robinson in Warner Bros’ “42.” He previously starred in the title role of Open Road Films’ “Marshall,” which tells the story of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice, as he battles through one of his career-defining cases as the Chief Counsel to the NAACP. His other feature film credits include: the revenge thriller “Message from the King,” Summit Entertainment's “Draft Day,” the independent psychological post-war drama, “The Kill Hole” and Gary Fleders’ drama, “The Express.”Boseman was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016. During his four-year battle with cancer, he continued his work, persevering through the production of several films between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. Boseman passed away in August of 2020, surrounded by his wife and family. 

Purpose is the essential element of you. It is the reason you are on the planet at this particular time in history. Your very existence is wrapped up in the things you are here to fulfill. Whatever you choose for a career path, remember the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose.

Karma Brame is a Howard University student from Columbus, Ohio, with connections to Norton, Virginia, Taxco, Mexico, and Homer, Alaska. She is a double major in both mathematics and Spanish with plans to pursue a PhD in mathematics with a focus on education. Her goal is to increase enthusiasm around STEM subjects by researching better educational methods for younger adolescents. She chose Howard University because of her desire to attend a Historically Black University and to learn from people across the Black diaspora. She looks forward to the opportunities Howard University will offer and the role she will play in inspiring young Black students to enter STEM fields.

Kirsten Branch is a Biology major and Chemistry and Psychology double minor whose passion for innovation and racial equity in healthcare compelled her to apply to the illustrious Howard University. She was raised outside of Detroit, Michigan and moved to Houston, Texas, where she developed her interest in neuroimmunology and cancer research. As a Karsh STEM Scholar, Kirsten seeks to expand her knowledge through class curriculum, laboratory experience, and giving back to her community. She decided to pursue an MD/Ph.D because of her compassionate character and desire to contribute to the expansion of humanity’s knowledge of medical issues and treatments. Through her journey to becoming a neurosurgeon, Kirsten wants to inspire and encourage others to blaze new paths and break glass ceilings. She hopes to create a program for minority high school students to gain exposure to the wonderful world of medical research and become cognizant of and confident in their abilities to pursue this intimidating career path.

Howard is a very culturally rich and diverse University and our students not only come from all over the country, but all over the world. However, even through that diversity, there is an undeniable culture that grounds us and connects us, showing us that while we may all be different, that is where our strength lies.

Jacob Brooks is an honors biology major with a double minor in chemistry and mathematics. He chose to attend Howard University as a member of the Karsh STEM Scholars Program because he was amazed by the support system and the beautiful culture Howard University has to offer. During his freshman year, Brooks joined the Cook Hall Step Team and helped lead the team to a ResFest championship. He also participated in education reform in Flint, Michigan as a part of Howard’s Alternative Spring Break. He recently spent time researching Osteosarcomas in the Cancer Biology Department of Vanderbilt University through the Leadership Alliance. He also spent that summer shadowing a medical oncologist in her clinic and a surgical oncologist, and gave an oral presentation on his research at the Leadership Alliance National Symposium in Connecticut. Brooks plans to pursue an MD-Ph.D. in the field of Emergency General Surgery. This will allow him to work with trauma patients and cancer patients, all while doing significant research in the field of cancer biology. Brooks looks forward to continuing to grow as a researcher and as an individual through the Karsh STEM Scholars Program

Mrs. Brooks has been employed at HU for 17 years, making her an integral part of the Department of Public Safety.

Whether on- or off-campus, I want the University community to feel safe and secure. In my daily interactions, I reassure that my primary objective is to inform the students of the services we have available, as we want them to obtain their degrees in a safe and secure environment!

Angelle Brown is a biology major, chemistry minor with a concentration in maternal and child health, from New Orleans, Louisiana. Following her undergraduate career, Angelle hopes to go on to medical school to earn her M.D/Ph.D. She wants to become a physician-scientist in pediatrics as she has a passion for working with children. While Angelle has many interests in research, she is particularly interested in studying neurological disorders like autism, as well as cancer research. Angelle grew up with an older sister who is severely learning disabled and on the autistic spectrum. This experience for her has further stimulated her curiosity, allowing her to question how genetics work and impact our lives. Angelle chose to study Biology at Howard University because she recognized that Howard cultivates notable leaders who go on to do great things in their communities. She also wants to join the effort in increasing African American female representation in the medical field, as they make up less than 3% of U.S doctors. Regardless of the type of doctor she wants to be, Angelle wants to help others, especially those who are underserved or overlooked. She hopes to ultimately be a leader and make a difference for her patients and her community.

Daivon Brown is a biology student from Indian Head, Maryland, who is interested in researching pathogen-host response and entering the medical field as a physician scientist. Brown wants to join the STEM field so he can find solutions to previously unsolvable problems. He looks forward to being able to inform the public on pressing scientific issues that will advance our society.

Dr. Brown has more than two decades of senior-level academic and administrative experience. As Dean of CNAHS, Dr. Brown has responsibility for leadership, marketing, management, and assisting in curriculum design of education programs that serve this academic arena, as well as the global community. The Dean works closely with health industry partners to determine program development needs, to design innovative curricula that enhance employees' skills and knowledge and which comply with professional accreditation requirements. She has an extensive track record of developing new academic programs, securing grants, and enhancing the academic accreditation process. Dr. Brown is a dual graduate of Oakwood University in Huntsville, Ala, where she earned Associate and Bachelor degrees in nursing (1984) and biology (1985). Dr. Brown earned a Master of Science degree in Health Services Administration from Central Michigan University in 1989, and her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Nursing Administration from George Mason University in 1999.

"CNAHS remains committed to teaching outstanding learners, who are driven by a dedicated and prominent faculty and supported by a spectacular staff; I am humbled to be the Chief Servant of such a distinguished College, at such a time as this."

Madeline Bumpus is a Computer Science major with a Mathematics minor from Toledo, Ohio. She is  working towards earning a PhD in Computer Science, so that she can further the rapidly expanding field of computer programming. Madeline is passionate about designing and writing software, and often finds beauty in the languages we use to communicate with computers. She is interested in researching and combating systemic biases in computer programming, both within the data and the algorithms. Her future goals include increasing the number of women of color in software engineering and addressing current and upcoming technological issues.

After graduating magna cum laude from Howard University in May 2022, Civil and Environmental Engineering alumna and Karsh STEM Scholar Cameryn Burnette began a career aimed at engineering low-tech solutions to positively impact developing areas. She is currently a Special Project Manager at Energicity Corp in Benin, West Africa; Energicity “is not just building solar grids, but cultivating electricity ‘ecosystems’ by implementing programs that influence trade, education, and communication in rural areas.”  

In January, Burnette received a Schwarzman Scholars fellowship. The second-ever Howard alum to receive this honor, Burnette is  part of the eighth cohort for one of the most prestigious graduate fellowships in the world. Through this fellowship, Burnette aims to earn her PhD in Material Science to create materials for safe, sustainable, modern infrastructure with an early focus on bio-inspired materials and biocomposites after matriculating from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. She plans to create polymers that have the functionality of petroleum plastics and enhanced degradation abilities so they can decompose, rather than accumulating on the Earth’s surface or break down into microplastics. She is also interested in exploring the potential of enhancing natural materials for use as building materials. 

In addition to the Schwarzman Scholars fellowship, Burnette also received a presentation award for her research “Nanoindentation of bovine meniscus for localized properties.” She expects to eventually lead her own lab and work as a professor to inspire students, similar to how her Howard professors motivated her. 

Living and working in Cotonou, Benin allows me to witness firsthand the obstacles and potential solutions involved in development engineering. I am honing my values and priorities while living in a different country, and my experience there has reaffirmed my dedication to a humanitarian engineering career. I have discovered a line of work that excites and energizes me.

Lauren Bush is a chemistry and political science double major, mathematics minor, from Charlotte, North Carolina. She is interested in health diplomacy and finding the integration between science and background policy decisions. Her goal is to work for a nongovernmental agency or the federal government making decisions to help those afflicted with different illnesses. Bush originally chose Howard University because she wanted to be in a different environment than the typical white suburbia in which she was already accustomed. By being a Karsh STEM Scholar, she gains the sense of community and expertise necessary to pursue her goals in health diplomacy.

Bisa Butler is a textile artist who creates vivid quilted portraits of African-American life. Born in 1973, Butler initially went into the arts as a painter, earning her BFA at Howard University and her MA in arts education at Montclair State University, where she took a fiber arts class. At Howard, Butler mentored members of the African Commune of Bad Relevant Artists (AfriCOBRA), which sought to define an art aesthetic that represents African Americans in a positive light.  Butler taught art at public high schools for 13 years, quilting in her free time, until she found representation with Claire Oliver Gallery in Harlem and became an artist full-time. In her work, which is deeply rooted in the tradition of African-American quilting, Butler uses Ghanian fabrics, Nigerian batiks, and South African fabrics to capture her subjects’ African ancestry and their place in American history. She has exhibited her work in group and solo shows around the United States and the world. 

All of my pieces are done in life scale to invite the viewer to engage in a dialogue—most figures look the viewers directly in their eyes. I am inviting a reimagining and a contemporary dialogue about age old issues, still problematic in our culture, through the comforting, embracing medium of the quilt. I am expressing what I believe is the equal value of all humans.

Zarif Cabrera, a native of Harlem, New York, is a computer science major with a keen interest in machine learning applications and robotics. Having attended a predominantly white high school, he was drawn to Howard University's Karsh Program in search of a community of like-minded individuals who shared his passion for cutting-edge technology and research. As he pursues his studies at Howard, he is focused on increasing his understanding of machine learning and robotics, aspiring to make significant contributions in these fields. His decision to transition to Howard was motivated by a desire for a more inclusive educational environment, recognizing the importance of representation in STEM fields. With a commitment to breaking barriers, he aims not only to excel as a computer scientist but also to inspire others, particularly from underrepresented communities, to pursue advanced degrees. Zarif envisions earning a Ph.D and becoming a leader in the ever-evolving landscape of technology. By choosing Howard University, he aims to be part of a community that fosters diversity and provides a platform for individuals like himself to thrive and contribute to the advancements in computer science, ultimately becoming an advocate for increased representation of minorities in STEM disciplines.

Naomi Calhoun is a chemical engineering student from Snellville, Georgia, who plans to pursue a MD-Ph.D. to be a medical scientist. Her goal is to be someone who discovers new medicine to treat diseases and processes to deliver current medicine. She strives to be the role model for young black girls interested in a research career and to treat people who have access to fewer resources. Calhoun is interested in STEM because she says she is an analytical thinker, and loves solving scientific problems. She chose to attend Howard because of the various resources and opportunities she says are available—from lab spaces to the internship opportunities. Calhoun also says Howard has a rich history and legacy that she is excited and proud to be a part of.  

Mr. Chris Carr, a member since 2016, is the chief operating officer of Sweetgreen, Inc. He is the former executive vice president and chief procurement officer for Starbucks.  A recipient of the 2016 Top 100 Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America by Savoy Magazine, he was an invaluable force in Starbucks’ quest to enhance enterprise-wide functional strategic sourcing, shape its global supplier base and generate customer insight around innovation. Over his 13 years with Starbucks, Mr. Carr also served as executive vice president of licensed stores in the U.S. and Americas.  In that position, he was responsible for the strategic planning, annual operations, market planning and profitability for the region’s 6,200 licensed stores, which generated annual system-wide sales in excess of $3 billion.  Prior to Starbucks, Mr. Carr was an executive with ExxonMobil for 18 years where he developed, led and implemented retail operational strategies for the company’s Global Fuels Marketing downstream businesses over 18 years. Mr. Carr serves on the boards of directors of Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) and Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. and is a trustee of the University of San Diego.  Mr. Carr holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Business Administration from the University of San Diego, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the New York Institute of Technology.

Kailande Cassamajor is a biology and psychology double major, minoring in chemistry and Africana studies, from Silver Spring, Maryland. She is a poet, bibliophile and avid learner who seeks to pursue her Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience or neuropsychology. She is interested in how environments, experiences and exposure impact neurological and neuropsychological aging and development across different populations. She also seeks to understand the factors contributing to ethnic and racial disparities in neurodegenerative diseases. Cassamajor chose Howard University due to the many opportunities to learn, collaborate, serve and travel with like-minded students and professors across different disciplines from a Pan-African approach. Through Howard's service learning organizations, she has traveled to Puerto Rico, South Africa and Ghana. She envisions herself running her own lab, passionately collaborating with scientists from all over the world and writing creatively for all ages. She is enjoying the journey.

Kennedy Chastang is an honors chemistry major and Spanish minor from Detroit, Michigan. With the goal of receiving her MD/PhD, she is dedicated to serving communities impacted by tropical disease. The goal of her work is to equip student researchers and clinicians in underserved areas so that they may uplift themselves, which she believes is a mark of successful humanitarianism. Chastang chose Howard University after she realized the disdain for Black lives wasn't found on an individual basis but ingrained in American culture. Kennedy is pursuing chemistry because of the inspiration of her high school chemistry teacher, and the sustained passion she developed in that class. She hopes to leave Howard with a mastery in chemistry that will assist her in the development of tropical disease vaccines and treatment. She hopes, also, to leave with an unbreakable sense of pride that comes from being in a community of scholars who share her ardent commitment to the global reconstruction of broken systems.

Muhammad Chawla is a chemistry student, minoring in computer science from Northern Virginia. He hopes to pursue a combined MD/Ph.D as part of his post-baccalaureate goals and serve his community through his work. He is an aspiring scholar who has research interests in several STEM and humanities fields, particularly within quantum and computational science. He has had several research experiences relevant to his interests, all with the goal of serving humanity and creating a difference. Muhammad hopes to take advantage of his unique status as a Karsh STEM Scholar to further people’s knowledge of the STEM world, and to serve as an inspiration for those interested in entering the STEM space who may be facing socioeconomic barriers.