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Teressa Akuoko
Award Received: Fall 2023 President's Award for Academic Excellence
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Emily (Lanier) Baker
Awards Received: Martha H. Barnes Scholarship
Activities: I have participated in directed studies in Chemistry with Dr. Gupta researching molecular host-guest chemistry in respect to Vitamin D. I am currently working with Dr. Rose comparing measurement methodologies of juvenile seahorses. Along with research, I am a member of Alpha Delta Pi. I served on the Executive Board of the Delta Theta chapter for two years. My positions within Alpha Delta Pi lead me to serve on the College Panhellenic Council Executive Board which encompasses all NPC sororities on our campus. I have been on this board for two years, currently holding the position of President. I have been an active member of VSU's Pre-Medical Club for 3 years. I was the Pubic Relations chair for the 2022-2023 school year.
Favorite class: My favorite class at VSU has been Ecology and Evolution with Dr. Rose.
Career Goals: Post-graduation, I plan to apply to medial school to become a physician. |
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Paige Bland
Award Received: David and Cecelia Ratcliffe Scholarship
Activities: I have done one directed study with Dr. Rose, and I plan to do another in the Fall. I have done research with Dr. Manning and Dr. Rose. I have also been a PAL and have participated in outreach events such as Science Saturday.
Favorite class: BIOL 3460, Human Physiology
Career Goals: I plan to apply to medical school after graduation. During my time off, I plan to work somewhere in the medical field.
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Cole Branyan
Award Received: Fall 2023 Scholarship - Chemistry
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La'kamren Bryant
Award Received: Mack Varnedoe Greer Sr. M.D. Scholarship
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Caidyn Carr
Award Received: Julia Wisenbaker Sumerford Scholarship
Activities: I am a member of LSAMP and SMACS which are STEM based organizations. In these organizations I have participated in graduate school tours, Science Saturdays, STEM Night, and much more . I am currently doing biochemistry research with Dr. Gosnell and presented at the VSU Undergraduate Symposium. I am an Ambassador for the College of Mathematics and Science. I am the treasurer for the National Council Negro Women (NCNW) which is a community service based organization for women of African descent. I am a part of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), this is a national leadership honor society. Lastly, I serve as a Senator for the Student Government Association (SGA).
Favorite class: During my time at VSU I have enjoyed the seminar classes, both freshman and sophomore. These classes have helped me navigate through college and helped me prepare for life after college.
Career Goals: My post graduation plan is to go to pharmacy school or to graduate school with a research focus in cosmetic chemistry.
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Nathaniel Dionne
Award Received: Undergraduate Award in Biochemistry Chemistry
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Jacqueline Farmer
Award Received: Dr. M. Elizabeth (Betty) Derrick Award
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Airionna Fordham
Award Received: Dr. M. Elizabeth (Betty) Derrick Award
Activities: I participated in Science Saturday, GUIDES and SMACS events, Open House, and symposiums.
Favorite class: My favorite class was Quantitative Analysis.
Career Goals: When I graduate I want to pursue my PhD in chemistry and then work as a Natural Product Chemist.
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Carlton Francis
Award Received: Chemistry Undergraduate Research Award
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Sarah Glass
Awards Received: Elizabeth Joy Lohmar Scholarship
Activities: I am an active member of the Mathematical Association of America at VSU. Currently, I am participating in a volleyball tournament hosted by the BCM, which will benefit future mission trips.
Favorite class: My favorite class has been Math 3340- Ordinary Differential Equations with Dr. Denise Reid.
Career Goals: After graduation, I plan to first pursue a Master's degree in education, and then a Doctorate degree. My goal is to deepen my understanding of educational theory and practice, with a focus on mathematics education. Ultimately, I aspire to become a college professor and to make a positive impact in secondary education, inspiring students to excel in math and beyond.
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Mason Griffin
Award Received: Organic Chemistry Excellence Award
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Christian Harriss
Award Received: Most Outstanding Student in Aerospace Studies, GMC Category
Activities: I have been a cadet in VSU's Air Force ROTC Detachment 172 in nearly all of my time here at VSU. I am also a member of RUF, a campus ministry group.
Favorite class: My favorite class was probably Machine Learning with Dr. Mihail. Software Engineering with Dr. Gibson is a close second!
Career Goals: Upon graduating, I will be commissioned at a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. I hope to become a fighter pilot!
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Allayna Henriquez
Award Received: Fall 2023 Scholarship - Chemistry
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Marisol Rebecca Hernandez
Award Received: Martha H. Barnes Scholarship
Activities: College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) Scholar, Latin American Student Association (LASA) member, Delight Women Ministries member, Philosophy and Religious Studies Club member, and United Farm Workers Organization volunteer
Favorite class: World Literature (ENGL 2113) and Principles of Biology II (BIOL 1108)
Career Goals: To attend medical school and become a Pediatrician.
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Julia Higdon
Awards Received: Biology Senior Award, David and Cecelia Ratcliffe Scholarship, and Martha H. Barnes Scholarship
Activities: While at VSU, I have held leadership positions in Beta Beta Beta, Alpha Epsilon Delta, and Student Members of the American Chemical Society. I currently work with Drs. Winkelmann, Kang, and Chambers in directed studies on a variety of topics ranging from nanotechnology to local mosquito infection rates. I am very grateful to have been published three times in my research and continue to work on future manuscripts. In addition to organizations and research, I work as a PAL Facilitator for BIOL 1107 and 1108. While not on campus, I volunteer at South Georgia Medical Center's Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, as well as Jacksonville's Bridges of Harmony Chorus.
Favorite class: My favorite class is tied between Emerging Infectious Diseases and Immunology.
Career Goals: After graduating, I plan to apply to medical school and continue to pursue research and my volunteer work.
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Katherine Hollister
Award Received: Fall 2023 Scholarship - Chemistry
Activities: As a first-year student at VSU, I haven't yet been able to participate in many activities. However, I look forward to joining many clubs and organizations, in my future years, to grow my network and experience. This semester I was able to compete in the Tie University Pitch Competition in Atlanta and I have been volunteering in the Archives at Odum Library.
Favorite class: My favorite class taken at VSU is a tie between Calculus II with Dr. Kicey and Chemistry 1211/1212 with Dr. Manning.
Career Goals: I aspire to be a food chemist after I graduate, whether that is with my bachelor's or if I continue to a master's/graduate program.
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Adariah J'nai Holloway
Award Received: Gerald Petrella Award for Outstanding Student Achievement in Mathematics Education
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Aubrey Hughes
Award Received: Outstanding Computer Information Systems Major Award
Activities: Since transferring to VSU two years ago, I've been a part of the VSU Baptist Collegiate Ministry. I've also been involved in the VSU Amateur Radio Club as well as working on a Research Project on Cryptocurrency for the 2023 Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Favorite class: My favorite classes would include Software Engineering, Web Programming, and Database Design.
Career Goals: After graduation, I plan on pursuing a career in Software Engineering.
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Jasia Kajfas
Award Received: Threadgill-Thompson Scholarship
Activities: While I did not join any clubs, I attended a variety of events, such as a welding workshop with the Radio Club, a Math Club meeting, and the Engineering Nights.
Favorite class: I've really enjoyed Statics. It's one of the classes that's utilized information I've learned from other classes, and I've been able to use the information from it for my day to day life. I can finally recognize what I'm learning in a real life setting.
Career Goals: I do not have any specific plans. I want to get started on my career. I don't have an exact start-off point, but I am interested in amusement parks, where design and machines allow fantasy to come to life.
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Aurielle Kittles
Award Received: Fall 2023 Scholarship - Chemistry
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Natalie Lane
Awards Received: Outstanding Freshman Chemistry Award
Favorite class: My favorite classes so far at VSU would have to be General Chemistry 1 & 2 Lab with Dr. Manning. They were both a lot of fun and I enjoyed the hands on experiments we got to preform.
Career Goals: My plans are to transfer to South University School of Pharmacy, where I have already been accepted, to earn my PharmD. I plan to come back to South Georgia to begin my career as a pharmacist and help better my community through my line of work.
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Kiersten Ley
Award Received: Martha H. Barnes Scholarship
Activities: Research with Dr. Lokdarshi (Present), PAL (Peer Alliance Learning) Tutor at VSU’s Academic Support Center (Sp '23 - Present), Member of the Valdosta State Pre-Med Organization (Sp '23 - Present)
Favorite class: Cell Biology (BIOL 4500). This course has further increased my knowledge of some topics I enjoyed learning in my introductory biology courses, but this course covers the topics in greater detail. This course has also taught me important and interesting laboratory skills.
Career Goals: After graduation, I plan to attend medical school. My goal is to attend Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon, GA. After becoming a doctor, I plan to return to my rural community in Lanier County, GA to serve as a primary care doctor. I am currently on track to take the MCAT and apply to medical school this summer and graduate from VSU in Spring of 2025.
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Grant Lopez
Award Received: College of Science and Mathematics Outstanding Student Award Finalist
Activities: Blazer Corps, VSU AFROTC, RUF, Valdosta Undergraduate Research Symposium, Georgia Undergraduate Research Symposium
Favorite class: E-Commerce and AFROTC LLAB
Career Goals: Commission into the U.S. Air Force as a 14N (Intelligence Officer)
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Ezekiel Lott
Award Received: Fall 2023 Scholarship - Chemistry
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Alexa Luna
Awards Received: Julia Wisenbaker Sumerford Scholarship and Undergraduate Award in Inorganic Chemistry
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Brooke McKay
Awards Received: Martha H. Barnes Scholarship
Activities: Pre-Vet Club
Favorite class: BIOL 1108 - Principles of Biology II
Career Goals: I plan to go into Pre-Vet and get my DVM!
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Demetrius McQueen
Award Received: Outstanding Student Award - Geosciences
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Kaylee O'Quinn
Awards Received: Julia Wisenbaker Sumerford Scholarship, Polymer Chemistry in Organic Chemistry Award and Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemistry
Activities: Pre-dental club, Intern at the Wesley Foundation, Intramural soccer, SMACS, research with Dr. Sreenilayam
Favorite class: I really enjoyed quantitative analysis and the labs that went with it. It helped me to better understand techniques and instruments used in the chemical industry.
Career Goals: After I graduate in the fall of 2024, I plan on going to dental school. I will apply this summer. If I don’t get in right away, I plan to get a job as a dental assistant to prepare for my future schooling.
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Capri Persaud
Award Received: Chemistry Undergraduate Research Award
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Jason Phillips
Awards Received: Undergraduate Award in Physical Chemistry and American Institute of Chemists Award
Activities: Honors student association, Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS), some very fun research with Dr. De la Garza that led to some fulfilling conferences and presentations
Favorite class: It's hard to choose, the May semester biochemistry class was very fun and rigorous, but I also really enjoyed my inorganic chemistry class
Career Goals: Currently moving forward with an employment opportunity at Warner Robins Air Force Base in the Maintenance Support Group's Chemical Analysis Laboratory
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Mia Price
Award Received: Martha H. Barnes Scholarship
Activities: I am apart of three clubs: Honors Student Association, Pre-Vet Club, and Animal Science Club. I am apart of the executive board for Pre-Vet Club and Animal Science Club. I have been doing research since my freshman year with Dr. Phillips. I present my first research project on the morphological difference between Cuban green anoles and green anoles at the Georgia Undergraduate Research Symposium last Fall.
Favorite class: So far, my favorite class at VSU has been Ecology and Evolution with Dr. G, as the subject aligns with my personal interests as an animal-lover.
Career Goals: My postgraduate plans are to go to veterinary school, hopefully at UGA. I am currently on track to graduate May 2026, so I have yet to apply.
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Callie Reid
Awards Received: Outstanding Student in Mathematics Award, College of Science and Mathematics Outstanding Student Award, and Spring 2024 President’s Award for Academic Excellence
Activities: PAL Math Tutor since January of 2022, Math Club (President for 2023-2024 academic school year), Pi Mu Epsilon Math Honor Society since 2023 Vice-President for 2023-24 School year; Alpha Chi Honor Society since 2023, Vice-President for 2023-24 School year. I have given 13 presentations. Two of which were at the largest math meeting in the world (2023 and 2024) at the Joint Mathematics Meeting in San Francisco, CA and Boston, MA.
Favorite class: My favorite class at VSU has been calculus 2 with Dr. Kicey. In this class, I realized how much fun math was. I had already declared math as my major, but this class solidified my decision to be a math major.
Career Goals: After graduation, I plan on attending Florida State University. I will be enrolled in their Doctoral program for Mathematics and have received an assistantship. When I graduate from FSU, I hope to become a math professor.
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Paola Roblero-Lopez
Award Received: Martha H. Barnes Scholarship
Activities: During my time at VSU, I have been able to volunteer at various events and become a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS). Additionally, I have had the privilege of conducting research with Dr. Gupta and presenting my findings at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Favorite class: My favorite classes at VSU have been Algebra with Mrs. Anna Lane and Organic Chemistry with Dr. Gupta as I was able to learn and expand my knowledge throughout these fields and at the same time create enjoyable experiences.
Career Goals: My post-graduation plan is to possibly take a gap year to prepare and complete all of the necessary requirements needed for medical school. If given the opportunity, I'd love to pursue a career as a pediatrician and practice in rural or underserved areas in Georgia to help others in need.
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Jay Rogers
Award Received: Julia Wisenbaker Sumerford Scholarship
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Lisa Shepherd
Award Received: Marsha Paulk Scholarship
Activities: I have participated in several directed research groups and presented at the Undergraduate Research Symposium. I have participated in several STEM volunteer events, including Science Saturday and STEAM Night.
Favorite class: One of my favorite classes here at VSU is Microbiology with Dr. Turco. I find the lecture to be interesting, but the lab component of the course is fascinating and interesting.
Career Goals: I plan to attend the Physician Assistant program at South University in Savannah. Post-graduation, I plan on working in an under-served community near my hometown.
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Hope Smith
Awards Received: Outstanding Senior Chemistry Award and College of Science and Mathematics Outstanding Student Award Finalist
Activities: Honors Student Association, Honors College, Honors Strategic Communication - newsletter editor, SMACS, Research with Dr. Gupta (Photochemistry), Dr. Kang (Bio), and Dr. Phillips (Bio) at VSU, Research with Dr. Vlad Klepov (Materials Chemistry) at UGA Summer 2023 - paid internship, Study abroad in Ireland with the Honors College Summer 2022, Teaching a private High School Chemistry class August 2023-May 2024
Favorite class: Physical Chemistry 2, Plant Pathology
Career Goals: I have been accepted into 4 Chemistry Doctoral programs: UGA, FSU, USC (south carolina), and UF. I am still in the process of choosing, but will start one of these in August 2024. I have been offered a 4-year Savannah River National Lab fellowship of $10,000 from University of South Carolina in addition to my stipend, and I have been offered a 1-year NSF (National Science Foundation) fellowship of $34k to substitute my stipend at UGA.
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William (Logan) Spooner
Award Received: Outstanding Student Award - Physics
Activities: Society of Physics Students, Mathematical Association of America, Sigma Pi Sigma, Blazer Summer Research Institute
Favorite class: Computational Physics
Career Goals: After I graduate I plan to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology where I will pursue a PhD in physics. While there, I hope to do research in either astroparticle physics or condensed matter physics.
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Maya Stevens
Award Received: Southwest Georgia ACS Optima Chemistry Award
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Christian Strickland
Award Received: Outstanding Engineering Technology Major Award
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Fred Taft
Award Received: Outstanding Computer Science Major Award
Activities: I became a member of the ACM club while attending VSU.
Favorite class: CS 1302 Principles of Programming II and CS 4121 Data Communications and Networks I.
Career Goals: I plan to work as a software engineer with the 402 Software Engineering Group at the Warner Robins Airforce Base.
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Carli Tuttle
Award Received: Martha H. Barnes Scholarship
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Morgan Wynn
Awards Received: David and Cecelia Ratcliffe Scholarship, Marjorie Carter Award, and College of Science and Mathematics Outstanding Student Award Finalist
Activities: I have been doing research in Dr. Ansul Lokdarshi's lab since the summer of 2023 regarding plant stress biology with a focus in biochemical and molecular techniques. I have also participated in research on smallpox medications with Dr. Thomas Manning. I have presented various research projects at several conferences, including Georgia Undergraduate Research Conference, Georgia Collegiate Honors Conference, Georgia Academy of Science, and the Southern Section of the American Society of Plant Biologists. I have also been a member of the Auxiliary Volunteer group at South Georgia Medical Center since January 2022. I've devoted more than 400 hours to volunteer service in the Pearlman Cancer Center and spent approximately 50 hours shadowing thus far. I am also a member of the Honors College and am part of the Accelerated Master's Program.
Favorite class: I really enjoyed Cell Biology with Dr. Lokdarshi, which I took last spring. It was interesting to learn about the different signaling pathways that can affect the biochemical reactions within our cells. The techniques that we learned in lab were also very beneficial in prepping me for my research.
Career Goals: After graduating with my undergraduate degree in May, I will begin my master's degree in biology during the summer at Valdosta State University. After graduating with that degree the following summer, I plan to attend medical school and pursue a career in radiation oncology.
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