Full Bios of 2025 Du Bois Scholars Participants

Jovianna Allwood

Morgan State University
Jovianna Allwood is a rising junior at Morgan State University majoring in biology, with a minor in chemistry. This summer, Allwood will conduct research on the early embryonic development of Drosophila and the evolutionary origins of the genes that control this development. Despite Allwood’s deep interest in biological research, their ultimate goal is to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. At Morgan State, Allwood serves as the secretary of the Pre-Dental organization, and intends to assume the role of vice-president next semester. In their free time, Allwood enjoys reading, trying new recipes, and learning how to crochet. This summer, they look forward to gaining new skills in the lab, building connections with their fellow cohort members, and exploring Boston. Alwood is optimistic about this opportunity, and aims to take advantage of all the resources available.

Justin Ansley

Xavier University of Louisiana
Justin Ansley is a rising junior at Xavier University of Louisiana majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. He was selected as a Gilead Scholar, a distinction awarded to students dedicated to social justice and equity. Ansley is also a member of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society and Alpha Epsilon Delta National Pre-med Honor Society. Ansley’s academic excellence was recognized with the JW Carmichael Jr. Pre-Med Scholarship, awarded to outstanding pre-medical students. Passionate about educational equity, Ansley tutors chemistry for underserved high school students, leads science technology, engineering, and math workshops to inspire young learners, and serves as an organic chemistry tutor on campus. His research interests center on cancer biology and immunology with a focus on understanding disease mechanisms and improving therapeutic approaches. Ansley plans to attend medical school and become a physician-scientist, working to improve healthcare accessibility and outcomes. In his free time, he enjoys working out and playing chess.

Kaelen Baly

Prairie View A&M
Kaelen Baly is a rising senior at Prairie View A&M University, pursuing a bachelor of science degree with a major in psychology. Baly holds dear a drive to witness the mitigation of the financial unsustainability of clinical therapy for families, the alleviation of social stigma surrounding psychological assessment & treatment, and the subsequent flourishing of marginalized youth, hoping to leverage his education and training in his field to do just that. Baly took his scholarship to London, England, where he spent a semester abroad and deepened his experience in academia. Baly currently enjoys spending time with his on-campus Christian ministry community, checking out new books, watching sports, and discussing cinema. Following graduation, Baly plans to pursue graduate studies in clinical psychology, with a specialization in adolescent development, self-esteem, and flourishing.

Ashton Brandon

Morehouse College
Ashton Brandon is a rising senior at Morehouse College majoring in psychology, who seeks to redefine music’s role in culturally grounded mental health interventions. His 2025 study at Atlanta University Center Psychology Research Day—comparing hip hop, birdsong, and environmental sounds’ stress-reduction effects in HBCU students—lays the groundwork for his mission to legitimize Black musical traditions as therapeutic tools. Through dual research roles at Morehouse and Georgia State University, Brandon employs neuroscience frameworks to analyze hip hop’s capacity to foster relaxation and cultural continuity. Brandon’s collaborations with the Association of Black Psychologists and Georgia Psychological Association fuel his vision to design accessible, music-based interventions that honor Black resilience, particularly in communities like his hometown of Flint, Michigan. Brandon’s training in survey design at the University of Michigan and research education at the University of Georgia informs plans to pioneer hybrid methodologies linking ethnomusicology with cultural application. Ultimately, Brandon intends to establish hip hop as both an academic discipline and a bridge to equitable mental healthcare, centering the artform’s historical role in Black identity and collective healing.

Hailey Burnette

Howard University
Hailey Burnette is a rising senior honors student at Howard University, majoring in economics with a double minor in Spanish and computer science. Burnette is from Houston, Texas and her research interests include industrial organization, health economics, and environmental economics. She is a member of multiple organizations on campus, including pre-law, economics, and environmental conservations focused groups. Burnette enjoys the interesting work and the supportive community that a research lab provides. After graduation, Burnette plans on pursuing a Juris Doctorate. In her free time, Burnette likes to bake, read, watch documentaries and spend time outdoors.

Jonora Calixte

Howard University
Jonora Calixte is a rising junior at Howard University, double majoring in psychology & criminology. Calixte has a profound interest in studying potential relationships between law, policy, and socialization on psychology and behavioral health. Calixte’s career goal is to become a forensic psychologist with an emphasis on working with marginalized communities and individuals with severe mental illness. Following completion of her undergraduate degrees, Calixte plans on attending graduate school and working towards becoming a licensed mental healthcare professional. Growing up in Brockton, Massachusetts, Calixte is used to being in diverse populations and connecting to immigrant experiences of various cultures and languages. In her free time, Calixte enjoys reading fiction books, watching television and film, and spending time with friends and family.

Jalyn Cameron

Howard University
Jalyn Cameron, is a rising senior at Howard University majoring in English and minoring in classics. Cameron is from New York City by way of Atlanta Georgia with a heart for the humanities—particularly history and literature. Committed to academia, Cameron plans to pursue a PhD after completing her undergraduate studies, aiming to build a career rooted in research and teaching. Evidence of Cameron’s dedication to writing and education is amplified in both her academic and extracurricular activities. She is the recipient of the James Patterson Writing Scholarship Award and has volunteered her time mentoring local middle school students and helping them write their essays. At Howard, she serves as vice president of the Howard University Writer’s Guild. Additionally, she has contributed to The Hilltop, Howard University’s student newspaper, first as a columnist and now as a section editor.

Joseph V. Carter

Texas Southern University
Joseph V. Carter is from Detroit, Michigan, and a rising junior at Texas Southern University. Carter is majoring in political science with a minor in history at Texas Southern University’s Thomas F. Freeman Honors College. Carter’s passion lies at the intersection of law, policy, and global human rights, with a commitment to addressing systemic inequities through legal advocacy. With an aspiration to become an international law attorney, Carter wants to focus on policies that promote justice, equity, and democratic integrity worldwide. Deeply engaged in civic leadership, Carter has mobilized over 1,000 students through March to the Polls, collaborating with the Andrew Goodman Foundation and the Campus Vote Project to expand voter participation. As the founder of Changed by Carter, he has dedicated 300+ volunteer hours to addressing homelessness, providing essential resources and free haircuts to underserved communities. Carter’s work earned him first place in TSU’s Research and Innovation Pitch Competition, securing funding to expand his nonprofit’s reach. Carter’s interest in international law was shaped through extensive leadership experience, research, and grassroots organizing. His commitment to service, advocacy, and institutional reform is deeply rooted in his faith, recognizing that his passion and purpose are guided by God’s calling to seek justice and serve others.

Kohl Crawford

Texas Southern University
Kohl Crawford is a returning fellow and a rising senior at Texas Southern University, studying political science and is a Thomas F. Freeman Honors Scholar, maintaining a 3.82 GPA. Crawford is deeply engaged in the study of political theory, constitutional law, and public policy. He is honored to represent his peers and contribute to the future of a university that has played a significant role in his growth. Crawford has pursued academic and professional growth through opportunities such as a fellowship at Harvard University, international studies at Oxford University, and participation in the University of Houston Pre-Law Pipeline Program. These experiences have fueled his passion for law and public service. On campus, Crawford has served in various student leadership roles, including as an officer in the Student Government Association and Polemarch of the Beta Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He currently serves as Junior Vice Polemarch of the Southwestern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., working to support student leadership and service across the region.
Crawford is also a Strada Scholar and an Andrew Goodman Foundation Ambassador. In addition, Crawford leads a campus book club, fostering thoughtful discussions and encouraging a culture of learning among students. He has also contributed to campus life as a Resident Assistant and Red Cross Campus Ambassador. Looking ahead, Crawford plans to attend law school and pursue a career that allows him to give back to the communities that shaped him. He is committed to thoughtful leadership, public service, and helping build a future where more young people—regardless of background—have the chance to succeed.

Nyla Cross

Hampton University
Nyla Cross is a merit scholar and rising junior at Hampton University, majoring in journalism with a minor in Spanish. With a true passion for storytelling and reporting, Cross has experience and beats in opinion, investigative, culture, and feature writing. Last year, Cross participated in an investigative journalism cohort at Hampton University, researching and reporting on the University of Virginia’s response to VA’s House Bill 1980. Cross is a dedicated student journalist, serving as an anchor and digital director for Hampton’s student newscast, WHOV-TV, a writer and section editor for The Hampton Script, and an editorial team member for Hampton’s chapter of HerCampus. Upon graduation, Cross plans to earn a master’s degree in journalism and become a full-time magazine or newspaper journalist.

Kai Dickerson

Spelman College
Kai Dickerson is a returning fellow and a recent graduate of Spelman College. Her dedication to community wellness is evident through mentorship, hundreds of community service hours, ongoing research, and program development. With a passion for mental, holistic, and public health, Dickerson aims to obtain her MPH in social and behavioral sciences, ultimately aspiring to become a holistic psychiatrist and contribute to improved population health outcomes.

Nia Dooley

Delaware State University
Nia Danae Dooley is a rising junior at Delaware State University’s College of Humanities, Education, and Social Science, where she is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and her master’s in Teaching English to Students of Other Languages. She is a recipient of the university’s Presidential Scholarship and serves in many student leadership positions, including Miss Sophomore, a member of the NAACP, and the Honors Association. Dooley is passionate about educational equality and actively working to decolonize educational spaces for diverse learners, as well as the creation of legislation that will make educational spaces more equitable. After graduation, she aims to pursue a doctoral degree in educational policy.

Beverly Duclas

Clark Atlanta University
Beverly Duclas is a rising senior at Clark Atlanta University where she is majoring in biology with a minor in business administration, on a pre-medical track. Duclas interned at Boston Children’s Hospital Newton Wellesley Hospital, and recently completed her internship at The Family Van, a program at Harvard Medical School. Duclas aspires to be a pediatric emergency medicine physician and, eventually, the chief executive officer of a leading hospital, and having her own community clinic. She has held various student leadership positions including Miss Freshman, Junior Class President, and an American Heart Association HBCU Scholar which has allowed her to engage in research on diabetic and cardiovascular disease at Emory University. As a first-generation student of Haitian immigrants, Duclas has shown dedication, resilience, and tenacity through adversity. Upon completion of her undergraduate studies, she intends to pursue graduate school to further her knowledge in biomedical science and progress toward her career.

Talia Ford

Spelman College
Talia Ford is a returning fellow and a rising senior attending Spelman College from Atlanta, Georgia. She is pursuing a bachelor of science degree in health sciences while on the pre-medical track. Ford aspires to become a physician and is passionate about improving the quality of life for all people, especially those from underrepresented communities. She aims to mitigate the health disparities that disproportionately affect these groups. Her interest in medicine and research began after her grandfather’s cardiac arrest, which fueled her advocacy for optimal health and equity. This event inspired her to pursue her academic goals with a dedication to working towards mitigating injustices and implementing change. Ford believes in resilience, responsibility, and challenging stereotypes and biases in healthcare and research. Upon completing her undergraduate studies, Ford plans to apply to medical school to gain further knowledge and skills to transform medical practices, ensuring quality care for all.

Nia Freeman

Howard University
Nia Freeman is a rising sophomore at Howard University majoring in physics with minors in computer science and mathematics. Freeman is a Karsh STEM Scholar with academic aspirations to explore the field of astrophysics and contribute to groundbreaking research. Her interest in physics began after an elementary school research project on astronaut Mae Jemison, which first sparked her curiosity about the cosmos. Outside of her coursework, Freeman conducts research under the guidance of Dr. Joel Coley, analyzing NuSTAR light curves on the software SciServer and tutors in algebra 2 and physics honors. Freeman is passionate about increasing diversity in STEM and hopes to inspire young Black girls to pursue careers in the field while simultaneously reaching their full potential as researchers. After earning her undergraduate degree, she plans to pursue a PhD in physics and continue advancing the field.

Payton Garcia

Howard University
Payton Garcia is a rising junior from Chicago, Illinois. Garcia is majoring in economics and data science at Howard University. As a Humanities and Social Science Scholar and a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow, Garcia’s research focuses on topics ranging from historical economic analysis of affordable housing failures in the Midwest to investigations of self-employed Cubans working within the domestic wood products industry of Cuba. As a scholar-activist, Garcia is committed to blending his mixed-methods research framework with social-capitalist business applications to bridge academic contributions with real-world action. Garcia spent his last summer working in the Mellon Mays Summer Institute under Dr. Michael Ralph in the Quantitative for Qualitative Lab learning data analysis skills in Tableau, Rstudio, and Google Collab. Additionally, he spent the latter half of his last summer in the Mobilization and Political Economy Lab at the University of Pittsburgh studying Black displacement under Dr. Jackie Smith.

Jyanne Guide

North Carolina A&T
Jyanne Guide is a rising junior and inaugural Power of Four Research Fellow at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University majoring in mass communications with a minor in political science. Guide seeks to advance social justice through journalism, equity-focused research, and civic engagement. Guide serves as an Andrew Goodman Campus Ambassador, Honors Ambassador, UNC Association of Student Governments Campus Delegate, and a writer for the NCAT Chapter of HerCampus. Beyond campus, Guide has promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion policies as an HR Culture & Diversity Intern with McClatchy, supported worker justice efforts as an HBCU Southern Summer Institute for Worker Justice participant with Service Employment International Union, and served as a Programming Intern with the Center for Racial Equity in Education. She is particularly passionate about education equity and sees access to education as a path to liberation. Guide strives to raise awareness and connect politics, social justice, and societal issues to ensure that underrepresented voices are heard and their stories are told.

Tre’von Henderson

Morehouse College
Tre’von Henderson is a rising senior from Cleveland, Ohio and is majoring in sociology and education at Morehouse College. Henderson became a UNCF Mellon-Mays Fellow in 2024, is a Legacy Scholar, a Dr. Micheal L. Lomax Scholar, a AUC PLUG Bible study chair, a Get On The Bus Mentor, and the president-elect of the Morehouse College chapter of Collegiate 100. In addition to his servant-leadership roles, Henderson has also conducted ethnographic studies, uncovering the discrepancies and disparities within the Atlanta West End and East lake communities. These research experiences have forced Henderson to push the narrative of one sided scopes and engage in dialectical conversations. Due to his research engaging race, gender, sex, class, and communities, Henderson has developed an understanding of how inexcusable it is that underprivileged people are not tended to.

Guinn Herron

Spelman College
Guinn Herron is an enthusiastic rising junior at Spelman College, majoring in English on the pre-law track. At Spelman, Herron was awarded the Dewitt Deans Scholarship and has been recognized for her academic prowess, evidenced by her consistent position on the Deans List. Through her experiences as Junior Class President, a congressional intern for Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a fellow in the Duke Pre-Law Fellowship Program, and a fellow in the Georgia Women’s Policy Institute, Herron has curated an exceptional skillset. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend law school in hopes of becoming a legal academic. Herron’s passion lies in the intersection of research, social justice, and teaching. In her future career, Herron hopes to use her research to shape policies that combat systemic racism and share her knowledge with the next generation of change-makers through teaching.

Jada Hubbard

Xavier University of Louisiana
Jada Hubbard is an ambitious rising senior who attends Xavier University of Louisiana majoring in sociology with a minor in political science. With a passion for the intersections of law, public policy, and social dynamics, she is working towards gaining her JD and PhD in sociology upon graduation. As a student worker in the Louisiana Supreme Court and as a Research Fellow with the University of Notre Dame’s Research Access and Mentoring Program, Hubbard has had the opportunity to refine her professional and research skills. Hubbard is a founding member and the current secretary of her university’s Public Policy Club. She, also, maintains active memberships with her university’s C100 chapter, Foreign Language Club, and Pre-Law Society. Beyond academics, Hubbard can usually be found with her nose in a book or socializing.

Misbahou Jalloh

North Carolina A&T
Misbahou Jalloh is a rising junior honors student and a Cheatham-White Scholar majoring in interdisciplinary physics and minoring in chemistry and electronics technology at North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University. With a deep interest in renewable energy and biophilic innovation, Jalloh brings a unique blend of scientific rigor and creative vision to his work. He’s conducted research at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering for the Department of Defense’s BioMade project, developing novel bioreactor designs to combat food insecurity. In addition, Jalloh is an A&T Quantum Information Science and Engineering Undergraduate Scholar. His work blends technology, engineering, and sustainability with a focus on practical deployment. A former participant in programs with Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Aerospace Corporation, and Lemelson Foundation, Jalloh is always seeking to develop new skills. Passionate about equity and innovation, Jalloh aims to use science as a tool to reimagine systems, empower communities, and inspire the next generation of changemakers.

Keon Jordan

North Carolina A&T
Keon Jordan is a rising senior at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University majoring in political science. Hailing from the one and only Baltimore, MD. Jordan is an aspiring lawyer and community leader and plans to utilize the law to enforce change. Throughout his matriculation, Jordan has fostered his passion for education and advocacy via student leadership in organizations including National Black Law Student Association and the Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement. As a two-time published author, he enjoys conducting research in support of continuing to improve the student experience at historically Black colleges and universities. Recognized as a John M. Belk Impact Fellow, Keon spent this past school year interning at the University of North Carolina’s System Office working in both student and legal affairs. Working towards serving within administration at an HBCU, he is committed to studying the intersections between education and law.

Bryce Joseph

North Carolina A&T
Bryce Joseph is a rising junior at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University majoring in physics. Joseph is a high-effort and primarily analytically interested student and conducts research with a professor at his university to improve his coding ability. He also tutors his peers on campus as well as mathematics for a local high school. Joseph is committed to studying physics to attain his degree and start a career in nuclear physics. Outside of his studies, Joseph enjoys history, particularly war and maritime, biking, and visiting his family on extended weekends. After graduation, Joseph plans to start a career with the Department of Energy. Joseph wants to use the summer with Harvard and the Du Bois Scholars Program to gain experience in research and coding.

Jacquelle Joseph-Lainez

North Carolina A&T
Jacquelle Joseph-Lainez is a returning fellow and a rising senior at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, pursuing a degree in biology. Under the direction of Dr. Misty Thomas, she delves into microbiology research, focusing on two-component systems. Her dedication to biology stems from a desire to tackle health disparities. Joseph-Lainez embarked on her microbiology journey as a scholar in the NC A&T Summer Research Preparatory Program two years ago. Post-graduation, she intends to apply to medical school, aspiring to pursue a dual career as a physician and researcher. 

Christopher Lambry Jr.

Morehouse College
Christopher Lambry Jr. is a driven rising junior at Morehouse College majoring in philosophy and political science. Lambry’s commitment to civic engagement is evident in his roles as secretary for the College Democrats of Georgia and student ambassador for the Higher Education in Prisons Initiative. Through these positions, he organizes discussions with elected officials, leads voter registration initiatives across HBCUs, and advocates for incarcerated individuals’ access to education. Lambry’s global perspective was further enriched by the Oprah Winfrey Study Abroad Leadership Program, where he served as an International Election Observer in South Africa. Additionally, he interned with the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, contributing to policy discussions and legislative initiatives. Combining academic excellence with advocacy, Lambry is dedicated to becoming a law scholar focused on advocating for indigent defendants within the carceral system and beyond.

Stoney McKnight

Spelman College
Stoney Augustine McKnight is a rising senior at Spelman College majoring in comparative women’s studies with a women’s health concentration on the pre-med track. She is a recent Georgetown University School of Medicine Academy for Research, Clinical, and Health Equity Scholarship Fellow, where she conducted research on metabolic syndrome in Black women with and without HIV. Through ARCHES, McKnight learned the importance of diversity within medicine and how social determinants of health should not only be prioritized by providers but also taught to patients. Hence, they understand how their health is more than the medical issues they face. McKnight’s passion for medicine stems from a drive to create equal opportunity for health care in all communities and being a provider who not only hears her patients but sees them. Upon completing her undergraduate studies, McKnight plans to attend graduate school to obtain a masters in public health and then apply to medical school, pursuing her dreams of becoming an OB/GYN.

Kennedi Munson

Spelman College
Kennedi Munson is a rising junior at Spelman College majoring in comparative women’s studies and minoring in sociology. She is a bilingual global citizen, having lived in Japan, México, and Panamá. As a student and member of the Ethel Waddell Githii Honors Program at Spelman College, Munson utilizes her diverse background through her interests in advocating for women of color and the LGBTQIA+ community. Her work as an In Our Own Voice Reproductive Justice Fellow demonstrates this passion, where she actively disseminates knowledge around reproductive health, rights, and justice to fellow students and members of her community. Within her college, Munson is a journalist for The Spelman Blueprint newspaper and an associate member of The Social Justice Club. She also regularly engages with the community through membership in nonprofit organizations that prioritize social and environmental justice work, like The Midnight Riot. After Spelman, Munson intends to become a human rights lawyer, where she advocates for marginalized beings around the world.

Ifediora Nwakuche

North Carolina Central University
Ifediora Nwakuche is a rising junior at North Carolina Central University majoring in chemistry. Nwakuche‘s academic and research interests center on chronic metabolic diseases like hypertension and diabetes—conditions that have affected many in his community. Driven by this proximity to chronic illness, Nwakuche aspires to pursue an MD/PhD in cardiology and biochemistry, aiming to develop and refine treatments for hypertension. At NCCU, Nwakuche engages in analytical chemistry research focused on extracting phytochemicals from plants to assess their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and potential antihypertensive properties. Previously, at the Whitehead Institute, he investigated “proteolethargy” and its association with chronic metabolic diseases and oxidative stress. As a Cheatham-White Scholar at NCCU, Nwakuche has benefited from extensive professional development opportunities that have enriched his academic journey. Beyond research and academics, Nwakuche enjoys music, art, fashion, and exploring new cuisines.

Aaliyah Rapping

Howard University
Aaliyah Rapping is a rising senior at Howard University majoring in psychology with a minor in human development. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Rapping is deeply committed to social justice, health equity, and community-based reforms. Rooted in these passions, her research interests focus on youth empowerment and the intersection of psychology and societal change. Rapping has served as a Teach for America Ignite Fellow, an AmeriCorps Breakthrough Atlanta Teaching Fellow, and a Howard Thurman Contemplative Justice Fellow. Rapping recently conducted research on environmental injustice in Guadeloupe and Pan-African history in Ghana as a Howard University Flagship Ambassador. Rapping’s experience working with youth currently includes mentoring high school students about career paths, teaching in an elementary-school afterschool program, and mentoring detained teens in Washington, D.C. After completing her undergraduate studies, Rapping intends to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology and focus her research and clinical work on healing generational trauma.

Jayden Seay

North Carolina A&T
Jayden Seay is a returning fellow and recent graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and studied secondary history education. He is a researcher, advocate, and educator with a passion for educational equity and advancing justice. He has shared this passion on platforms including Good Morning America, the Washington Post, Uninterrupted’s “HBCUs Rising”, and many other state and local publications. Seay is an advocate for educational equity, student civic engagement, and social change in his community and beyond. He is a strong communicator and leader and is dedicated to helping others recognize their potential and be able to communicate it effectively.

Zion Smith

North Carolina A&T
Zion Smith is a rising junior at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University majoring in General Physics with a primary interest in Astrophysics/Astronomy. As an ambitious undergraduate scholar, Smith was able to operate and manage the Perkins Telescope Observatory in Flagstaff, AZ, where he captured and analyzed spectra of numerous celestial objects. His commitment to astronomical research was evident in his diligent analysis, which led him to present his findings at the most recent National Society of Black Physicists Conference, ultimately earning recognition as a NASA PhysCos Member. Beyond his research, Smith used the conference as an opportunity to network, collaborate, and engage with like-minded individuals, further fueling his aspiration to pursue a career in astronomical research. He is driven by a passion for uncovering the mysteries of the universe and making meaningful contributions to the field. Outside of research and academia, Smith enjoys art, sports, and exploring culinary experiences.

Gabriel Thomas

Delaware State University
Gabriel Thomas is a purpose-driven junior at Delaware State University majoring in chemistry. Her zeal for excellence has earned her academic distinctions, including the President’s List, Honors Program recognition, and membership in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Naturally curious, Thomas perceives science as a canvas for creativity and radical discovery. Lead by this fervor for scientific inquiry, she has indulged in extensive research, from studying synaptic degeneration and sleep at UCLA to investigating neurodegenerative disease models in Drosophila and carbon monolith synthesis for sustainable energy storage solutions at DSU. Guided by the philosophy, “If I could help someone as I travel along, then my living shall not be in vain,” Thomas aspires to be a medicinal chemist, developing transformative solutions while uplifting future generations and underrepresented scientists.

Asia Thompson

North Carolina A&T
Asia Thompson is a rising senior at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University majoring in pre-dentistry. Passionate about health equity, Thompson has conducted research on healthcare mistrust and smoking behavior among racial and ethnic minorities, publishing her findings in RANGE: Undergraduate Research Journal. With over 200 hours dedicated to service, Thompson actively mentors students and develops health-focused community programs. She has interned at the University of Utah’s summer program for undergraduate research, presented research at national conferences, and serves as an Aggie Ambassador, promoting university engagement. Thompson‘s leadership extends to dental outreach, organizing initiatives like science, technology, engineering, mathematics fairs and hands-on learning activities for children. She plans to pursue a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, focusing on improving access to dental care in underserved communities. Through research, advocacy, and service, Thompson is committed to bridging gaps in healthcare and inspiring future generations.

Landen Thompson

Morehouse College
Landen Thompson is a returning fellow and a rising senior, double majoring in biology and sociology from Bay St. Louis, MS, attending Morehouse College. His passion lies in the intersection of biology, medicine, and social determinants of health. Thompson’s career aspiration is to become a clinical research physician after obtaining an MD/PhD. He aims to bridge science and its social implications within the field of healthcare to curate institutionalized changes. Thompson is actively involved in various organizations — Morehouse’s Student Ambassador Program, Morehouse College’s McNair Program, Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity, and Emory Hotspotters. His interests in the field were sparked while participating in a summer research immersion program at the University of Michigan, where he researched the pharmaceutical development of an antimalarial drug. The experience strengthened his dedication to contributing to the field of medicine and improving healthcare outcomes for underserved communities.

A’Nyah Williams

Hampton University
A’Nyah Williams is a returning fellow and a rising junior pursuing her bachelor’s in English and her master’s in education at Hampton University. With a remarkable GPA of 4.0, she demonstrates a strong commitment to academic excellence. Williams is passionate about research, literature, language, and the field of education, aiming to make a positive impact in the lives of students by advancing an agenda of equity, diversity, and inclusion by using effective teaching methods and inspiring curriculum development. In addition to her academic pursuits, Williams is actively involved in the student recruitment team, where she helps promote the university and engage with prospective students. She also serves as a pre-calculus and Spanish tutor, providing academic support to fellow students in these challenging subjects.