UMBC Meyerhoff Scholars Program

February 2010

Washington University School of Medicine, Diversity Research Scholars Visit

Posted on February 1, 2010 3:10 PM |Permalink

Meyerhoff alumni and graduate fellows looking for postdoctoral positions are invited to apply for a two day, expenses paid Diversity Research Scholars Vist hosted by the Washington University School of Medicine. The visit is scheduled for April 28 - 30, 2010.

The deadline to apply is March 1, 2010.

To learn more and apply, click here.

Gerald Lopez Ph.D. (M9) Earns Degree from Georgia Institute of Technology

Posted on February 1, 2010 3:27 PM |Permalink

Dr. Gerald Lopez (M9) '01, computer engineering, recently earned a Ph.D. from Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in electrical and computer engineering in the field of On-Chip Interconnect Process Variations.

Dr. Lopez' research fabricated nanoscopic metallic wires used for electrical testing, modeling and industry projection.

Isaac Matthews (M15), Member of the All Decade Boys Track Team

Posted on February 1, 2010 3:35 PM |Permalink

Isaac Matthews (M15) '07, mechanical engineering, was recently recognized in the Gazette as a member of the All Decade Boys Track Team. Matthews was the 2003 state indoor champion in the 800 meters and at one time, held the county record in the 800 and won multiple county championships.

For a link to the article, click here.

In 2007, Matthews was named the 2007 Arthur Ashe Jr. Male Sports Scholar of the Year. Matthews recently completed his M.S. in engineering and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Trailblazers

Posted on February 2, 2010 2:33 PM |Permalink

Throughout the year we should all reflect on the tremendous contributions of so many great men and women who have done their parts in making this country what it is today. As alumni of the Meyerhoff Scholars Program you are today’s and tomorrow's leaders in science, technology, and engineering related fields in this high-tech global world. What will be your legacy? What sort of impact would you like to make in your life and in the lives of those around you?

While celebrating our legacy and achievements, it is essential to remember those of the shoulders on which you stand. The notable efforts of: Benjamin Banneker, Rebecca Cole, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, George Washington Carver, Archibald Alexander, Lewis Howard Latimer, Madame C J. Walker, Frederick Drew Gregory, and numerous others, have opened the doors and paved the way for future minority doctors, scientists, teachers, computer scientists and engineers. The contributions of these African Americans are remarkable considering their extraordinary social limitations.

We have entered a new decade in a new millennium, and unlike these historical trailblazers you exist in a thriving global society where your service and contributions are limitless. So as we look back and reflect on the contributors of our past, be aware of your own role as leaders and what will be your legacy.

How are you making a difference? Let me know about your trailblazing efforts.

Earnestine B. Baker
erbaker@umbc.edu
410-455-3786

Lekelia Jenkins Ph.D. (M5) Among 12 Scholars Selected to Attend Workshop

Posted on February 17, 2010 1:50 PM |Permalink

Dr. Lekelia "Kiki" Jenkins (M5) '97, biological science, was recently selected as one of only twelve scholars worldwide to attend a workshop entitled "Workshop for the Next Generation of Science and Technology Policy Leaders."

This workshop is part of the Rightful Place of Science Conference hosted by the Consortium for Science, Policy and Outcomes (CSPO) and is scheduled for May 2010 at Arizona State University.

For more information about the conference, click here.

Kevin Beck Ph.D. (M10) Earns Degree from the University of California, Irvine

Posted on February 17, 2010 2:02 PM |Permalink

Dr. Kevin Beck (M10) '02, biological science, successfully defended his dissertation at UC Irvine and earned a Ph.D. in biological sciences with a concentration in anatomy and neurobiology

He co-authored the paper, "Quantitative analysis of cellular inflammation after tramautic spinal cord injury: evidence for a multiphasic inflammatory response in the acute to chronic environment," recently published in Brain: A Journal of Neurology .

Dr. Beck was awarded a fellowship from the NIH sponsored IRCADA (Institutional Research and Career Development Award) Program which aims to promote diversity in STEM disciplines and in April, will begin a post-doc at UC San Diego.

Maryann Salib (M15) Published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry

Posted on February 17, 2010 2:39 PM |Permalink

Maryann Salib (M15), biochemistry and molecular biology, was published as the 2nd author on a paper in the Journal of Biological Chemistry entitled "Hyperglycemia regulates RUNX2 activiation and cellular wound healing through the aldose reductase polyol pathway."

Regina Macatangay M.D. (M8) Completes Residency

Posted on February 17, 2010 2:44 PM |Permalink

Dr. Regina Macatangay (M8) '00, biological science, completed a pediatrics residency at the University of Maryland Hospital for Children in June 2009.

Dr. Macatangay is currently completing her chief resident year and in July 2010 will start a fellowship in pediatric hematology/oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York City.

Nefertiti Durant M.D. (M4) Published in the Journal of School Health

Posted on February 17, 2010 2:53 PM |Permalink

Dr. Nefertiti (Harmon) Durant (M4) '96, interdisciplinary studies, authored three papers related to childhood obesity in 2009. One of these is: "Relation of school environment and policy to adolescent physical activity," published in the Journal of School Health.

Mela Johnson Ph.D. (M13) Earns Degree from Georgia Institute of Technology

Posted on February 17, 2010 3:04 PM |Permalink

Dr. Mela Johnson (M13) '05, mechanical engineering, successfully defended her dissertation in December 2009, and earned a Ph.D. in bioengineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.