Simone Stallings

Hometown: Baltimore, MD

B.S.E., Chemical Engineering

Meyerhoff Scholar

Plans: University of Pennsylvania, M.D./Ph.D. in Bioengineering

 

Why did you choose to attend UMBC?
I choose UMBC because of the multitude of opportunities for me to be not only an engineer but to be active in other aspects of campus life. I found the pursuit of academic excellence at UMBC to be comparable to an ivy league institution while at the same time allowing me to be close to home. The faculty's interest in their students also illustrated to me the desire to provide each student with an excellent education. In addition, the focus of the Meyerhoff Program, to promote the advancement of minorities into Ph.D and M.D/Ph.D. programs, was in line with my long term goal of obtaining a M.D/Ph.D.

What are your future goals or dreams?
As of August of 2001, I will be one step closer to obtaining a M.D/Ph.D. I will be a member of the 2001 M.D/Ph.D class at the University of Pennsylvania. My academic interest is in Bioengineering with a concentration in Tissue Engineering. I intend to specialize in orthopedics/sports medicine. After completing both degrees, I want to use my knowledge of both engineering and medicine to conduct cutting-edge research in the field of orthopedics.

Faculty mentors who made a difference:
At UMBC, I have been blessed with so many supportive mentors -- both professors and
staff -- that I couldn't possible mention just one. During my tenure at UMBC the faculty of the Chemical Engineering department has been behind me 110%. Dr. Rao, Dr. Marten, Dr. Ross and Dr. Sierks have each provided countless hours of advisement and encouragement. Individually, they aided my journey through rigorous coursework to making my final graduate school decision. I couldn't have asked for a more dedicated group of mentors.

The Meyerhoff staff has also left a distinct mark on my experience at UMBC. They have provided resources and opportunities both academically and personally. When days at UMBC seemed less than perfect, I knew I had the support of the staff behind me. I thank God for their presence in my life for they have helped me develop into the person I am today.

And last but surely not least, Dr. Hrabowski. His encouragement has made an enormous difference! My years at UMBC seemed to go just as he predicted. He has a remarkable ability to motivate and I experienced that thorough interacting with him. Even when I didn't believe in myself, he believed in me and that is a feeling words cannot do justice.

Honors and Awards:
Meyerhoff Scholarship
MARC U*STAR Trainee
Janice Lumpkin Chemical
Engineering Award (2001)
NEC All-Conference Women's Lacrosse (1997)
UMBC Women's Field Hockey Most Valuable Player (2000)

Extracurricular activities:
National Society of Black Engineers
Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor's Society
Golden Key Honors Society
Society of Women Engineers
Fellowship of Christians United In Study
Women's Varsity Lacrosse
Women's Club Lacrosse
Women's Varsity Field Hockey
Women's Club Field Hockey
Catonsville Middle School Mentoring Program
Shriver Center Internship Program
President's Student Advisory Board
President's Student Cabinet