Claflin Students Stand Out at Annual Conference for Black Scientists
Claflin University’s visionary scholars in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) made an indelible impression at the 16th Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) held November 9–12, 2016, in Tampa, Fla.
Twenty-four Claflin students attended the conference, submitted abstracts of their research, presented information on internships, and assisted with recruiting. The research abstracts were evaluated and accepted by two anonymous reviewers.
“The conference allows students an opportunity to connect with other students who are aspiring scientists and network with faculty, industry and government representatives,” said Dr. Randall Harris, assistant professor of biology. “Attending the conference also enhances the students presentation skills and makes them more competitive when applying to graduate/professional school.”
Five Claflin students received awards and honors including Ashleigh Farmer, a sophomore biology major (Decatur, Ga.), who was an ABRCMS Travel Award winner. The award provided a grant that covered Farmer’s expenses for travel and participation at the ABRCMS Conference.
Other award winners include Jellisa Ewan (Outstanding Poster Presentation, Neuroscience/from Buff Bay, Portland, Jamaica); Shaquille Shaw (Outstanding Poster Presentation, Biochemistry/from Kingston, Jamaica) and Chantel Duscent (Outstanding Poster Presentation, Microbiology/from Hope Bay, Portland, Jamaica).
Jellisa Ewan and Ludy Martinez (biochemistry/from Orlando, Florida) served as recruiters for the Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research. Both students participated in the company’s 2016 summer scholars internship program.
Other Claflin students who attended the conference were:
- M’Kayla Alston, (biology/from Sumter, S.C.)
- Tiare Brown (biology/from Orangeburg, S.C.)
- Sherlene Brown (biochemistry/from Port Antonio, Portland, Jamaica)
- Taaliah Campbell (biology/from Hollywood, S.C.)
- James Carraway, (biology/from Kingstree, S.C.)
- Kai Cobb (bioinformatics/from Sumter, S,C.)
- Tyrek Commander (biology/from Mayesville, S.C.)
- Keitaris Goldston (biochemistry/from Charleston, S.C.)
- Tyrell Jamison (biology/from North, S.C.)
- Abigael Kosgei, (biochemistry/from Eldoret City, Rift Valley Province, Kenya)
- Charmaine Lindsay (biology/from Port Antonio, Portland, Jamaica)
- Adia Louden (biology/from Columbia, S.C.)
- Janeala Morsby, (biochemistry/from Port Antonio, Portland, Jamaica)
- Deysha Miller (biology/from Kingstree, S.C.)
- Henry Nickson, (biology/from Sugarland, Texas)
- Keiara Reames, (biology/from Greensboro, N.C.)
- Mahalia Sam-Clarke (biotechnology/from Augusta, Ga.)
- Swikriti Shrestha (biochemistry/from Kathmandu, Nepal)
- Ifeanyi Uche, (biochemistry/from Owari, Imo State, Nigeria)
