The STEMPOSIUM Magazine 2022 Edition

STEMPOSIUMThe 2022 Issue

MAGAZINE @LawsonStateCC

20th Anniversary Earning the
Edition Coveted

Celebrating 20 years of White Coat
Excellence in STEM
at A Symbol of
Lawson State Empowerment
Community College
p. 10 for
STEM Scholars
STEM
Enrichment p. 18
Programs

A Closer Look
p. 6

1

Now more than ever, there is a need to establish Pi-STEM E3 Leadership Team
programs to better position the current and next- Dr. Bruce Crawford
generation STEM workforce. The STEM Program at Principal Investigator, NSF Pi-STEM E3 Grant
Lawson State Community College provides several Vice President for Instructional Services
opportunities designed to increase participants’ Lawson State Community College
awareness of STEM fields and/or increase interested Dr. Shawanda Thomas
students’ motivation to persist in the STEM fields. Co-Principal Investigator, NSF Pi-STEM E3 Grant
Lawson State is known for hosting on-campus STEM Director & Mathematics Instructor
STEM activities for middle school, high school, and [email protected]
college students, including the: (205)929-3443
Mrs. Jean Whitlow
STEM Scholars Program STEM Assistant
(for college students) [email protected]
(205)929-3533
STEM Enrichment Institute
(middle/high school) Special Acknowledgments
STEM Bridge Program We would like to acknowledge Lawson State
(high school graduates) Community College President, Dr. Cynthia Anthony,
for being a long-time advocate for student success and
Girls IMPACT Summer Program supporting programs and campus-wide initiatives
(middle/high school) such as the STEM Program.

The core values of the STEM program are Disclaimer
research, integrity, service, and excellence. STEM References to any specific commercial product,
undergraduates who are accepted into the STEM process, service by trade name, trademark,
program are known as STEM scholars. STEM manufacturer, or otherwise, do not constitute or
scholars meet regularly throughout the year, imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by
network with STEM professionals, present research, Lawson State Community College.
receive awards, attend national conferences, and Non-Discrimination Policy
receive invaluable information to develop them It is the policy of the Alabama Community College
academically. System, its Board of Trustees, and Lawson State
The program is generously supported by the Community College, a postsecondary institution
National Science Foundation, mainly through the under its control, that no person shall, on the grounds
Pi-STEM E3 grant (Award # 1719329). of race, color, disability, sex, religion, creed, national
origin, age or any other protected class as defined by
2 The STEMPOSIUM Magazine 2022 Federal and State Law, be excluded from participation
in, be denied the benefit of, or be subjected to
discrimination under any program, activity, or
employment.

2 About IN THIS ISSUE
3 Magazine Contributors
4 NSBE 13 Visit to Samford University
6 Summer STEM Programs 14 ABRCMS 2021
8 Hands-on STEM Projects 15 AAAS HBCU Making and
10 Celebrating 20 Years
11 STEM Alumni Innovation
12 Do STEM Enrichment Programs 16 AHA HBCU Scholars
18 White Coat Ceremony
Work? 20 Is Conducting Research as Important

as Many Say?
21 Research Internships
22 Girls IMPACT

The STEMposium Magazine Contributors

Content Creator/Designer Lead Editor: Lead Writer: Contributing Writer:
Quentin St.Charles
Dr. Shawanda Thomas Dr. Ann Swanberg Dr. Shawanda Thomas STEM Scholar
STEM Director English Instructor STEM Director Lawson State CC
Lawson State CC Lawson State CC Lawson State CC Photo Credits cont.
Photo Credits Photo Credits continued Photo Credits cont. Steven Thompson
Vincent Belfield Erin Howard H. Brehonna Pineda Yemesi Thompson
Dr. Consuella Davis Kaitlyn Jenkins Jaylon Ray Lorlandus Ware
Dr. Betsy Dobbins Preston London Kayla Seals Norvie Womack
Ryan Edwards Dr. Nehemiah Mabry LaRon Shackleford SEI participants
Zoe Evans Dr. Adrienne Madison Quentin St.Charles
Dr. Damaris Gachungi I’yuana Morris Brittney Terry
Tauni Green David Nash A’Lissia Thomas
Carissa Hope Ashton Oliver Dr. Shawanda Thomas

About the Last Issue “This document is phenomenal “Thank you so much for sharing!
and worthy of wide distribution in This is so awesome! You and your
“…the STEMPOSIUM is simply the STEM community on all levels.” colleagues are at the forefront of
amazing, awesome, phenomenal…
Dr. Bruce Crawford, Broadening Participation.”
plus some!” Vice President Best wishes,
Dr. Cynthia Anthony,
for Instructional Services Mohammed A. Qazi
President Professor, Dept. of Mathematics
Lawson State Community College
Tuskegee University

Introducing the Lawson State Community College Chapter of

The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is one The Lawson State Community College Chapter of the
of the largest student-governed organizations based in National Society of Black Engineers was established
the United States. NSBE, founded in 1975, supports on March 3, 2021, and all STEM scholars became
and promotes the aspirations of collegiate and pre- members. The STEM program also participated in the
collegiate students and technical professionals in virtual NSBE47 conference on April 5-9, 2021.
engineering and technology. The NSBE47 Convention was a new experience for all.
With more than 600 chapters and more than 24,000 The platform, called Private Campus, was completely
active members in the U.S. and abroad, NSBE’s mission virtual and attendees were able to create their own
is “to increase the number of culturally responsible avatars with the ability to change their appearance
black engineers who excel academically, succeed and attire. The avatars were able to walk around the
professionally and positively impact the community.” “campus” to find their preferred workshops just like
History an actual in-person conference. Amazingly, registered
In 1974, Edward Coleman, Anthony Harris, Brian attendees had the option of talking to other attendees
Harris, Stanley L. Kirtley, John W. Logan Jr., and George who were next to them from a simple push of a button.
Smith (the “Chicago Six”) along with a host of other Not only did NSBE47 attendees attend a virtual career
Purdue Engineering students and professor Arthur J. fair, they also participated in virtual workshops which
Bond, Ph.D. formed the first chapter. The first meeting included titles such as:
of NSBE was held at Purdue in April 1975 with 48 •Applying for Your First Job 101 - Back to Basics
students from 32 schools. In 1989, Dr. Arthur J. Bond •7 Essential Principles to Set Yourself Apart as a Young
joined Tuskegee University as head of its department Professional
of electrical engineering. In 1992, Bond became the •Engineers and Technologists - Leaders Through
Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology Uncertainity
at Alabama A&M University. While a student at •“Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It”: Using Lean to Be Successful
Purdue, Bond was an activist in the cause of increasing in Any Environment by GE
black enrollment and retention in engineering and •Build Your Own Box: Defining Your Personal Path to
technology. Career Success by American Express
NSBE boasts many benefits for members, including: •Fast Track to Certified: Leveraging Internships,
scholarships, internship and job opportunities, Research, and Class Work for Certifications by
community service involvement, awards, and Honeywell
leadership and professional development. •Become a Master of Change with Accenture
•Networking Intelligence
4 The STEMPOSIUM Magazine 2022 •Going All in With Your Career
•5 Ways to Unleash Your Super Powers with LinkedIn
•The Truth About Your First Job Offer

The theme of NSBE47 was “The Holistic Engineer.” Above: Images from NSBE’s virtual convention. Registrants
LSCC NSBE47 Attendees included: Preston London, were able to create their own avatars and navigate the
H. Brehonna Pineda, LaRon Shackleford, Quentin convention while connecting with others.
St.Charles, Lorlandus Ware, and Dr. Shawanda Thomas, Above: NSBE47 participants attend sessions virtually.
STEM Director.
The 2022 NSBE Executive Board at Lawson State
Community College are:
President
Kenneth Powell (Electrical Engineering)
Vice President
Jonathan Sevilla (Materials Engineering)
Secretary
Kyla Smith, (Biology)
Treasurer
DaVonte Curtis (Computer Science)
To join the Lawson State NSBE chapter, students must
be enrolled in a science, technology, engineering, or
mathematics degree plan. The membership fee is $15
annually. The NSBE membership year spans August 1–
July 31.
----------------------------------------------------------------
For more information, contact the LSCC NSBE Advisors:
Dr. Shawanda Thomas ([email protected]) or
Mrs. Jean Whitlow ([email protected]).
----------------------------------------------------------------

STEM: A Closer Look

The 2021 STEM Enrichment Institute & Tauni showing off her certificate
2021 STEM Bridge Program of participation from SEI.

The Pi-STEM E3 grant (Award # 1719329) at Lawson State Community
College sponsors several STEM opportunies during the summer for middle
and high school students.

The STEM Enrichment Institute, also known as SEI, seeks to provide STEM
enrichment and academic enhancement for middle and high school students
(8th - 12th grade). Summer participants met virtually in 2021, and eligible
participants were given the opportunity to take a math course at Lawson
State as a dually enrolled student while also participating in the SEI program.
As a result, these students were able to gain college credit in the summer.
The math course was funded by the STEM program. Additionally, while in
the program, participants received the opportunity to converse with STEM
professionals and complete STEM projects and engage in weekly discussion
Boards, ACT Prep and programming/coding classes. Participants created
apps and constructed a solar robot for Summer 2021.

The STEM Bridge Pathways to College Program seeks to provide STEM
enrichment and academic enhancement to recent high school graduates.
The program’s intention is to successfully bridge the high school graduates
to a college environment. As a result, one major difference is that STEM
Bridge participants are required to take one math course at Lawson State
during the summer while participating in the STEM enrichment portion of
the summer program. The math class and related expenses are paid for by
the Lawson State STEM program.

Our 2021 SEI/Bridge Speakers

Dr. Nehemiah Mabry, Structural Engineer and Entrepreneur Dr. Nehemiah Mabry

Founder of STEMedia Inc.

Dr. Nehemiah James Mabry, P.E., is a Structural Engineer, STEM Educator, and
Entrepreneur based in Raleigh, North Carolina. His experience includes over 8
years of research at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA),
and he works as a Bridge Design Engineer at Simpson Engineers & Associates.
As a PhD student at NC State University, he founded STEMedia Incorporated in
2012. STEMedia is a media company that provides inspirational and educational
creative content for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
community. Since its inception, Dr. Mabry has won national awards, engaged
thousands through public speaking and lectures, and partnered with several
organizations, businesses, and academic institutions in STEM outreach.
Social Media: @STEMedia | Website: https://www.stemedia.org/
6 The STEMPOSIUM Magazine 2022

Our 2021 SEI/Bridge Speakers continued Dr. Adrienne Madison
Dr. Betsy Dobbins
Dr. Adrienne Madison, Biomechanical Engineer Dr. Consuella Davis

Dr. Adrienne is currently the Chief of the Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention and
Protection Team at the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory in Fort Rucker,
Alabama. In her current role, she oversees injury biomechanics research aimed at
ensuring that the helmets and helmet systems soldiers wear in military environments
do not contribute to decreased mission performance or increase the risk of neck/back
injuries. Dr. Madison is a biomechanical engineer by training and was first introduced
to this union of medicine and engineering through her maternal grandmother’s diabetic
complications. Her interests in prosthetic devices and artificial organs led her to the
University of Tennessee-Knoxville where she received a Bachelor of Science degree
in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Materials Science and Engineering. Dr.
Madison holds the honorable distinction of being the first graduate from University of
Georgia’s newly established College of Engineering in 2013, where she earned her Doctor
of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Biological and Agricultural Engineering.

Dr. Betsy Dobbins, Professor at Samford University

Dr. Elizabeth “Betsy” Dobbins is a professor of Biological and Environmental Sciences
at Samford University. She received degrees from the University of California, Los
Angeles and Auburn University. She is the director of the Samford STEM Program (NSF
grant DUE-1458811 “Persistence and Achievement in STEM for Community College
Transfer Students”) that provides mentoring and funding to help community college
students transfer to Samford to complete their undergraduate education. Dr. Dobbins’
research involves small, bottom-dwelling macroinvertebrates (insects and worms), water
chemistry and microbial source tracking to explore the impacts of urban development on
the water quality in local creeks and rivers in the Black Warrior and Cahaba River basins
in the Birmingham area.

Dr. Consuella Davis, Forensic Scientist and Educator

Dr. Consuella A. Davis is the Assistant Director of Sponsored Grants, Adjunct Biology
Instructor, Site/Campus Coordinator for LSMAMP, NASA, GeoAg, with Hinds
Community College. She is also a member of the MS Alliance for Biomedical Research and
the Mississippi IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence. Dr. Davis previously
served as the Career Development Academy Project Manager and Academic Coordinator
for Hinds Community College. Before beginning her career in Interdisciplinary Science
Education, she worked as a Forensic Biologist with the Mississippi Crime Laboratory,
Lab Technologist and Research Associate in Immunogenetics/DNA and Neurological
Research at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She continues to research
factors that influence the attainment of STEM degrees amongst minority populations
and is an advocate for increasing the presence of minorities in STEM education. Dr.
Davis earned a Ph.D. from The University of Southern Mississippi in Biology Education,
M. S. Degree in Biology from Jackson State University with research in Environmental
Science, and a B. S. degree in Biology Pre-Med, also from Jackson State University.

Acknowledgments | 2021 STEM Interns: Kera Dudley, Jeriah Henry, I’yuana Morris, and Kayla Seals 7

STEMHands-on Projects Above and right: Photos of SEI participants completing
water project activity.
Summer 2021 SEI and Bridge participants completed hands-
on STEM projects including a “Drinking Water and Public STEM Program Testimonials
Health” project. Partcipants were required to research “Hey Dr. Thomas, I just received all
recent water crises in the United States other than the Flint, three packages today. I am so grateful
Michigan crisis. Afterwards, participants completed a water and thankful for you and the STEM
testing activity using a water kit that tested for 16 parameters, PROGRAM!!! I am going to put this
including: pH, hardness, chlorine, lead, iron, and copper. color monitor and everything else to
Participants collected samples from various water bottle great use. Also, I have been learning a lot
brands and their own faucet water. Results were entered into of new math in Pre-Calculus that is very
a Google spreadsheet and analyzed by each participant. See interesting...learning about sine, cosine,
photos of participants (on the right) while completing their tangent, and cotangent. I recently took the
individual projects at home. ACT as well. I’m praying that I do great on
Other activities completed by SEI and Bridge participants it! Thank you so much I really appreciate
included a money management project. In the money you all.”
management project, participants were assigned STEM careers Sincerely,
and had to balance a monthly budget based on their individual William Battle
salaries considering taxes and other expenses. Below are post- “Thank you and your team for selecting
survey responses related to the activities completed during Maia Eason to participate in the awesome
the summer program. Thirty-five percent of the participants summer program. The virtual experience
responded that the “Money Management” project was the was engaging and stimulated a lot of dinner
activity that they benefitted from the most followed by the talks between Maia and I, so I can’t thank
“Water Testing Activity” at 29%. you enough for lighting the spark in my
daughter! Maia received her Mathgic box
Above: SEI Post-survey results to the question, “Which weekly STEM of goodies and was so happy!! Thank you
activity did you get the most out of doing?” for continuing to engage her post-summer
program activities. We look forward to
SEI and Bridge participants also received STEM kits through Maia continuing her STEM growth through
the mail since the 2021 program was virtual. The STEM kits Lawson State.
included additional activities such as a solar robot project, All the best to you and your awesome team!”
resources for ACT preparation, and a manual to help build Many Thanks,
study skills. One participant wrote, “The most memorable Tonya Eason
moment would have to be the one where everyone got boxes
from the college, and we talked about what was in them the
day after we got them.”

8 The STEMPOSIUM Magazine 2022

9

LSCC STEM | History in the Making

The Year 2022 marks the 20th year anniversary of Center of Excellence in STEM in the state of Alabama.
STEM at Lawson State Community College. STEM Scholars compete nationally on an annual
basis and have won many awards and accolades for
History their STEM research presentations.
It all began in the Year 2002 when Lawson State Q: What do you like or did you like MOST about the
Community College was awarded a 1-year planning STEM Scholars Program?
grant titled, “Planning Grant for Infrastructure in “Being a part of the STEM program allowed me to
Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Science be around other STEM majors which allowed us
(ITEMS) at Lawson State to lean on each other for support or study together
Community College (Award while navigating difficult courses. Being required to
#0207554” that was written do a summer research internship introduced me to
by Dr. Bruce Crawford, Vice a new world of research, which allowed me to meet
President for Instructional like-minded students from other schools and create
Services. The purpose of a network.”
the planning grant were: Damaris Gachungi | Alumni STEM Scholar
to assess the status of Current Pharmacist
Lawson State’s science, “[The] support system is like a family, with research
technology, engineering opportunities and conferences.”
and mathematics (STEM) Above: Dr. Bruce Crawford Rhythm Williams | Alumni STEM Scholar
Current UAB student
infrastructure; to provide the “I like that it introduces us to so many opportunities
institution the opportunity to identify and describe and makes us have an open mind. The advisors also
the challenges and barriers to STEM infrastructure make sure we have every resource we need as far as
development; and to develop a plan of action to school and things we should know about on campus.”
engage more community college students in STEM Zoe Evans | Current STEM Scholar
fields. Biology Major
“What I liked the most about this program was the
On September 1, 2005, Lawson State was awarded opportunities that I did not know of until joining the
the first implementation grant titled, “Students, STEM program such as PTK, NSBE, etc.”
Teachers, Educational Partners, and Undergraduate Quentin St.Charles| Current STEM Scholar
Programs in Science, Technology, Engineerings, Computer Science Major
and Mathematics Career Paths at Lawson State “The thing I like most about the STEM Program is
Community College (Award #0506164)”, better how much they bring opportunities for scholarships
known as STEP-UP. Dr. Crawford was the Principal and internships.”
Investigator for the STEP-UP grant. Isaiah Bastien | Current STEM Scholar
Computer Science Major
Dr. Tracey Wilson, Biology instructor and Natural
Sciences Department Chair, was the first project
director of the implementation grant from 2005
through January 2007. Dr. Calvin Briggs accepted
the responsibility of Project Director in 2007. In
2019, Dr. Shawanda Thomas was appointed STEM
Director. The STEM Program at Lawson State boasts
many accomplishments including having the only

10 The STEMPOSIUM Magazine 2022

Alumni STEM Scholars
Where Are They Now?

Dr. Damaris Gachungi is currently a Pharmacist Above: I’yuana Morris(right)
for Rite Aid in Hampton Roads, Virginia. After at the College of Veterinary
graduating from Lawson State Community College Medicine at the University of
with an Associate’s degree in Pre-Pharmacy in
2014, she attended Hampton University School of Missouri
Pharmacy from 2015 to 2019 and received a Pharm.D.
Above: Damaris Gachungi Damaris is a passionate pharmacist who takes pride
in the profession which allows her to become an
advocate for her patients, embrace change, and have
an innovative approach towards challenges.

Above: Brittney Terry Brittney Terry is a Ph.D. candidate in the Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Above: Adriene Gadsden department at the University of California, Riverside. She was named an NSF Fellow
and a GEM Intel Fellow, allowing her the opportunity to learn and network with Intel’s
vast professional pool while also continuing her university research. Her current
research focuses on the fabrication of high entropy alloys, analyzing these novel alloys
for superior mechanical properties such as high strength and excellent wear resistance.
Brittney graduated from Lawson State Community with an Associate’s in Mathematics
in 2016. She continued her studies at Samford University as a STEM Scholar and
received a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics/Applied Physics in 2019.
Ms. Adriene Gadsden is a Software Engineer at FIS Global in Birmingham, AL. She
graduated from Lawson State Community College with an Associate’s degree in
Computer Science with Honors in May 2017 and Samford University with a Bachelor’s
in Computer Science with a minor in Math in December 2019. While attending
Samford University, she participated in the STEM Program and the Association of
Computing Machinery. She also travelled abroad to Seville, Spain to take Spanish
courses for one summer. In 2020, she started her professional career full time working
at BBVA as a big data developer. In 2021, she started her entrepreneur career in web
development and graphic designs with Eutopyah, LLC.

Above: I’yuana Morris I’yuana Morris was accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University
of Missouri in 2021 (pictured above) where she currently resides. After graduating
from Lawson State Community College with an Associate’s in Animal Science in May
2019, I’yuana attended Alabama A&M University and graduated with a Bachelor’s
degree in Animal Bio/Health Science in 2021. In 2020 and 2021, I’yuana has assisted
the Lawson State Summer STEM Programs as a STEM Intern for the STEM Enrichment
Institute (SEI), STEM Bridge Program, and the Girls IMPACT Summer Program.

11

Do STEM Enrichment Programs Work?

Now more than ever, it is important that we organize course at Lawson State Community College. Kayla
and support programs that lead to students gaining is now enrolled at the University of Alabama. In the
an interest in STEM and maintaining an interest in Spring of 2021, she reached out to Dr. Thomas, the
STEM from high school to college. STEM Director, by email.

That’s especially true for girls. According Kayla wrote, “My name is
to the research, women continue to be vastly Kayla Seals. I was a part
underrepresented in STEM fields, particularly of the Bridge Program last
engineering and computer science. summer, and I am now
flourishing at the University
Lawson State Community College has been host to of Alabama with a B+ in
several programs that encourage girls to pursue STEM mathematics which is the
fields. In 2019, Lawson State was awarded a grant highest grade I have ever
titled, “The Lawson State - NCBW Aspiring STEM had in a math class. I am
Professionals program,” which was sponsored by the also a first year Sophomore Above: Kayla Seals

Thurgood Marshall due to dual enrollment credit from Lawson State
College Fund and Apple. Community College, and I will be on the Dean’s List
The Aspiring STEM at the University of Alabama for Fall 2021 and Spring
Professionals program 2021 with dreams of becoming a surgeon. I was also
overarching goal was a part of Girls IMPACT when I was in middle school.
to increase the number I enjoyed both programs and benefited a lot from
of young women who them. I would love to make sure other students have
choose a career in the same impact I did and I was wondering if either
science, technology, program was looking for volunteers to help out with
engineering, and students for the summer. I will be taking classes over
mathematics. The the summer at Lawson State Community College at
program impacted over the Birmingham Campus during the week. I will fit
535 women in one year. Above: Kaitlyn Jenkins the programs into my schedule and would like to help
Two of those participants, out as much as I can.”
Zoe Evans and Kaitlyn Jenkins, are now current
STEM Scholars at Lawson State Community College. For Summer 2021,
Zoe is a biology major with plans to become an Kayla was an intern
Occupational Therapist. Kaitlyn is a computer science for both the STEM
major with plans to become a Software Engineer. Enrichment Institute
and the Girls IMPACT
Lawson State Community College is also home to Summer Program.
the Girls IMPACT Summer Program. The program
was founded by Dr. Shawanda Thomas in 2016 (see These are just a few Above: Zoe Evans
more details about Girls IMPACT on page 22). Kayla examples of how STEM
Seals was one of the very first participants of the Girls enrichment programs
IMPACT program in 2016. She also participated can make a difference
in the STEM Bridge Program at Lawson State for our youth, especially
Community College in 2020. As a requirement of girls.
the Bridge program, Kayla was enrolled in one math
12 The STEMPOSIUM Magazine 2022

Professional Development Day
for STEM Scholars at

Samford University

Lawson State STEM Scholars were invited to attend a Above: 2022 STEM Scholars take a photo with an alumni
Professional Development Day for STEM Scholars at LSCC STEM Scholar, Adriene Gadsden.
Samford University on Friday, February 25, 2022. Dr. Above: STEM Scholars on a campus tour.
Betsy Dobbins, STEM Director at Samford, organized
the event. The trip to Samford was refreshing for
the program as this was the first field trip for STEM
scholars since the 2020 ERN Conference.
Scholars enjoyed lunch at the cafeteria followed by a
walking tour of the campus. At the end of the campus
tour, the professional development activities began.
Both Lawson State and Samford STEM Scholars
heard from a panel of local STEM professionals
including alumna and Lawson State STEM Scholar,
Adriene Gadsden, who is now a Software Engineer
for FIS Global. Afterwards, the scholars received the
opportunity to talk one-on-one with local company
representatives.

Above: Scholars learn more about Samford Admissions. Above: Andrew Maines, Admission Counselor, presents.

Above: Adriene Gadsden demonstrates what she does Above: STEM Scholars talk to STEM professionals.
as a Software Engineer.

The Annual Biomedical Research Conference for University, Howard University, Morehouse College,
Minority Students (ABRCMS) is one of the largest and New York University (NYU).
communities of underrepresented minorities in The ABRCMS Awards Ceremony was held on
science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Saturday, November 13, 2021. One of our scholars,
In 2021, over two thousand students from around H. Brehonna Pineda, was selected as a recipient
the country attended the conference to present their of an ABRCMS 2021 Presentation Award in the
research, enhance professional development skills, Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics category for
explore graduate schools, and network. Fourteen her research presentation titled, “Protection Against
Lawson State Community College(LSCC) STEM Disaster: Architectural Design.” Her research involves
Scholars attended the virtual conference from finding alternative design solutions to better equip
November 10-13, 2021. homes during tornados. As a result, she will receive a
The following three STEM Scholars’ research abstracts certificate and a $300 cash prize.
were accepted for ePoster presentations at ABRCMS A special thank you goes to Melanie Wilson, Speech
2021: Instructor, and Rebecca Duncan, Arts and Humanities
Chair, for their willingness to critique the scholars’
Preston London | Major: Electrical Engineering presentations in preparation for submissions to
Research Title: “Police Fatalities in the U.S. from ABRCMS. Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Duncan attended
STEM scholar meetings and gave invaluable feedback
2000 to 2020: A Data Science Project” related to their presentations.
Ashton Oliver | Major: Biomedical Engineering The LSCC STEM Program continues to seek exemplary
Research Title: “Computational Fluid Dynamics students in science, technology, engineering, and
Enables Visualization of Plaque Susceptible Regions mathematics who are emerging scholars. LSCC family,
if you are aware of intellectually and intrinsically
Associated with Atherosclerosis” motivated students who have at least a 3.0 grade point
Hailey Brehonna Pineda | Major: Biology average and are pursuing fields such as engineering,
Research Title: “Protection Against Disaster: biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and
mathematics, please encourage them to apply to the
Architectural Design” STEM Program at:
During the conference, presenters were requested to http://www.lawsonstate.edu/STEM.aspx
respond to attendees’ and judges’ questions by email
during their scheduled live chat sessions. After the STEM Scholars who presented at ABRCMS 2021
sessions were completed, the presenters received Left to right: Preston London, Ashton Oliver, and H.
individualized competitor reports through a judging Brehonna Pineda
platform called RocketJudge. The LSCC STEM
scholars competed against students from well-known
institutions such as Cornell University, Clemson

14 The STEMPOSIUM Magazine 2022

Four STEM Scholars decided to participate in a AAAS Project Team - Left to right: Lorlandus Ware, H. Bre-
national competition called the American Association honna Pineda, Quentin St.Charles, and Preston London
for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) HBCU
Making and Innovation Showcase. The showcase Above: 17 United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals
is one of several activities under the NSF-awarded Above: Design of prototype by STEM scholar project team
“Enhancing Making and Innovation Capacity for HBCU
Students and Faculty Via an Inclusive Community of
Practice” grant. The showcase is designed to provide
an opportunity for students to showcase the talent and
innovation at their institution.
The HBCU Making and Innovation Showcase was
developed to allow HBCU student entrepreneurs,
inventors, and innovators to collaborate to design a
hardware or software prototype that addresses one of
the 17 United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals
(SDG). With the SDGs as a guiding foundation, teams
were encouraged to research and address social justice and
environmental issues in their hometown communities or
the community surrounding their institution.
The Lawson State AAAS Project Team were: Preston
London (Mechanical Engineering), H. Brehonna Pineda
(Biology), Quentin St.Charles (Computer Science), and
Lorlandus Ware (Computer Science). The project idea
involved research related to strengthening the structural
integrity of homes during extreme weather conditions
such as tornadoes in “Dixie Alley.” The team was required
to submit a prototype presentation and a 2-minute pitch
video before July 30, 2021. The entire team had to appear
on camera to deliver the presentation. The presentation
included details about the problem identified, the solution
design, the team members, and the prototyped solution.
See YouTube video: https://youtu.be/MYgYjla_qfo
The Making & Innovation Showcase was held September
23, 2021 – September 25, 2021. The Lawson State
STEM Team was invited to participate in the Making
& Innovation Showcase as a result of submiting all
requiremtns for the competition, but due to an increase
in COVID cases at the time, decided not to travel to
Washington, DC.

Above: Final Prototype created by STEM scholar project
team

HBCU SCHOLARS PROGRAM

The American Heart Association(AHA) is committed Above: Zoe Evans (left) and A’Lissia Thomas (right) at
to enhancing education for minorities through the 2022 AHA HBCU Scholars Research Symposium and
strategic partnerships with minority-serving Awards Ceremony in Nashville, TN on April 6-7, 2022
educational institutions. To promote the advancement
of the next generation of African American scientists Scientific Sessions
and healthcare professionals trained to understand the 4. Travel to an annual Research Symposium;
impact of cardiovascular disease in their communities, 5. Poster presentation of yearlong research project
the AHA Historically Black Colleges and Universities at the Symposium
Scholars Program was launched in 2015. 6. Opportunities 3-5 times a year to participate in
In 2019, the American Heart Association HBCU virtual professional development workshops
Scholars Program expanded its offerings to include 7. Team building and leadership training to
Lawson State Community College students. This promote peer bonding, and
initiative provides year-long, hands-on academic 8. Engagement with local AHA offices to promote
scientific research, professional mentoring, leadership outreach and engagement in their communities.
skills and cultural competence training to promising Other AHA HBCU scholar partners include:
undergraduate students at HBCUs. Benedict College, Central State University, Clark
AHA believes that ensuring a diverse pool of students Atlanta University, Dillard University, Fisk
pursuing science and health is vital. African American University, Florida A&M University, Jackson
healthcare providers, public health professionals, State University, Lemoyne-Owen College, Miles
and researchers will enhance medical treatment of College, Morehouse College, North Carolina
minorities and help close significant health disparities. A&T State University, North Carolina Central
Engagement in health and science focused pipeline University, Shelton State Community College,
programs has been noted as a significant factor in the Southern University, Spelman College, Stillman
success of minority students. College, Tennessee State University, Tougaloo
The 2022 AHA HBCU Scholars representing Lawson College, Tuskegee University, Wilberforce
State Community College are Zoe Evans (Biology) and University, Winston-Salem State University, and
A’Lissia Thomas (Animal Science). Past Lawson State Xavier University.
AHA HBCU scholars since 2019 were Erin Howard,
Ashton Oliver, Ajah Gross, and Rhythm Williams.
The AHA HBCU Scholars experience includes:
1. A full academic year of research experience that
includes cardiovascular disease related research in
most cases
2. Individual mentoring by volunteer researchers,
many of whom conduct cardiovascular disease related
research
3. Travel to an AHA international conference, such as
16 The STEMPOSIUM Magazine 2022

AHA HBCU Scholars receive the opportunity to Left to right: A’Lissia Thomas(STEM Scholar), Dr.
travel throughout the year. For 2022, Zoe Evans and Shawanda Thomas (STEM Director), and Zoe Evans
A’Lissia Thomas traveled to New Orleans, LA for an (STEM Scholar)
International Stroke Conference on February 9-11,
2022.
They were also honored at the AHA HBCU
Scholars Program Research Symposium, Dinner
and Awards Ceremony held at the Nashville
Marriott at Vanderbilt University on April 6-7,
2022 along with 48 other HBCU scholars across
the Southeastern United States. Zoe Evans and
A’Lissia Thomas presented their research before
AHA representatives and guests. Mentors from each
institution were also invited to attend the ceremony.

2021-22 AHA HBCU Scholar (Lawson State) 2021-22 AHA HBCU Scholar (Lawson State)
A’Lissia Thomas Zoe Evans
Major: Animal Science Major: Biology
Title of Research
Title of Research Gender and Racial Disparities in Patients
Recurrent Rejection in the Current Era of Pediatric Following LVAD Implantation: The Effect of
Heart Transplantation: A Multi-Institutional Study Adverse Events on Health-Related Quality of Life
Outcomes
Mentor:
Devin Koehl, Statistician Mentor: Dr. Brandon Singletary, Epidemiologist
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

The STEM White Coat Ceremony

The STEM White Coat Ceremony was held virtually on April
30, 2021. The purpose of the event is to recognize STEM
scholars for their participation in the STEM program and for
their research and scholarly accomplishments at Lawson State
Community College. Thank you to family, friends, faculty,
staff, and administrators of Lawson State Community College
who attended the event on April 30, 2021 to show their
support. Dr. Cynthia Anthony, President of the College, was
the speaker for the 2021 White Coat Ceremony. The theme
was “Developing the Next Generation of STEM Thought
Leaders.” All Lawson STEM Scholars were recognized during
the ceremony.

2021 White Coat Ceremony Invitation

18 The STEMPOSIUM Magazine 2022 The Lawson State STEM Program is funded
generously by the National Science Foundation.
Learn about some of the programs below.
The Implementation Project, Pathways into STEM
- Enrichment, Engagement, and Empowerment
(Pi-STEM E3) at Lawson State Community
College, is designed to address critical labor force
issues in the STEM educational and workforce
pipelines by targeting underrepresented groups
and nontraditional students by creating multiple
pathways to STEM career options. Lawson State
Community College is the prime awardee of the
Pi-STEM E3 grant.
The Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority
Participation (LSAMP) program’s theory is
based on the Tinto model for student retention.
The overall goal of the program is to assist
universities and colleges in diversifying the
nation’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM) workforce by increasing
the number of STEM baccalaureate and graduate
degrees awarded to populations historically
underrepresented in these disciplines.
The NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM)
program addresses the need for a high quality

STEM workforce in STEM disciplines. The Eligibility to receive a white coat requires:
MAKERS S-STEM model is designed to integrate 1) participation in a creditable research
STEM enrichment, research, and peripheral experience (as part of a summer internship,
activities. MAKERS’ hallmark intervention will Co-Op, or academic year experience)
be “Learning by Making,” which will involve 2) the dissemination of said research via
interdisciplinary scholar clusters identifying conference presentations or publications.
and investigating problems affecting their local 3) demonstration of ethical behavior and
communities and applying their STEM knowledge integrity in all academic pursuits
to “make” a product that has the potential to solve 4) maintaining at least a 3.0 grade point average
those problems. The white coat is not just a garment; it is a
The Purpose of the “White Coat” symbol of empowerment for students. As a
The STEM White Coat Ceremony is an observance result, Lawson State students are encouraged
of the research efforts of students pursuing and to participate in summer Research Experiences
engaging in rigorous scientific research. The for Undergraduates (REUs) each summer
research is typically the result of intense literature to earn this coveted prize. Once a student
reviews, lab experiments, and/or data analysis becomes a STEM scholar, they are given access
via an established research methodology. To this to a Blackboard STEM portal which contains a
end, all Lawson State Community College STEM plethora of information regarding internships,
Scholars are expected to engage in research during Co-Ops, scholarships, and other STEM-
their tenure at Lawson State. related opportunities.

The following STEM scholars received white coats during the 2021 ceremony:

2021 White Coat Recipient Research Title Research Experience
LSCC STEM REU
Vincent Belfield The Correlations Between the Complexity of (Summer 2020)
Major: Mechanical Engineering Organisms and Insulin Receptors AHA HBCU Scholars
Program (2020-21)
Erin Howard The Impact of Obesity and LVAD-bridging on AHA HBCU Scholars
Heart Transplant Candidate Outcomes Program (2020-21)
Major: Biology

Ashton Oliver A Relation Between Kidney Injury and COVID-19
Major: Biomedical Engineering

Above: Vincent Belfield is Above: Erin Howard Above: Ashton Oliver is a
a Mechanical Engineering is a Biology major Biomedical Engineering
major at Alabama A&M at UAB.
major at UAB.
University.

“Thought leaders are the informed opinion leaders and the go-to people in their field of expertise. a1T9l iht ye,y
become the trusted sources who move and inspire people with innovative ideas; turn id eas into re
and know and show how to replicate their success.” - Thought Leadership Lab

Is Conducting Research as
Important as Many Say?

By STEM Scholar, Quentin St.Charles | Major: Computer Science

Conducting research begins with finding a problem at the 2022 Joint HBCU-UP/LSAMP/S-STEM Virtual
and then solving said problem. The solving is done by Conference on April 10, 2022. I was nervous before
analyzing and gathering information and concluding. the event began and was anxious during the event.
Then you share your findings with an audience or by When it was my turn to present my findings, I was
publishing them. Is conducting research as important terrified, but that feeling went away in the middle of
as many say? the presentation. I felt relaxed and confident in what
In the summer of 2021, my group and I collaborated I was saying. I usually feel that I am out of my depth,
on a prototype that would, in theory, improve the but in this moment, I felt that I was one with my peers.
quality of home production in tornado areas, focusing So, is conducting research as important as many say?
on “Dixie Alley.” First, we came up with an idea to Yes, it is important for your growth as a professional.
start from, one that the group agreed upon. Next, we When I finished presenting, I felt a rush of euphoria
organized a schedule of days to meet. We then split and felt like I could do more presentations in the
up the workload and researched different aspects future, but maybe that was only a thought for just that
of housing design, building materials, and ways to moment.
improve current construction practices. Now, after conducting and presenting research, I
A visual aid is great feel like I gained skills and know what to expect
for grounding an and how to improve for the next time. I may have
audience and allowing faced difficulties working within a group setting and
them to connect to researching something not related to my interests
what is being shown and feeling out of my league. Despite all of that, I got
to them. The model through it and improved in areas in which I lacked.
used for the prototype As a student or just a person, you always find ways to
was the most difficult improve yourself and change even just a little bit.
part of this research;
finding something to Quentin St.Charles completed a team project for
show others what our the AAAS HBCU Making & Innovation Showcase
idea would look like in practice. The ideas bounced in 2021. The project made it to the 2nd round of
around from 3-D printing, modeling clay, to cardboard, the competition. The AAAS project team worked
and landed on cardboard and clay. The model laid out diligently on the project throughout the summer.
all our ideas for people who were unfamiliar with our
goal.
The final step was to present our findings. I had the
pleasure of presenting my research to an audience of
fellow students and professors from different schools

20 The STEMPOSIUM Magazine 2022

Summer 2021 Internships | Several STEM Scholars took advantage of paid summer internship opportunites for
summer 2021. The length of the internships ranged from 4 weeks to 10 weeks, and the stipend amounts for such

internships range from $2,000 to $6,000.

STEM Scholar Summer 2021 Experience

1 Ryan Edwards UAB Blazing to Biomedical Careers Program
2 Zoe Evans UAB Blazing to Biomedical Careers Program

3 Preston London GA-AL LSAMP Summer Research Explorer Program
4 David Nash GA-AL LSAMP Summer Research Explorer Program
5 Ashton Oliver UAB Blazing to Biomedical Careers Program
6 Jaylon Ray NASA Aerospace Community College Scholars Experience
7 LaRon Shackleford UAB Center for Nanoscale Materials & Biointegration (CNMB)
8 Yemesi Thompson UAB Blazing to Biomedical Careers Program

Internship Highlights Above: Ashton Oliver
presents his research during
The Blazing to Biomedical Careers (BBC) program at UAB provides an
opportunity for area community college students to enter into advanced the 2021 BBC Research
biomedical research careers. It is part of a larger National Institutes of Health Poster Session.
(NIH) initiative to create an upward momentum for students who do not
have access to advanced biomedical training and careers. The BBC program Above: Ryan Edwards
has the special mission of serving groups that are underrepresented in presents his research during
science professions, including: racial minorities, women, and rural students.
The research phase consists of students spending a 10-week internship each the 2021 BBC Research
summer (40 hours per week) carrying out a research project in a laboratory Poster Session.
at one of UAB’s funded biomedical researchers. For more information about
BBC, contact Dr. Tracey Wilson, LSCC BBC Program Coordinator, at twilson@ 21
lawsonstate.edu.

The GA-AL LSAMP Summer Research Explorer Program (SREP) is a four-
week paid internship opportunity offered at Clark Atlanta University to
promote student interest in research disciplines. Qualified candidates must be
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) undergraduates
and rising sophomores and above. This is a great opportunity to participate
in research training, integrated with academic coursework and professional
development. Selected candidates earn a stipend, prepaid campus housing,
transportation, and subsistence.

NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) builds a diverse future
STEM workforce by engaging two-year, degree-seeking students in authentic
learning experiences. Scholars who successfully complete Mission 1 may receive
an invitation to participate in the engineering design experience. During the
experience, scholars will: (1) compete in a STEM engineering design challenge,
(2) network with a diverse STEM workforce, (3) collaborate with like-minded
students in a team environment, and (4) strengthen understanding of STEM
by enabling powerful connections to NASA’s mission and work.

Girls IMPACT 2021

According to the National Science Foundation, women Highlights of
make up half of the total U.S. college-educated workforce, the program
but only 28% of the science and engineering workforce. The 2021 Girls
There is a high demand for a well-prepared STEM I M PA C T
workforce, particularly in areas such as computer science Summer
and engineering. Program was
And although women receive over half of bachelor’s sponsored
degrees awarded in the biological sciences, they receive by a NASA
far fewer in the computer sciences (18%), engineering STEM grant.
(20%), physical sciences (39%), and mathematics (43%). As a result,
These numbers are low considering women make up NASA’s coding
approximately 56% of the U.S. college population. content, called
We simply need more women pursuing STEM fields. Commercial
Girls IMPACT (GI) is a dynamic summer STEM Crew Orbital
program designed for girls of color (rising 8th through Docking
rising 12th graders) to be introduced to women of color (CODing) Simulation, was integrated into the
who are current STEM professionals. Additionally, as curriculum. The 2021 program was virtual which
mathematics is critical to success in STEM fields, the allowed 10 amazing female STEM professionals
participants’ mathematics and problem-solving skills from around the country to present to GI
are developed throughout the program through ACT participants. Participants were also immersed
prep lessons, individualized tutoring sessions, and other in 7 hours of ACT mathematics enrichment and
hands-on STEM activities. additional hours of mathematics lessons using
MacMillan’s Learn software.

Why You Should Try Girls IMPACT

92.6% of the 2021 participants answered “yes” to the post-
survey question, “Did the program help increase your
knowledge of math concepts?”

96.3% of the 2021 participants answered “yes” to the post-
survey question, “Do you feel this program increased
your interest in pursuing a STEM career?”

100% of the 2021 participants answered “yes” to the post-
survey question, “Do you feel this program increased
your knowledge of STEM careers?”
Acknowledgments
Thank you, 2021 Girls IMPACT Staff: Mrs. Jean Whitlow - STEM Assistant; Dr. Dutchess Jones
-Mathematics Specialist; and GI Interns Kera Dudley, Jourden Martin, I’yuana Morris, and Kayla
Seals.
22 The STEMPOSIUM Magazine 2022

2021 Girls IMPACT Guest Speakers

The Girls IMPACT Summer Program was held virtually for 2021. One advantage of the virtual format was being
able to invite speakers from around the country to present their STEM stories with GI participants. Here’s a list of
the 2021 Girls IMPACT guest speakers and their respective STEM backgrounds.

Day 1: July 6, 2021 Day 2: July 8, 2021 Day 3: July 13, 2021

Dr. Adrienne Madison Dr. Sherita Moses Anntwinette Ragland

Biomechanical Engineering Physics/Atmospheric Chemistry Materials Engineering
U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory Georgia Gwinnett College Southern Nuclear Corporation

Day 3: July 13, 2021 Day 4: July 15, 2021 Day 5: July 20, 2021 Day 6: July 22, 2021

Diedra Garrett Tiera Fletcher Stephanie Pickens Dr. Kaisha Pritchett

Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Electrical Engineering Veterinarian Medicine
Alabama Power The Boeing Company Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Animal Emergency &
Critical Care

Day 7: July 27, 2021 Day 8: July 29, 2021 Day 8: July 29, 2021

Brittany Rhodes Brittney Terry Circe Starks

Mathematics/Business Physics/Electrical Engineering Chemical Engineering
Black Girl MATHgic University of California, Riverside Southern Power

w

Our History Dr. Shawanda Thomas
Chief Empowerment Officer
In 2016, Girls IMPACT began as a result of a $1,000 service grant Girls IMPACT
awarded from the Southern Regional Education Board to Dr. Shawanda
Thomas. The vision was to expose minority girls to careers normally not
pursued by women, specifically STEM careers, by providing them with
the opportunity to meet minority women who were STEM professionals.
IMPACT is an acronym for “Increasing Mathematical Potential Among
College-Bound Teens.” As such, mathematics is an integral part of the
program.
The first year of the Girls IMPACT Summer Porgram was held at the
Bessemer Public Library. Thirty Girls IMPACT participants received
the opportunity to meet women who were successful STEM professionals
once a week for 6 weeks. Additionally, participants received ACT and
math tutoring in addition to STEM activities.
Since 2017, the program has been held at Lawson State Community
College as a result of former President Perry W. Ward’s enthusiasm to
have such a program on campus. In 2021, in spite of the pandemic,
50 girls participated in the program which signifies its growth over the
years. With the backing of Lawson State Community College, the initial
$1,000 service grant seed has grown to around $350,000 in funding since
the inception of the program.

24 The STEMPOSIUM Magazine 2022

w

“This program has really helped me bring out my creative side. It helped me realize that I am
important, and I can achieve what ever I want even as a young black girl. It taught me about a lot
of careers that I didn’t even know existed. This program was awesome.”

LeKinya Taylor, 2021 GI Participant

“Thank you for believing in me and encouraging me to do great things in STEM or anything in
life. This program has impacted me, and I hope to set a good example and impact the world.”

Kierstan Wilson, 2021 GI Participant

“I learned that when you see/notice a problem or something that needs to change,

you don’t have to wait on someone else to do it, you can create a solution.”

Morgan Streeter, 2021 GI Participant

“My most memorable moment of the program [was conducting] the science
experiments, understanding the science behind the experiments, and testing
different ones to determine which [one] I would like to film for my flipgrid.”

Morgan Streeter, 2021 GI Participant

“This program has helped me see that I could really be a doctor, and I can do math!”

Siena Everett, 2021 GI Participant

25

ADVERTISEMENT Integrity

Research

The Lawson State STEM Scholars Program is Service
a program for undergraduate STEM majors
at the College who are seeking additional Excellenc
opportunities related to careers involving
science, technology, engineering, and 2
mathematics. 0
Eligibility: 2
*STEM major at Lawson State 2
*3.0 or higher GPA (high school or college)
*Positive attitude and intrinsically motivated
Once an eligible student is enrolled at the
College, they should:
1. Apply to the program
Application link:
http://www.lawsonstate.edu/stem.aspx
2. Look for correspondence related to details
about the STEM Interview
3. Show up for interview prepared

Scholars will be expected to commit to at least
7 hours per week to the program.

The STEM Scholars Program is mostly funded
by an NSF HBCU-UP Implementation grant,
titled Pi-STEM E3, which is under NSF Award
#1719329.

A modest stipend is provided to
active and engaged participants.

For more information, e-mail:
[email protected]
26 The STEMPOSIUM Magazine 2022

y JOIN THE STEM PROGRAM AT LAWSON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
e
ce Core Values: Research | Integrity | Service | Excellence

2021-22 STEM Scholars

Isaiah Bastien | Computer Science Niesha Rashid | Animal Science
DaVonte Curtis | Computer Science Jonathan Sevilla | Materials Engineering
Zoe Evans | Biology Kyla Smith | Biology
Syrus Fitts | Computer Science Quentin St.Charles | Computer Science
Kaitlyn Jenkins | Computer Science Isaac Sullivan | Computer Science
Bianca Kindred | Mathematics A’Lissia Thomas | Animal Science
Preston London | Mechanical Engineering Noah Thomas | Computer Science
David Nash | Computer Science Steven Thompson |Industrial Electronics Technology
Ashton Oliver | Biomedical Engineering Yemesi Thompson | Chemical Engineering
Hailey Brehonna Pineda | Biology Norvie Womack | Biology
Kenneth Powell | Electrical Engineering Timothy Wynn | Computer Science

We would like to extend a special thank you to all Lawson State Community College administrators
who have supported our programs, faculty/staff who have assisted us in recruiting students, and those
individuals who agreed to be on the STEM Internal and External Advisory Boards.

Internal Advisory Board External Advisory Board
Dr. Bruce Crawford Dr. Ruth Jones
Vice President for Instructional Services Acting Deputy Director, NASA Michoud
Principal Investigator, NSF Pi-STEM E3 grant Assembly Facility; New Orleans, LA
Institutional Liaison, NSF S-STEM MAKERS Branch Chief, Industrial Safety, NASA Marshall
Dr. Shawanda Thomas Space Flight Center; Huntsville, AL
STEM Director | Girls IMPACT Director Dr. Lisa Schwiebert
Co-Principal Investigator, NSF Pi-STEM E3 Director, UAB MERIT Program
Institutional Coordinator, NSF GA-AL LSAMP Professor & Senior Associate Dean for Graduate
Weymon Holloway and Postdoctoral Affairs |Responsible Conduct of
Chair, Mathematics Department Research Training Coordinator
Dr. Karl Pruit Department of Cell, Developmental, and
Associate Dean, Liberal Arts and Sciences and Integrative Biology
Transfer Programs Circe Starks
Nancy Wilson Compliance Director
Assistant Dean, Career Technical Education Southern Power
Dr. Tracey Wilson Brittney Terry
Chair, Natural Sciences Department Alumni STEM Scholar
Institutional Liaison, UAB MERIT Program Ph.D. Candidate, University of California,
Riverside
Joaniteka Whitlow-Nixon
Owner/CEO
JDM Management Consulting, LLC

27

Thank you for supporting our STEM Programs For more information,
at Lawson State Community College! CONTACT:
STEM Scholars Program Dr. Shawanda Thomas
STEM Enrichment Institute (SEI) STEM Director
STEM Bridge Program Lawson State Community College
Girls IMPACT [email protected]

Thank You to all of our Supporters!

STEM grant for HBCUs Community Action Grant Workforce Development
and PBIs with High STEAM Grant
School Programs

HBCU-UP Implementation Community College Title III-B Doctoral Scholars
Strengthening Association Service Grant
Award# 1719329 HBCUs Program
28 The STEMPOSIUM Magazine 2022 Development Pipeline