J&J end of year Celebration Program final

J&J 2020-2021 Scholars

End of Year Celebration Program

Agenda
April 30, 2021
4:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Agenda

Event Speakers
Welcome Dr. Bass/ Dr. Handlos
Semester Overview Dr. Bass
Student Presentation Mentees
Mentor Perspectives Mentors
Closing Remarks Dr. Bass

Environmental and Health Sciences Program

Class of 2019

Victoria Brown

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Petersburg, VA
Future Aspirations: Upon receiving my degree from Spelman College, I plan to pursue a Masters of Public
Health. I hope to aid my community by addressing health disparities. I look forward to using the skill set
developed while at Spelman in the next stage of my education.
Hobbies: Ms. Victoria Brown enjoys hanging out with friends, writing, and reading poetry.

Aliecia Bouligny

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
School Acceptance: Case Western Reserve -Medical Physiology, Furman University
Hometown: Shreveport, Louisiana
Paracurricular Activities: During my matriculation at Spelman College, she has served as the President
of Health Careers Club and Community Service Director for Sisters Keeping it Real Through Service
(SKIRTS). Ms. Bouligny has done women's health research at Louisiana State University, Mayo Clinic,
and Meharry Medical College. While at Mayo Clinic, she co-authored. Dose-Response Association of
CD8+ Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes and Survival Time in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer published
in JAMA Oncology. 
Future Aspirations: After receiving my Bachelors Degree in Health Science, I plan to become a family
physician back in her hometown. Motivated by her family's women's cancer struggles, Ms. Bouligny would
like to also continue her research on diseases that disproportionately black women. She is excited to build
life long connections with her patients and with people in her community. 
Hobbies: Ms. Aliecia Bouligny enjoys cooking, crafting, and painting.

Lia Burt

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Queens, NY
Future Aspirations: After receiving my Bachelors Degree in Health Science, I intend to pursue a
graduate degree focusing on urban agriculture. My goal is to provide access to healthy foods for urban
communities. I look forward to impacting the lives of patients and their families, and being an integral
part in their nutrition health. I also look forward to having a strong impact on underserved and minority
communities by conducting clinical trial research to discover the unspoken truths of treatments,
medications and interventions implemented to heal people.
Hobbies: Ms. Lia Burt enjoys reading, yoga, attending music concerts, and playing the drums.

Environmental and Health Sciences Program

Class of 2019

Janei Chambers

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Mount Vernon, NY
Future Aspirations: Once receiving my Bachelors of Science Degree in Health Science, I plan to obtain
my state certification for basic-EMT through the Grady Emergency Medical Services Academy. Following
completion of the program, I intend to work for the Grady Health System to obtain clinical experience in an
emergency room setting. After working, I will attend medical school and train to work as an emergency
physician for a Level 3 or Level 4 trauma center. My goal is to provide quality healthcare in a
compassionate and culturally competent manner.
Hobbies: Ms. Janei Chambers enjoys traveling and going out to eat.

Alexis Cherry

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Reston, VA
Future Aspirations: After completing my Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, I will participate
in the the Georgia Squared Program. Ultimately, I will pursue an MD/MPH exploring field epidemiology
to help solve public health challenges on the frontline. I intend to explore this area through the Center for
Disease Control’s Epidemic Intelligence Service, a two-year on the job training and service fellowship. My
long-term goal is to work as a physician who has the ability to determine health issues and risk factors of
individuals and communities, and who can also provide suggestions for how to ameliorate these problems.
Hobbies: Ms. Alexis Cherry enjoys reading, watching movies, outdoor activities, and trying new foods.

Courtney Dates

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Talladega, AL
Future Aspirations: Immediately following graduation from Spelman College with a Bachelor of
Science degree in Health Science, I intend to pursue a career in physical therapy through the United
States Airforce Reserve program.  I look forward to preventing and treating musculoskeletal
diseases.
Hobbies: Ms. Courtney Dates loves to catch up on her favorite TV series in her free time and read
non-fictional novels.

Environmental and Health Sciences Program

Class of 2019

Alanna Davis

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Lansing, Michigan
Future Aspirations: After completion of my Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Science, I aspire to
become a medical doctor who specializes in infectious diseases and work in public health. I intend to
focus primarily on underserved minority populations that lack basic health services and health literacy. I
plan to also address minority health care obstacles and be a committed advocate for the needs of both the
community and patient. I believe that by addressing social aspects of health outcomes and the overall
wellness of patients, I can work to alleviate inequities that people face in terms of health and access to
health services. Her acceptances include: California Northstate University Master of Pharmaceutical
Science (MPS) + Doctor of Medicine(MD) Combined Program
Hobbies: Ms. Alanna Davis enjoys playing tennis, reading, shopping, spending time with
family & friends, listening to music, and playing the piano.

Needra Davis

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Waynesboro. MS
Future Aspirations:  After completion of my Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Science, I plan to
use my phlebotomy license and work as a Medcaid provider assiting in the medical care of individuals in
her community. I aspire to be a family nurse practitioner. Prior to starting nursing school, I will focus on
opening my own Home Health Agency.
Hobbies: Ms. Needra Davis enjoys shopping, traveling, and volunteering.

Glynnis Flaum

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Future Aspirations: After receiving my B.S. in Environmental Science and Civil Engineering, I intend
to further my education by obtaining a Masters in the Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions at
the University of Padova in Italy. I hope to travel around the world and work to restore and rehabilitate
old historical sites and buildings using materials that would help maintain the integrity of the structures
while preserving their history.
Hobbies:  Ms. Glynnis Flaum enjoys dancing, learning about history, traveling, foreign films, watching
Netflix.

Environmental and Health Sciences Program

Class of 2019

Jasmine Gaillard

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Future Aspirations: After receiving my Bachelors of Science Degree in Health Science, I aspire to
pursue a career that would allow me to address food insecurity and health disparities that are affecting
vulnerable populations. I was accepted to Emory Rollins School of Public Health, University of Michigan
and University of Georgia's Masters of Public Health (MPH) programs. Upon receiving my MPH, I seek
to become credentialed as a Registered Dietician, which would aid in my role as a health professional
when consulting and assisting people with eating choices. I also seek to receive my PhD to conduct
research on food injustices, specifically its impact on rural America. My ultimate goal is to work at the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to assist in bettering and/or implementing national programs
and policies that are devoted to improving the health of vulnerable populations throughout the nation.
Hobbies: Ms. Jasmine Gaillard enjoys gardening, volunteering, working out, reading, and
spending time with loved ones.

Monica Gordon

Major: Environmental Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Future Aspirations: After receiving Bachelors of Science Degree in Evnironmental Science, I will obtain
my MESM degree from UC Santa Barbara, Ms. Monica Gordon intends to work in the field of
environmental planning. I seek to create and redesign communities which serve everyone and want to use
principles of environmental equity and justice. I also hope to bring environmental literacy and awareness
to the southern United States. Specifically, I want to advocate for communities in close proximity to
industrial plants and petrochemical industries.
Hobbies: Ms. Monica Gordon enjoys spending time with loved ones, exploring new food options,
technical creative editing, and learning more about the world around her.

Jerilyn Harper

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Lithonia, GA
Future Aspirations: After completing my Bachelors of Science in Health Sciences, I will focus on
fulfilling my personal passion of competing to represent Georgia as a state and hopefully national
spokesperson. During the year, I will also focus on appling to MBA and Public Health Programs with a
primary interest of being an entrepeneur that specializes in bridging technology, social media, and well-
being with entertainment. As a future top 40 under 40, I strive to use my engagement in community based
civic organization to raise awareness of women's health issues in the African American community.
Hobbies: Ms. Jerilyn Harper enjoys traveling, photography, and writing.

Environmental and Health Sciences Program

Class of 2019

Bria Harrell

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Portsmouth, VA
Future Aspirations: After graduation, I plan to pursue a job in the medical field to gain work experience
before going to medical school. After graduating from medical school, I plan to pursue my life long
dream of a becoming an anesthesiologist.
Hobbies: Ms. Bria Harrell enjoys traveling, running, and being with friends

Stephanie Hood

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Rex, GA
Future Aspirations: After graduating from Spelman College, I intend to pursue a career in pediatric
nursing. I look forward to impacting the lives of young children, providing healthcare for underserved
communities, and establishing relationships with my patients. I also hope to explore global health and
neonatal nursing in my future career endeavors.
Hobbies: Ms. Stephanie Hood enjoys spending time with her friends, volunteering, and anything related to
interior design and home improvement.

Breanna James

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Future Aspirations: After receiving her MD/MPH, I will continue my training to become a pediatrician
and public health professional. I hope to eliminate health disparities and achieve health equity in
underserved areas both nationally and globally. I hope to become a global leader, evoking change within
the public health sector, and the scope of medicine.
Hobbies: Ms. Breanna James enjoys cultural engagements, dancing, listening to music, hanging out with
friends and family, writing, and traveling.

Environmental and Health Sciences Program

Class of 2019

Mia Jones

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Marieta, GA
Future Aspirations: I intend to become a travel nurse specializing in neonatology. I look forward to
impacting the lives of patients and their families by playing an integral part in their treatment and
recovery globally.
Hobbies: Ms. Mia Jones enjoys traveling, watching Netflix, going on adventures, spending time with
friends and family, and making custom units.

KyShae' Mason

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Prince George's County. MD
Future Aspirations: After graduating with my Bachelors of Science Degree in Health Science I will
work for a in Washington, D.C as a Program Analyst at the General Services Administration (GSA). I
plan to apply for medical school during the 2019-2020 cycle. After receiving my MD, I intend to
complete a residency in neonatology with the ultimate goal of helping to reduce neonatal mortality.
Ultimately, I hope to positively impact families experiencing illnesses and premature newborn babies.   
Hobbies: Ms. Kyshae' Mason enjoys reading, babysitting, baking, spending time with her family,
dancing, and shopping.

Gabrielle Milton

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Charleston, SC,
Future Aspirations: After graduating from Spelman College with my Bachelor of Science Degree
in Health Science, I aspire to become a general dentist and work in underserved areas. I will attend
Tufts University School of Dentistry. I also plans on receiving her Masters of Public Health
degree while in dental school in order to focus on health equity in the United States and abroad. I
also plan on owning my own dental practice while also teaching Public Health courses in the
Atlanta University Center where she first fell in love with public health.
Hobbies: Ms. Gabrielle Milton enjoys running, creating art activism pieces, and traveling to other
countries in order to understand diverse cultures.

Environmental and Health Sciences Program

Class of 2019

Alexis Moreland

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Conyers, GA
Future Aspirations: Upon graduation, I would like to become a certified pharmacy technician. During this
time, she will also be preparing to apply for pharmacy school. Ms. Moreland is looking forward to
becoming a pharmacist in order to help minorities live a better lifestyle 
Hobbies: Ms. Alexis Moreland enjoys spending time with her parents, friends, and traveling.

Frances Neal

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
School Acceptance: Illinois Institute of Technology (M.S. Biology), Auburn University (M.S.
Exercise Science-Biomechanics)
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Future Aspirations: Ms. Frances Neal aspires to work as a physician in rural locations where she
focuses on maternal and fetal medicine. She seeks to conduct research in Environmental Health and
the effects that the weather can have on pregnancy outcomes. Although, Ms. Neal is mainly
interested in obstetrics and gynecology, she is also interested in general surgery. Upon completing
medical school, Ms. Neal hopes to travel the world to teach and learn about how different cultures
can impact the healthcare field. 
Hobbies: Ms. Frances Neal enjoys reading, hot yoga, baking, and spending time with her yorkie
puppy, Charlie

Maleka Nozile

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
School Acceptance:
Hometown: Fayetteville, GA
Future Aspirations: After graduating from Spelman College, Ms. Maleka Nozile plans to
complete a master's of science program and eventually an MD/MPH program. She is passionate
about addressing public health concerns such as maternal child health and access to health
care. She is also interested in women's health. After completing medical school, she hopes to
become an Obstetrician Gynecologist. Ultimately, Ms. Nozile desires to work in an underserved
community where she can provide quality health care services to all of her patients.  
Hobbies: Ms. Maleka Nozile enjoys cooking, exercising, reading, and practicing yoga.

Environmental and Health Sciences Program

Class of 2019

Jordan Oliver

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
School Acceptance: Certified Nursing Assistant
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Future Aspirations: After completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science, I plan to
apply to optometry school with the intent of becoming a pediatric optometrist. I spent a semester
abroad in Germany, England, and South Africa learning about various healthcare systems and health
inequity. Therefore I look forward to providing optometric care and services in countries that have
limited access. Ultimately, I plan to open my own practice and provide care to underserved
communities.
Hobbies: Ms. Jordan Oliver enjoys traveling, spending quality time with family and friends, cooking
and baking, and playing sports, and a good crime show.

Kayla Oriyomi

Major: Environmental Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Powder Springs, GA
Future Aspirations: After completing my Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science, I
will focus on a career in women’s health.  After graduation, I plan to work at the state Health
Department and also apply to medical school. I want to become a physician who will incorporate
environmental health and justice into her career as an obstetrician gynecologist.
Hobbies: Ms. Kayla Oriyomi enjoys traveling, learning new languages, swimming, playing with
animals, and spending time with family and friends.

Sydney Patterson

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Future Aspirations: Upon obtaining my Master’s Degree in  Physician Assistant Studies at
Morehouse School of Medicine, I plan on working with underserved populations in the Atlanta
Metro area, working for inclusion and togetherness within the African-American community. I
intend on traveling globally to bridge the gap between underserved populations and access to care.
I believe in holistic care for the patient; through speaking with people of different languages and
backgrounds. I also look forward to working with organizations that are dedicated to positive
changes in mental health awareness and acuity.
Hobbies: Ms. Sydney Patterson enjoys watching American documentary-style television programs
(Forensic Files, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, to name a few), making pottery, online
shopping, attending concerts/plays of artistic expression, taking pictures of flowers and friends,
and taking relaxing walks in nature.

Environmental and Health Sciences Program

Class of 2019

Catherine Pippins

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Northern CA
Future Aspirations: After graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Spelman
College, I will attend University of Alabama-Birmingham's MS in Biomedical Sciences program. My goal
is to attend medical school and specialize in pediatrics. I also plan on conducting cancer research. In
addition to opening my own clinic that services both women and children from underrepresented
communities, I would like to engage in global clinical trips to resource poor countries in need of medical
assistance.  
Hobbies: Ms. Catherine Pippins enjoys reading books from influential African American authors, yoga, and
watching HGTV.

Désirée Raymond

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
School Acceptance: California State University for the Pre-Professional Health Academic
Program. I am Mental Health First Aid and CPR certified.
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Future Aspirations: After graduating with my Health Science Degree, I plan to attend the
California State University for the Pre-Professional Health Academic Program. Ultimately, I will
apply to medical school to become a General Trauma Surgeon in an urban city. I will also obtain
my Masters in Public Health to provide surgical services, and other healthcare needs to those across
the world, but specifically for people of African descent. I will be actively involved in my
community by implementing a fresh start program for the homeless populations, ensuring that they
receive help getting counseling, securing employment, and housing. 
Hobbies: Ms. Désirée Raymond  enjoys making alkaline vegan dishes, yoga & meditation, playing
the flute, watching TV, and hanging out with friends..

Nia Salandy

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Maplewood, NJ
Future Aspirations: After receiving her Bachelors degree in Health Science from Spelman College, I
plan to attend Tuskeegee University to obtain my Master's degree in Animal Science. Post graduation, I
plan to apply to veterinary medical school and receive my DVM, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.  I
aspire to open my own animal hospital treating mainly small, domestic animals.
Hobbies: Ms. Nia Salandy enjoys drawing/painting, reading, visiting museums, and traveling.

Environmental and Health Sciences Program

Class of 2019

Rakayla Simpson

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Future Aspirations: Ms. Rakayla Simpson is a graduating senior health science major on the pre-medicine
track from Southern California. In addition to devoting much of her time to the health science courses and
giving back to the community, her interests include rehabilitate medicine and political activism. She has
been blessed to study abroad and expand her cultural competencies in Harbin, China, Trinidad and Tobago,
as well as Budapest, Hungary. Ms. Simpson's plan is to continue her education at a post graduate program
of her choosing and serve her community in whatever way she sees fit. 
Hobbies: Ms. Rakayla Simpson enjoys playing Basketball and Softball, reading, hiking, attending political
rallies and listening to music while composing her own.

Gabriel Spurlock

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Future Aspirations: Ms. Gabriel Spurlock’s postgraduate plan is to obtain her MD. Ms. Spurlock’s
interests include gynecology and pediatrics. She is a summer 2018 Med-Prep Scholar at Emory
University School of Medicine and a member of Beta Kappa Chi National Scientific Honor Society.
Hobbies: Ms. Gabriel Spurlock devotes most of her time to giving back to the community,
spending time with family, and focusing on her studies.

Chelsea Smith

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
School Acceptance: Berry University
Hometown: Newnan, GA
Future Aspirations: After obtaining her Masters in Biomedical Science from Barry University, I
plan on applying to dental school after completion of her masters degree. Upon receiving her DMD
or DDS, I intend on serving in a branch of the military and gain specialty training to become a
general dentist. Once serving the military for four to eight years, I plan on opening my family
dentistry practice or working in the area of forensic odontology. I also hope to start my non-profit
organization focused on Mobile Dentistry across the state of Georgia.
Hobbies: Ms. Chelsea Smith enjoys volunteering with camps and other organizations that have
kids, reading, shopping, enjoying time with friends and family, praise dancing and binge watching
her favorite TV shows.

Environmental and Health Sciences Program

Class of 2019

Alesha Westbrook

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Hoover, AL
Future Aspirations: After receiving her MD, Ms. Alesha Westbrook intends to train to become a
pediatric oncologist. She looks forward to helping young children win their battle against cancer. She
will also help children with cancer through her children’s book that will help give them a boost to keep
going through treatment. Ms. Westbrook would also like to make an impact on lowering obesity rates
in her home state, through creating and running youth programs that expose youth to the importance of
nutrition, health, and wellness.  
Hobbies: Ms. Alesha Westbrook enjoys participating and choreographing for colorguard: spinning
flag, rifle, and saber, pageantry, pilates, hiking, yoga, watching Netflix and spending time with her
friends.

Raven Wood

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Michigan City. IN
Future Aspirations: After graduating from Spelman College, Ms. Raven Wood intends to get her
Doctorate in physical therapy. Upon becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy, she wishes to open her own
practice. Ms. Wood also wants to give back to her community by opening a gym for children to attend
after school where they will be able to get homework help and stay active.
Hobbies: Ms. Raven Wood enjoys playing basketball, cooking, shopping, and hanging out with friends.

Sydnei Young

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
Hometown: Columbus, GA
Future Aspirations: After receiving her Masters in Health Informatics, Ms. Sydnei Young intends
to go to an osteopathic medical school to obtain her DO and further specialize in Endocrinology.
She looks forward to impacting the lives of patients and their families, and being an integral part in
their treatment and recovery.
Hobbies: Ms. Sydnei Young enjoys attending concerts, reading, shopping and cooking for her
family.

Environmental and Health Sciences Program

Class of 2019

Cynthia Ziwawo

Major: Health Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2019
School Acceptance: National Institute of Health Post-Baccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Future Aspirations: After receiving her Health Science degree, Cynthia will go to the National
Institute of Health Post-Baccalaureate Intramural Research Training Program. Thereafter, she will
apply to medical school. Ms. Cynthia Ziwawo intends to train as a primary care physician in the
Atlanta area. She looks forward to serving as a community advocate for underrepresented minorities
through the realm of medicine. Ms. Ziwawo also hopes to dismantle the barriers to care that are often
experienced by minorities, specifically African Americans, by emphasizing cultural awareness within
her practice. Further into her career, she would like to open up her own Primary Care clinic. During
Ms. Ziwawo four years at Spelman, she was apart of various internship opportunities, studied abroad
in Accra, Ghana, and participated in several leadership roles on campus. 
Hobbies: Ms. Cynthia Ziwawo enjoys spending time with friends, traveling, reading, and listening to
music & podcasts.