Alumni Profiles (last updated May 2007)
Karla Vincent (no picture available)
Karla Vincent attended her first Annual Symposium on Career Opportunities in Biomedical Sciences in 1999 hosted by Florida A&M University. A senior at Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans, LA, she entered in the poster competition against college students also attending the conference. Her abstract, “Temporal and Developmental Strategy Differences in the formation of Axonal Connections Between the Thalamus and the Perirhinal and Sensorimotor Cortices” won first place in the competition. Ms. Vincent began attending Xavier University of New Orleans in the fall of 1999 on a partial scholarship following a summer internship program at St. Paul’s Hospital through the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. During this time, she was third author on the abstract, “Behavioral and Histological Changes in a Rat Model of an Upper Extremity Cumulative Trauma Disorder” in the Journal for the American Physical Therapy Association. During her freshman year, Ms. Vincent published her second abstract, “A Freeze Fracture Study of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells at Sites of Diapedesis” in the Journal for the Association for American Minority Physicians. The following year, Ms. Vincent again attended the Annual Symposium and gave the invocation for one of the evening ceremonies. That summer Karla was invited to do a research internship at the Eye Research Institute at Toronto Western Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In 2001, she once again attended the symposium presenting her poster, “A Freeze Fracture Study of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells at Sites of Diapedesis”. During her senior year of college, Ms. Vincent attended the Annual Symposium for the fifth year in a row, again as a speaker for the High School Internships workshop. She graduated cum laude from Xavier University in May 2003 with honors in English. Ms. Vincent is currently attending Morehouse School of Medicine.
Marcus Iszard, PhD
Dr. Marcus Iszard, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, was a participant of the 1st and 2nd Annual Symposium on Career Opportunities in Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Iszard received his BS in Biology and MS degree in Pharmacology/Toxicology from Florida A&M University. Dr. Iszard continued his education acquiring a PhD in 1991 from the College of Pharmacy at FAMU and also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Kansas Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics in 1994. Dr. Iszard’s research interests include heavy metal toxicity, reproductive/developmental toxicology and forensic toxicology. Dr. Iszard’s expertise falls in the field of proteomics and health disparities. Since his involvement with the Biomedical Symposium as participant, workshop speaker and abstract judge, he has demonstrated growth and sustainability in the Biomedical Research and Health Professions fields. He is currently the Director of Assessment in the Division of Pharmacology at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
AMY R. ORINGI
Amy R. Oringi is a 2nd year Master of Science in Public Health student at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. She attended the Annual Minority Health Professions Symposium in 2000. She earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Hampton University in 2004. During her tenure at her “Home by the Sea”, Hampton University, she served as a member of the Student Leadership Program, Senator of the Student Government Association, Health Editor of the Hampton Script Newspaper, and a member of Operation Smiles. She also engaged in research for the Minority Health Disparity Reduction Program, sponsored by the National Institute of Health. Ms. Oringi enjoys working actively in the community through leadership. She currently serves as the representative of her school, Meharry Medical College, as “Miss School of Graduate Studies and Research” as well as the Health Care Representative to the MSPH Advisory Board. While matriculating at Meharry Medical College, she has served as the Executive Vice-President of the Student Graduate Association and the Administrative Vice-President of the Student Public Health Executive Council. Amy has received many honors and awards including the Cola-Cola and the Health Care Executive scholarships. She served as a Disparity Elimination Intern, in the Office of the Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Health. Amy’s professional affiliations include the American Public Health Association –Community Health Planning and Policy Development Committee and the Young Policy Advisor for the Health Task Force of the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators.
Dodie Arnold
Ms. Dodie Arnold is a student at Meharry Medical College’s School of Graduate Studies and Research in the Masters of Science Public Health Program in Nashville, TN. Ms. Arnold attended the AMHPS Symposium sponsored by Howard University in 2000 as a college freshman. In 2003, she earned her B.S. in Biology with honors, B.A. in Spanish, and a minor in Chemistry with honors, from Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, Louisiana. Since participating in AMHPS, Ms. Arnold earned a United States Environmental Protection Agency Minority Academic Institutions Fellowship which she completed in the Office of Children’s Health at the EPA Region IV Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Ms. Arnold also studied and worked at the Center for Molecular Genetics and Childhood Cancers in Curitiba, Brazil through the Christian Brother’s University Minority International Research Training Program in Memphis, TN. Upon completion of her MSPH at Meharry, Ms. Arnold plans to pursue a PhD in Public Health.
Duriel Gray
Duriel Gray is currently a junior medical student at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. He attended the 10th Annual Symposium as a high school student, and the 12th Annual Symposium as a college freshman. He earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Tennessee State University. Mr. Gray was treasurer of the Meharry Medical College Pre-Alumni Association and participated in the Student Life Committee. He was the 2006 Committee Chair of the Black History Month Commemoration for the Meharry/Vanderbilt Alliance. Duriel is currently a member of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), American Medical Student Association (AMSA), and the American Medical Association (AMA).
Alexis S. Hammond
Alexis S. Hammond is currently a second year medical student at Meharry Medical College. She was privileged to attend the AMHPS Symposium in 1998, 1999 and 2000 through Hampton University in her hometown of Hampton, Virginia. Ms. Hammond attended Spelman College where she received a B.A. in Psychology in 2004. During her first year at Meharry, she was accepted into the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), which culminates in both MD and PhD degrees. As a requirement for her program, she has completed laboratory rotations in Neuroscience at Vanderbilt University, where she has focused on the development, course and treatment of psychiatric disorders. During her time at Meharry, Alexis has received awards such as the Helen Karpov Memorial Scholarship, the Edward G. High, Ph.D. Endowed Scholarship, and the Meharry Association of Office Personnel Award. She is a member of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) and the American Medical Association (AMA). She serves as co-chair of the fundraiser committee of the Psychiatry Club, and is a member of the Student Interviewing Committee at Meharry. Ms. Hammond has also assumed a leadership position within the MSTP as a member of the Physician-Scientist Speaker Series Committee. Alexis feels fortunate to have been exposed to the many opportunities within the healthcare field through participation in the AMHPS Symposium, and is grateful for the support she and other minorities have received throughout the years.
Hari Ian McGowan
Hari Ian McGowan is currently a freshman dental student at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry. He attended the 11th Annual Biomedical Symposium in Houston, TX as a high school student through Meharry Medical College. He attended
Florida A & M University and Tennessee State University where he received a B.S. in Biology. He is a member of the Student National Dental Association (SNDA) and also participates in several community-based programs for disadvantaged children, such as mentoring, basketball, and baseball.
Latarsha Reid
Latarsha Reid is a first year student in the Cell Biology and Pathobiology Ph.D. program at Columbia University. She attended the Annual Biomedical Symposium as a high school student from Campbell High School in Smryna, Georgia when it was in Washington, DC. She also attended as an undergraduate student from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA when it was held in Nashville, Tennessee in 2003. Ms. Reid states that she enjoyed the conference because she was exposed to other careers besides medicine. The Symposium aroused her interest in research and is one of the reasons why she is currently in a Ph.D. program. Networking at the conference provided Ms. Reid with opportunities to attend other scientific conferences and internships.
Aisha Morris Moultry, Pharm.D.
Aisha Morris Moultry is a faculty member in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Texas Southern University (TSU) in Houston, Texas. She attended the Annual Biomedical Symposium as a pharmacy student. Dr. Moultry received the Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Texas Southern University. She completed a two-year pharmacy practice management residency in Columbus, Ohio at Riverside Methodist Hospital, and simultaneously received a Masters degree in Health-System Pharmacy Administration from Ohio State University. Dr. Moultry coordinates two Pharmacy Management courses and contributes lectures in Prescription Practice, Advanced Therapeutics II, and Professional Communications and Counseling. She is actively submitting articles to peer-reviewed journals and participating in grant-funded research. Currently, Dr. Moultry is involved in the area of Pharmacy Administration. She established a Pharmacy Administration site with Harris County Hospital District, in Houston Texas and is the Inpatient Pharmacy Operations Manager.
Angela N. Hodges, Pharm. D.
Angela N. Hodges is a Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator with East Houston Regional Medical Center in Houston, Texas. She attended the Annual Biomedical Symposium as a pharmacy student. Dr. Hodges received the Doctor of Pharmacy degree (Pharm. D.) from Texas Southern University (TSU). She completed her pharmacy practice residency with Owen Healthcare and has received additional training in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Improving Pharmacists Decisions. Dr. Hodges has been involved with publications and research projects including Customer Service Modules and Renal Dosing in Community-Acquired Pneumonia. Currently, she is involved with education and training, customer satisfaction, and medication utilization management at East Houston Regional Medical Center.
Douglas M. Willis, Ph.D.
Douglas M. Willis is an Assistant Professor in the College of Science and Technology at Texas Southern University (TSU) in Houston, Texas. He attended the Annual Biomedical Symposium as a high school student. He received a B.S. degree in Chemistry from TSU, and a Ph.D. from Louisiana State University in Synthetic Organic Chemistry.
He is a member of the American Chemical Society and National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChe). Dr. Willis has received many honors and awards including, Graduate Education for Minorities (GEM) Fellowship, TSU E-Learning Course Development Grant and LSU Dissertation Fellowship. Dr. Willis has worked as a Research Scientist for the Eastman Kodak Company where he managed independent research surrounding the development, manufacturability and marketability of solvent–based colorants. Willis also worked as a Graduate Research/Teaching Assistant for Louisiana State University, delivered undergraduate lectures and laboratory courses, and conducted his independent thesis research. He has authored and co-authored technical addenda in the field of Chemistry. Currently, Dr. Willis is involved in conducting independent research surrounding the development of infrastructure and support for an on-site biotechnology research center in addition to providing undergraduate instruction and curriculum improvement.
Andrew J. Taylor
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
Andrew J. Taylor is a faculty member in the Department of Health Sciences at Texas Southern University (TSU). He attended the Annual Biomedical Symposium as a college student at Texas Southern University. He received both his Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy and Master of Science degree in Health Education from TSU. Mr. Taylor has earned numerous specializations in the field of Respiratory Therapy including, Perinatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialist, Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist, and Certified Health Education Specialist. He has worked as a staff Respiratory Therapist for the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Houston, Texas and in the area of Home Health Care for the American Medical Equipment Company. His professional involvement includes: Texas Society for Respiratory Care, American Association for Respiratory Care, and the National Board for Respiratory Care. Currently, Mr. Taylor is the Director of Clinical Education for the Respiratory Therapy Program at Texas Southern University.
Shaylarene T. Hubert, Pharm. D.
Shaylarene T. Hubert is a practicing community pharmacist in San Antonio, Texas.
Dr. Hubert received the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) from Texas Southern University (TSU). She participated in the Annual Biomedical Symposium as a pharmacy student. Dr. Hubert has received many honors and awards including, 1st place at the AMHPS Symposium for her abstract presentation. She has participated and been a member of numerous organizations including, the American Society for Health-System Pharmacists and The Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, as a student researcher. Dr. Hubert’s future aspirations include developing programs with minority elementary and middle school students to encourage interest in mathematics and science.
Christopher Emanuel Smith, MPH
Christopher Smith is currently a Program Coordinator with the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service (CIS) and Cancer Prevention & Control Research Network (CPCRM). He attended the Annual Symposium with Tuskegee University in Norfolk, Virginia. Mr. Smith received his B.S. degree in Clinical Laboratory Science from Tuskegee University and a MPH degree from Saint Louis University, School of Public Health. He has conducted the following research projects: 1) Community Based Participatory Research-Garden of Eden Project; 2) Health Communications-Prostate Cancer Message Development; 3) Program Evaluation of a Prostate Cancer Peer Education Program; and 4) Cancer Information Service and Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network. Mr. Smith is an active member of several associations such as the American Heart Association- Minority Council; Tabernacle Health Ministry and Comprehensive Cancer Coalition; and the Minority Leadership Committee.
Danielle L. Wiley, Pharm. D.
Danielle L. Wiley is an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (TSU) in Houston, Texas. She participated as a high school senior in the Annual Biomedical Symposium. While in pharmacy school at TSU, she also participated in the Annual Biomedical Symposium. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D.) from TSU. Upon receipt of her degree, she went on to complete a Community Pharmacy Practice Residency with University of Houston and Walgreens. Currently, Dr. Wiley serves as the course co-coordinator for Nonprescription Products and Coordinator for Prescription Practice. She also has a grant with the Area Agency on Aging for home medication management services in the elderly population.
Michael S. Thomas (no picture), received a BS degree in 2005 in Clinical Laboratory Sciences Program from Tuskegee University. He is currently employed at Central Baptist Hospital as a Medical Technologist. He attended AMHPS in 2003. Michael is a graduate student at University of Kentucky pursuing a Masters in Health Administration.
Kataren J. Johnson, M.S.
Kataren Johnson is currently a Research Associate at Auburn University in the Department of Biological Sciences. She attended the Annual Symposium with Tuskegee University as a high school student in 1994. Ms. Johnson received a B.S. degree in Biology and a M.S. degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Her current research efforts focus is on native North American grapevines (the plant genus Vitis) for which she is developing projects involving various aspects of molecular evolution, phylogeny, and speciation genetics. In addition to basic evolutionary research she is using molecular tools to examine the origins of weediness in invasive species such as Wisteria and the population genetics of endangered species of Clematis.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information, please contact Jamel Slaughter at [email protected]
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