Alumni Profiles (last updated May 2007)

Natalie Jackson attended the 19th annual Symposium in Anaheim, CA, hosted by Charles Drew University during her senior year in high school in 2005. At this symposium, she met individuals that enlightened and prepared her for the realities that would soon face her during her undergraduate career. In the fall of 2005, Ms. Jackson began her undergraduate studies at the Tennessee State University as a Biology/Pre-Dental major. Throughout undergrad, Ms. Jackson joined various organizations, such as the Undergraduate Student National Dental Association, Golden Key Honor Society, and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, and participated in educational programs, such as Summer Medical and Dental Education Program and a National Institute of Health Immunology course. Currently, Natalie works as a Tutor in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics at Tennessee State University. In May 2009, Natalie will be graduating Summa Cum Laude from Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. In the Fall of 2009, Ms. Jackson will enter the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.


Michael S. Thomas was a participant in the 2001 Association of Minority Health Professions Schools Symposium in Norfolk, Virginia. At the time of attending the symposium he was somewhat unsure of what career path he would pursue following the completion of a B.S. in Clinical Laboratory Science from Tuskegee University. However, by attending various seminars offered at the symposium he was given an opportunity to observe numerous careers, which assisted him to narrow his decision. Due to his passion for helping others he felt his skill set would be appropriate for healthcare, but did not know in exactly in what niche. Eventually, he came to the choice of health administration, which led him to the University of Kentucky where he received a Masters in Health Administration (MHA). Upon completion of the MHA program, he was then selected to be an Administrative Resident in the Graduate Healthcare Administration Training Program for the Department of Veterans Affairs. During his residency he completed projects such as: Analyzing and Improving All Employee Survey Results for the VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System (VAGCVHCS) and Advisory Board Staff Education. After graduating successfully from the residency program, Michael was offered a position by VAGCVHCS as a Program Analyst for the VA/DoD Collaboration Office, where he coordinated and coauthored the Concept of Operations for a Centers of Excellence Program between VAGCVHCS and the 81st Medical Group, Keesler Air Force Base as well as negotiating and writing various healthcare services sharing agreements between VAGCVHCS and local Department of Defense (DoD) healthcare organizations in southern Mississippi and northern Florida. Recently, he accepted a position at the Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical in Albany, NY as an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Specialist Intern, which is a new 2 –year VA program to prepare individuals to become EEO Managers.  

Marcus Ferguson is a Doctoral Candidate in the School of Graduate Studies and Research at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. He attended the 15th Annual Biomedical Symposium as a college freshman. He received his B.S. degree in Chemistry from Tennessee State University. He is a member of the Society for Neuroscience, American Chemistry Society, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Marcus has received many awards and honors including, National Science Foundation, Mid-South Alliance for Minority Participation Scholarship, Packard Science Scholarship, and Ronald E. McNair Fellowship. He conducted research in various areas, including the transit peptide recycling at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, the effect of heavy metals on lipid peroxidation at Tennessee State University, and the role of glyoxalase in human breast cell lines at Meharry Medical College. Currently, Marcus is conducting dissertation research, in the laboratory of Dr. Twum Ansah, focusing on the role of serotonergic mechanisms in Parkinson’s disease.

Maryam Micheline Robinson graduated from Agnes Scott College in May 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish, with a focus on pre-medicine. During her senior year in high school, she attended the AMHPS Biomedical Symposium in 2004 and visited Meharry Medical School with other students from the Morehouse School of Medicine Med-Post Program. Maryam is currently a first year MPH student in the International Health Track at Morehouse School of Medicine and works as a graduate research assistant for the deputy director and International Health Track Coordinator of the program. In addition to being a research assistant, Maryam also works as a work study student at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the Division of STD Prevention with her mentor, Dr. Samantha Williams.

Dr. Cheryl Gilbreath, a product of a single-parent household in Southern California, ventured across the country with a few private scholarships to ultimately earn her Doctor of Pharmacy and Masters in Business Administration at Howard University, Washington DC. As a pharmacy student, Cheryl attended the AMHPS programs in Nashville, Tennessee in 2003 and Anaheim, California in 2005. These programs exposed her to diverse health-related fields with a number of federal agencies and private organizations. Cheryl's resume boasts diverse professional development experiences in quality assurance, regulatory affairs and marketing occupations with pharmaceutical companies such as Abbott Labs and Schering Plough. Currently, Cheryl serves as a Health Insurance Specialist at the Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services in Baltimore, MD, focusing on Medicare Part B Prescription Drug Pricing and Payment Policies.

Dr. Christopher G. Murray, originally from Houston, Texas, received his minor in Leadership Studies and Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Hampton University. He was selected as an attendee for the AMHPS Biomedical Symposium his junior year in high school which lead him to the discovery of a career in pharmacy. In addition, he was also a fellow in the James A. Ferguson Emerging Infectious Diseases Fellowship in the summer of 2006; a program in which AMHPS collaborates with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide education and training to professional students interested in healthcare. Dr. Murray is currently completing his first year of a two year combined Pharmacy Administration Residency and Master of Science degree in Health-System Pharmacy program at Duke University Hospital and the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Dr. Murray intends to earn BPS certification in pharmacotherapy, remain active and hold leadership positions in professional pharmacy organizations, and ultimately serve as Director of Pharmacy and Chief Pharmacy Officer in a large tertiary hospital.

Alexis S. Hammond is currently a second year medical student at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. 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, 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 such awards as the Helen Karpov Memorial Scholarship, the Edward G. High, Ph.D. Endowed Scholarship, and the Meharry Association of Office Award. She is a member of the Student National Medical Association and the American Medical Association. 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 exposes 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 year.

Amy R. Oringi is a 2nd year Master of Science in Public Health Student at Meharry Medical College (MMC) in Nashville, Tennessee. She attended the 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”, 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 Institutes of Health. Ms. Oringi enjoys working actively in the community through leadership. Amy currently serves as the representative of her school as “Miss School of Graduate Studies and Research” as well as the Health Care Representative to the MSPH Advisory Board. While matriculating at MMC, she has served as the Executive VP of the Student Government Association and the Administrative VP of the Student Public Health Executive Council. Amy has received many honors and awards including Coca-Cola and the Health Care Executive Scholarships. She served as 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.

Sunny Bant is currently a dental student, attending Meharry Medical College. Sunny attended the 19th Annual Biomedical Symposium in Anaheim, CA through Meharry Medical College. During the Symposium, he was attending Tennessee State University and since then has graduated with a bachelors of science in biological sciences. At his undergraduate institution, he was the vice president of the undergraduate student national dental association (USNDA), and also was a tutor for the institution, in biology and genetics. He has received many recognitions and awards at Tennessee State University and graduated within 3 years. Currently, he is just trying hard to learn and make it through dental school.

Erin Jackson is currently a sophomore at Spelman College majoring in Biology Pre-Medicine. She attended the AMHPS Annual Biomedical Symposium as a high school junior in 2004 through Morehouse School of Medicine. Through this program, she learned the great importance of research and it spurred her to apply to research programs. During the summer of 2004, Ms. Jackson was accepted into and participated in the Howard Hughes Biomedical Summer Science Program at Spelman College. She conducted research on the effects of varying concentrations of photosynthetic pigments in plant leaves. During the summer of 2006, Ms. Jackson was an intern at the Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia, a prostate cancer clinic. She attributes part of her interest to pursuing a career in research issues as a result of attending the Biomedical Symposium as an attendee with Morehouse School of Medicine’s Med Post Program.

Kurt J. Watson is currently a second year graduate student at Meharry Medical College in the Division of Cancer Biology. He was privileged to attend the AMHPS symposium in 1998, through Xavier University in his hometown of New Orleans, LA. Mr. Watson attended Dillard University where he received a B.S. with honors in Biology with a minor in Chemistry in 2004. As a requirement for his program, he has completed laboratory rotations in the field of Neuroscience at Vanderbilt University with Dr. Huang Fan, where he has focused on the signaling and movement of cancerous brain cells. During his time at Meharry, Kurt has received such awards as the first year PhD award, the Charles W. Johnson, Sr., M.D. Endowed Scholarship, and was on the Dean’s list with a 4.0 GPA. He is a member of Meharry-Vanderbilt Student Alliance. He serves as co-chair of the communications subcommittee, and is an active member of the Graduate Student Association. Mr. Watson has also displayed leadership by becoming involved in the surrounding community through the Pencil Foundation. The Pencil Foundation places volunteers in local elementary schools where they tutor students in math and reading. Kurt has expressed his sincere gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the AMHPS symposium. It has broadened his mind and encouraged him to continue to pursue higher education while reaching back and pulling others along with him.

Amber S. Joseph is currently a 2009 PharmD candidate at Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. Amber has served in leadership positions as Pre-Pharmacy Club President-Elect, Pre-Pharmacy Club President and Pharmacy Class of 2009 President. She was recently selected by the Dean to serve as the student representative to the Professional Conduct Committee and is involved with many organizations including American Pharmacists Association, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and Student National Pharmaceutical Association. Amber attended the annual Biomedical Symposium as an undergraduate in 2001, as a graduate in 2004 and 2005 and volunteered as a moderator in 2006. As a result of AMHPS, Amber was afforded the opportunity to conduct research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a Dr. James a Ferguson Research Fellow. Her career goals include specializing in neonatal pharmacy and opening a community outreach center. As a future pharmacist, Amber hopes to help eliminate health disparities in America by serving the underserved.

Andrew J. Taylor, Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) 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 American Medical Equipment Company. His professional involvement includes: Texas Society for Respiratory Care, American Association for Respiratory Care and the National Board for the Respiratory Care. Currently, Mr. Taylor is the Director of Clinical Education for the Respiratory Therapy Program at Texas Southern University.

Kristin Ball is an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Hampton University’s School of Pharmacy. Dr. Ball attended the Annual Biomedical Symposium as a pre-pharmacy student in 2000 and 2001 through Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy Sciences. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Florida A&M University in 2005. Upon graduation, she completed a Community Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA. During the residency she established a diabetes self-management program in an independent pharmacy, implemented a pharmacist run patient care service in an HIV clinic, and offered anticoagulation services in a pharmacist managed primary care clinic. In HU’s School of Pharmacy, Dr. Ball teaches 3rd year professional students in Patient Assessment, Research Methods, Drug and Disease State Management, and Pharmaceutical Care V. In addition, she teaches 1st year professional students in Pharmaceutical Care I. Dr. Balls’ current research involves the establishment of a pharmacy-based flu clinic in a community pharmacy servicing an underserved population. She is the faculty advisor for the HU student chapter of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA). Dr. Ball is currently a member of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and NCPA. Her interests include establishing and maintaining clinical pharmacy services in community pharmacies for diabetes, HIV/AIDS, medication therapy management and immunizations.

Charlene Offiong, PharmD is the Assistant Dean of Practice Programs in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Texas Southern University (TSU). She attended the Annual Biomedical Symposium as a pharmacy student. Dr. Offiong received the Bachelor of Science Degree from TSU. Her professional membership includes: The Texas Society of Health Systems Pharmacists, Gulf Coast Society of Health System Pharmacists, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy and the National Association of Health Services Executives. She has received many honors and awards including the William Randolph Hearst Doctor of Pharmacy Fellowship. She has worked as an ICU Pharmacist, and Psychiatric Pharmacist. Dr. Offiong has worked at The Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center as a Drug Information Pharmacist, providing responses to drug information questions from physicians, pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and patients. She has guest lectured at Houston Baptist University, College of Nursing, educating nurse practitioners on molecular pharmacology and therapeutic applications of drugs. She has authored and co-authored pharmacy articles in the areas of minority patients and quality of care, pregnancy in a diabetic patient, and how to counsel psychiatric patients. Currently, she is involved with coordinating and implementing training programs for pharmacy preceptors at Texas Southern university. 

Duriel Gray is currently a senior medical student at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. He attended the 10th Annual Symposium as a high school student, at the 12th Annual Symposium as a college freshman through Meharry Medical College. He earned a 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 is 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).

Erica Elzey is currently a first year medical student at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She first attended the Annual Symposium as a high school student in 2000 through the Med Post Program at Morehouse School of Medicine. Erica received her B.S. degree in biology from Spelman College in May 2006. With current interests in the field of pediatric oncology, Erica continues to network with peers she met at the Annual Symposium.

Edward Cole majored in Mechanical Engineering major at Tennessee State University, from Nashville, TN. He became an Alumni of Tennessee State University in December of 2006. He would like to enter a study abroad program in Business or Engineering in either Europe or Japan. The program will precede my graduate education. As of date he has not chosen a graduate school to attend, but is currently visiting potential colleges and universities. After high school, he interned with Nissan Motor Manufacturing for three summers. He has been involved with the Association of Minority Health Professions Schools through Meharry Medical College. Through his involvement with the association, he has gained an interest in Bio-Medical Engineering. From this discovery, he is seeking a career in the development, improvement, and manufacturing of medical devices. With this goal to work with mechanical devices he has determined that he would like to apply his education such that in such a way to have a positive impact on the world.

Sherida Heath is currently a Program Assistant with the Georgia Institute of Technology, College of Computing Graduate and International Programs. She attended the Annual Biomedical Symposium as a high school senior in 1999 through Morehouse School of Medicine, Med Post Program. Ms. Heath received her B.S. degree in History and Technology from Georgia Tech and is currently working on her M.S. degree there as well. She has conducted research in the fields of African American and Asian history, as well as, Medicinal History. Ms. Heath is also a Sergeant in the United States Army Reserve where she serves as a Nutrition Specialist. She plans to continue her nutritional education to become a Registered Dietitian.

Dodie Arnold is a student at Meharry Medical Colleges (MMC) School of Graduate Studies and Research in the Master’s of Science Public Health Program in Nashville, Tennessee. 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. Since participating in the Symposium, she has 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, GA. 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. Upon completion of her MSPH, she plans to pursue a PhD in Public Health.

Douglass M. Willis is an Assistant Professor in the College of Science and Technology at Texas Southern University (TSU) in Houston, Texas. He attended the Symposium as a high school student. He received his B.S. degree in Chemistry from TSU, and his PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry from Louisiana State University (LSU). He is a member of the American Chemical Society, 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. He has worked as a Research Scientist for Eastman Kodak Company where he managed independent research surrounding the development, manufacturability and marketability of solvent-based colorants. Dr. Willis has worked as a Graduate Research/Teaching Assistant for LSU, instructed undergraduate lectures and laboratory courses, and conducted 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.

Willie Capers, II is a Pharmacy Manager at The Methodist Hospital- Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas. He is responsible for approximately 50 full-time employees and operational services in the pharmacy department. Dr. Capers attended the Symposium as a college freshman. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy from Texas Southern University (TSU). Dr. Capers completed a two-year residency in pharmacy practice management at Aurora Health Care- Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is a Preceptor/Adjunct Assistant Professor for TSU, University of Texas-Austin, University of Houston, Creighton University- Omaha, NE, and Ohio Northern University in Ada, OH. Dr. Caper precepts over 50 pharmacist-interns per year in hospital pharmacy practice and health system pharmacy management. He lectures at TSU in Practice Management, Ethics, and Pharmacy Orientation.

Dr. Wiley is an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Texas Southern University (TSU) College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Houston, Texas. She participated in the Symposium as a high school senior. While in pharmacy school at TSU, she again participated in the Symposium. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) from TSU. Upon completion of her degree, she went on to complete a Community Pharmacy Practice Residency with the University of Houston and Walgreens. Currently Dr. Wiley serves as the course 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.

Kataren Johnson is currently a Research Associate at Auburn University in the Department of Biological Sciences. She attended the Symposium with Tuskegee University as a high school student in 1994. Ms. Johnson received a B.S. in biology and a M.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama. Her current research effort 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.

Latarsha Reid is a first year student in the Cell Biology and Pathobiology Ph.D. Program at Columbia University. She attended the Symposium as a high school student from Campbell High School in Smyrna, Georgia. She also attended as an undergraduate student from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia in 2003. Ms. Reid states that she was exposed to other careers besides medicine and the Symposium aroused her interest in research and credits her aroused interest as one of the reasons she is currently in a Ph.D program. Networking at the Symposium provided Ms. Reid with opportunities to attend other scientific conferences and internships.

George S. Patton, II is currently a 4th year medical student at Meharry Medical College. Mr. Patton attended the AMHPS Symposium in 1996 as a college student through Meharry Medical College. He attended Fisk University where he received a B.A. in Biology. Mr. Patton has received numerous awards such as the National Collegiate Education Award, Beta Kappa Chi award, Mortar Board Award, Teacher Appreciation Award, and 1st Place Presentation award at the 48th Annual Student Research at Meharry Medical College. George is currently involved in a research project on “The effects of smoking on erythrocytes in guinea pigs and possible development of markers for cardiovascular disease.” He is a member of the Student Medical Association (SNMA), American Medical Student Association (AMSA), and the American College of Physicians.

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 Biomedical Symposium for her abstract presentation. She has participated and been a member of numerous organizations including, the American Society for Health Systems 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 into mathematics and science.

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, Texas as a high school student through Meharry Medical College. He attended Florida A&M University as well as 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.

Anika Foster is currently a 3rd year PhD student in the School of Public Health at Florida A& M university, she was also Project Officer with the Minority Health Professions Foundation (MHPF) from 1997 - 2006. She attended the Annual Biomedical Symposium as an undergraduate in 1995 through Morehouse School of Medicine. Ms. Foster received her B.A. degree in psychology from Spelman College and her M.P.H. degree in public health from Morehouse School of Medicine. She has conducted research in the fields of alcohol use as it relates to risky sexual behavior among minority students; antimicrobial resistance among children; and the effects of toxic waste sites along the Mississippi river. During her tenure at Morehouse School of Medicine, Ms. Foster was selected as a Prevention Research fellow at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, during which she conducted health disparities research. She is affiliated with the American Public Health Association; the National Association of Female Executives; and Delta Omega National Public Health Honor Society.

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 an 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.

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 School of Medicine, 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 a 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.

Andrea Simmons is the Director of Experiential Training and services as an instructor for the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Texas Southern University. She attended the Annual Biomedical Symposium as a pharmacy student. Dr Simmons received her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from Texas Southern University. She completed an American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists Program at Christus Santa Rosa Health Care in San Antonio, Texas. She has worked as a staff pharmacist and pharmacy manager and conducted projects in the areas of Hypertension, and Investigational drug study protocols. Dr. Simmons is a member of American Pharmaceutical Association (APHA) and the academic supervisor to the college’s APHA-ASP chapter. Currently, she conducts lectures, monitors the progression of students, and helps to identify and develop new professional practice experiences for pharmacy and health science students.

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’s involved with publishing in 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.