2023-2024 Cohort 7

Nicholas Abram is a computer science major from Arlington, Texas. He is focused on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning research and he chose Howard University for its significant cultural history and role in the black community, contrasting his experiences in predominantly white environments. Abram loves STEM due to its ever-evolving nature, ensuring he never gets bored. He aims to become a professional and mentor, inspiring young Black programmers to pursue their aspirations. He lives by the motto, "Pressure will make diamonds or juice.”

Nyla Adon is a chemistry major from Bowie, Maryland, who is minoring in biology. She aspires to obtain an MD-Ph.D to study hematology, with a focus on cancer research. After receiving her M.D-Ph.D, she desires to travel the world, conduct medical research, and treating patients around the globe. Her passion for science and culture encourages her to push forward to make an impact in global health care. As an African American woman, she felt that Howard University and the Karsh STEM Scholars program would provide a number of resources and opportunities curated for the advancement of Black people in STEM, which would hold off barriers that could hinder her goals as a future medical professional.

Kaylah Benton is a Biology Major, Chemistry and Psychology double minor from Snellville, Georgia. She is interested in becoming a physician scientist, obtaining an MD/PhD, to help minorities in underserved areas. She enjoys all things Science, Mathematics, Mental Health and Wellness. She is interested in STEM because of the versatility, challenge, and ability to make an impact among communities. Kaylah strives to be a role model for young African American girls who have big dreams and future goals. She chose Howard based on its rich history, undergraduate opportunities, and community of like-minded minorities who can help her learn and grow. Her goal is to find a field as a physician scientist and dominate, making positive contributions to the medical field and the world of science.

Kylee Blount is a biology major minoring in chemistry and French, from Augusta, Georgia. After completing her undergraduate STEM degree, Kylee plans to enter an MD/Ph.D program to become a maternal-fetal medicine obstetrician/gynecologist, specializing in high-risk patients. She chose to attend Howard because she wanted to be surrounded by other student leaders who want to change society for the benefit of minorities and equality, in an environment where she will be supported and challenged academically. Kylee chose a career in STEM because she wants to research the causes of high-risk pregnancies and discover new methods of preventing fatal extremities. Her passion for science motivates her to use her interests in STEM to make long-lasting impacts in disadvantaged communities. She plans to own several medical practices and use her MD/Ph.D to educate others about the importance of preventing implicit bias and training them to recognize physical signs and symptoms.

Malcolm Bogroff is a computer engineering student from Flemington, New Jersey, who is interested in researching quantum computing. They chose Howard University to experience the vast diaspora of black culture and gain a better appreciation of the contributions made to higher education by Black people. Malcolm wants to be on the cutting edge of the interdisciplinary environment that is quantum science and engineering and pursue a PhD in it. They look forward to being a part of the movement to propagate diversity into their field.

Karma Brame is a Howard University student from Columbus, Ohio, with connections to Norton, Virginia, Taxco, Mexico, and Homer, Alaska. She is a double major in both mathematics and Spanish with plans to pursue a PhD in mathematics with a focus on education. Her goal is to increase enthusiasm around STEM subjects by researching better educational methods for younger adolescents. She chose Howard University because of her desire to attend a Historically Black University and to learn from people across the Black diaspora. She looks forward to the opportunities Howard University will offer and the role she will play in inspiring young Black students to enter STEM fields.

Naomi Cole is a student majoring in biology and double-minoring in chemistry and psychology from Henderson, Nevada. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience in hopes of making profound new discoveries about the human brain as it relates to behavior and mental illness. Her bright passion for science encourages her to grow her knowledge of neurological pathways and mechanisms. Cole plans to establish a respectable position in neuroscience so that she may advocate for minorities and disadvantaged communities to combat mental health disparities. She firmly stands on the significance of connecting STEM with the social sciences because of the connection to humanity it allows researchers to maintain throughout their scientific endeavors. Cole is grateful that she attends Howard University, as it provides her with cultural, societal, and political insight that she will carry with her through her research career.

Aminah Coleman is a biology major, chemistry and mathematics double-minor from Columbia, Maryland. She is committed to obtaining a Ph.D. in molecular biology. She chose Howard University not only because of the Karsh STEM Scholar’s Program but also to learn and grow around people who look like her. Coleman chose to pursue a career in STEM because she loves learning how the world around us works on a molecular level. She hopes to become a research scientist or a professor at an HBCU.

Ramyla Dahmer is a Memphis, TN native studying biology with a dual minor in chemistry and psychology. Ramyla is interested in obtaining her MD-Ph.D in cognitive neuroscience with aspirations to study neuroplasticity and its relationship to neuropathology and development, using this research towards finding cures for neuropathologies. She is fluent in Spanish and aspires to work in underserved Spanish-speaking communities, helping eliminate barriers due to language differences in healthcare. Passionate about service and diversity, Ramyla chose Howard because of the University’s diverse yet inclusive nature and dedication to service, and she is most excited to explore all the opportunities that Howard has to offer.

Kayin Davis is a native of Maplewood, New Jersey, pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering with a double minor in biology and mathematics. He plans to obtain a Ph.D. in biomechanics so that he can do research on medical devices related to the body’s movement. Davis chose a path in STEM because he has always been interested in the concepts of math and science, and is eager to understand how they can be used to create new technology. He also wants to be at the forefront of the development of medical technology that aims to both save and improve lives across the world. Davis chose to attend Howard because of its supportive community that he believes will allow him to grow into someone who both can and will have a significant impact on people’s lives.

Toni Dismuke is a Computer Engineering student from Atlanta, Georgia, with a passion for Human Factor engineering. Her ultimate goal is to minimize the risk of design-induced human performance issues. Designing for people requires taking into account the capabilities and limitations of people. Ensuring that there is a good fit between a person, the task, the technology and the environment. Dismuke aspires to educate and equip her peers with the computing and presentation skills they'll need to pursue 21st century opportunities. She chose Howard because of the sense of belonging afforded by the HBCU. Her persistent desire to do something bigger than herself and to go to places most others only dream about has influenced her current paths.

Thane Douglass, a dynamic computer science undergraduate from San Diego, California, is leaving an indelible mark at Howard University. As the Spring '24 Ukweli Layout Director and chapter lead for the University of Ethereum, Douglass is not only a scholar but a visionary in design. Transitioning seamlessly from print to cross-platform web/app design, he blends precise computer intelligence with a commitment to fostering inclusive, research-backed designs that elevate global user experiences. Thane is passionate about the intersection of technology and human expression, and aspires to optimize human-led artificial intelligence developments. He actively contributes to breaking down entry barriers in tech and advocates for inclusivity in blockchain, cybersecurity, AI, and data science design. He envisions a future where the transformative power of technology is accessible to all, particularly underrepresented youth, propelling economic growth and societal inclusiveness. Douglass stands as a catalyst for positive change in the tech landscape, embodying the ethos of Howard University's commitment to holistic growth in STEM. Thane aspires to study artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and machine learning algorithim design after completing of his bachelor's degree.

Kiera Hale is a biology major, chemistry and psychology double-minor from Solon, Ohio. Since she was young, Hale has held a love for nature. As she learned more, this love grew into a passion for ecology and plant science. Hale looks forward to pursuing a PhD in environmental science, researching subjects such as community ecology, environmental justice, and urban agriculture. She hopes to travel the world and research different biomes before settling down and becoming a professor. Hale hopes that her research and work in academia can improve the lives of those who are affected by environmental inequity.

Zoey Hall is a Computer Science major from the Gateway to the West: St. Louis, Missouri. Hall chose to study Computer Science because she was always fascinated at how a few clicks on a keyboard can develop into complex and intricate projects. STEM has always been at the heart of her character as she has always been intrigued with using STEM to solve problems. She plans to pursue her Ph.D. in Data Science to become a data analyst working with clinical studies related to Black Maternal Health. Black women are twice as likely to experience pregnancy-related complications and/or die during childbirt, and Hall wants to be able to summarize chaos data in an organized fashion that can be used by legislators and policymakers to put an end to the Black maternal mortality rate crisis. She chose to attend Howard University as she felt it would be the epicenter of her success with its combination of research opportunities, exemplary courses, numerous connections, and the support of the Karsh STEM Scholar Staff all while having the ability to be her authentic self in a crowd of Black excellence.

Alana Johnson is a proud Howard University student from Atlanta, GA, majoring in Biology, and minoring in both Chemistry and French. After completing her undergraduate program, Alana plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Microbiology, hoping to do research in pathogenic diseases, ranging from viruses to parasites. She wants to focus more specifically on illnesses that disproportionately impact communities of color around the world. Her passion for creating change coupled with her curiosity for all things science motivates Alana to use her interests to make long-lasting impacts in disadvantaged communities. Alana chooses to study in the STEM field because this field does not reflect the many of the demographics it may serve. She wants to be the researcher learning and making change, with service to communities of color at the center of her research.

Amaya Keys is a computer science major and graphic design minor from Raleigh, North Carolina. Her passion for STEM blossomed as she came to see first-hand the breadth of possibilities that programming, design, and intellect enable. She wants to pursue a PhD in artificial intelligence to study the harmful effects of bias on underrepresented/marginalized groups within the field of AI and how AI can be used for creative applications. Some of the world’s greatest changemakers are Black leaders and scientists, a group she hopes to join, as not only a STEM major, but a Karsh STEM scholar at the prestigious Howard University. As an aspiring professional within the field, Keys looks forward to becoming an inspiration to young Black students and creating opportunities to fuel their success in the world of computer science.

Sophie Lee is a biology major, chemistry and philosophy double-minor from Marietta, Georgia. She is the proud child of Jamaican immigrants living by the saying, “Mi come yah fi drink milk, mi nuh come yah fi count cow.” In other words: "keep focused and don't waste time". She plans to pursue an MD-PhD in genetics with a focus on diagnosis and the treatment of hereditary diseases in the Black community. She chose to attend Howard because she knew the school and its community would push and prepare her to be the best version of herself in whatever she chose to pursue.

Cai Malone is a chemical engineering major from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. She aspires to earn her MD-PhD in biomedical engineering so she can conduct research in endocrinology and develop new strategies for treating and regulating hormonal deficiencies. She also plans to pursue a career in academia as a professor of mathematics or chemistry. As a Black woman who recognizes the power and reach of proper, effective schooling, Malone is a firm believer in equitable education for all students and will be an active participant in reducing existing education gaps. She chose to attend Howard University because of the line of Howard alumni in her family, the presence of renowned faculty and guests, and the community of talented and like-minded Black individuals. Malone is grateful to the Karsh STEM Scholars Program and its sister program, the Humanities and Social Sciences Scholars Program, for accepting her into their family of scholars and their unwavering support of her academic and personal journey. She looks forward to conducting research and hopes to motivate other minority students to also pursue a career in STEM.

Erica Okeh, originally from Ellicott City, Maryland, is a Computer Science student at Howard University. Her academic interests involve human-computer interaction, focusing on the eradication of racial biases inherent in algorithmic production, particularly in its societal applications. Driven by a passion for inclusivity in technology, Okeh aspires to venture into a career as a Computer and Information Research Scientist. She aims to dedicate herself to enhancing the foundational algorithms that form the backbone of technological advancements. Okeh aims to work towards a future where these algorithms are ethically sound, ensuring accessibility for all individuals. She chose Howard University for its emphasis on fostering an inclusive environment conducive to growth in STEM fields. She values Howard's dedication to nurturing not only academic excellence but also personal and professional development. The university's emphasis on holistic student growth aligns seamlessly with Okeh's vision of using technology as a force for societal advancement.

Isaac Okewole is a Chemical Engineering student from Lansdowne, Pennsylvania. His aspirations in research and development lead Isaac to a career in Climate Science and Renewable Energy. Specifically, he’d like to be a lab owner, overseeing and participating in basic research to improve technologies like carbon capture and innovating within the realm of sustainable energy. Isaac’s strategy involves gaining the requisite knowledge through summer internships doing research, joining a lab postgraduate school, and from there getting a donor to bring his lab dreams to life. Isaac originally chose Howard because of diversity of ideas, cultures, and types of intelligence present at Howard. Isaac’s desire to study STEM are his efforts to improve society’s sustainability and morality.

Jordan Sexton is a chemical engineering student from McKinney, Texas, with minors in mathematics and computer science. He follows in the footsteps of his parents and three older sisters, who have all graduated from HBCUs in STEM-based fields. Sexton aspires to earn his MD-Ph.D and conduct research as a physician-scientist, aiding individuals suffering from psychological disorders while creating new knowledge to benefit humanity. He is excited to explore all that the chemical engineering and medical fields can offer in order to curate a future where he is making a powerful impact within a field that he will never get tired of. Howard University was Sexton’s school of choice from the networking and professional opportunities the Karsh program granted, the abounding potential for internships and global experiences at the US capitol, and the colorfully vibrant experience of being a Bison.

Madison Simmons is a New York City native by way of Trinidad and Tobago studying Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science. She chose Howard because she believes that the experience will envelope her in a community that works to bolster and propel its student body to become their best selves. Madison decided to major in mathematics, understanding it as the fundamental cornerstone within the STEM disciplines. She appreciates how it melds logic, structure, and quantitative analysis, forming the essential groundwork for scientific exploration. She is keen on entering the field of Biostatistics to accurately represent those who are marginalized within the healthcare sector. Her dream is to one day work alongside her mother, a clinical researcher, statistically analyzing addiction’s impact on pregnant people living with substance use disorders.

Asia Smith is a biology major with a chemistry minor from Belleville, Michigan. Smith will pursue an MD-Ph.D with the objective of becoming an anesthesiologist with a speciality in obstetrics, along with clinical research in pharmacology and pain management. Her interest in these areas arose when she learned about the various ways Black women's pain has been neglected within the United States healthcare system, especially concerning the high mortality rate during childbirth. In the future, she plans to work in underserved communities with significant health disparities in order to promote a better quality of life and to provide more than adequate medical expertise. Additionally, Smith plans to become a medical professor in her area of specialty and broaden her scope in the treatment of chronic pain management into other medical conditions where severe pain is prevalent, like sickle cell disease. She chose to attend Howard University because of the academic opportunities that it has to offer STEM students coupled with the tightknit community and dedication to diversifying higher education.

Oluwagbemisoke Soneye is a freshman at Howard University from Sacramento, California. She is currently pursuing a biology major and double minoring in chemistry and psychology. Soneye's career interest is to obtain an MD-Ph D, specializing in epidemiology, public health, and psychiatry. As a future doctor, her passion lies not only in prescribing and administering life-saving treatments but also in contributing to the advancement and formulation of treatments through conducting meaningful research. Through her career, she also hopes to address and work toward eradicating the racial and ethnic biases that are prevalent in medicine. Beyond academics, Soneye also has a passion for community service, as she firmly believes that serving the surrounding community is not only a way to give back but also an opportunity for personal growth. She plans to elevate the livelihoods of her future patients and make a difference in medicine.

Ka'Jean Tallette is a mechanical engineering student from Houston, Texas. He aspires to have a career in research and industry, eventually becoming a CEO of his own company, leader of his lab, and hopefully the proud owner of his own hospital. He aspires to learn about biomedical engineering as his focus and with additional interests in energy conservation. Tallette plans on creating technology that will change the world and society in medicine. Tallettes originally chose Howard University as his first pick for the diversity and inclusivity that the campus offers, in addition to the number of opportunities of research and development that the school offers. He chose STEM because he wants to have a major impact on the world through technology and believes the STEM field is the best fit for him.

Jediah Thomas is a chemical engineering student from Bronx, New York. Thomas aspires to conduct research on sustainable energy systems and infrastructure for the benefit of marginalized communities. In a world where the inequitable distribution of resources furthers social division and holds significant repercussions in people's livelihood, it is not enough to reallocate resources; they must be expanded upon through innovative means in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Thomas' passion for generational impact within the communities that have invested in him manifests in his pursuit of expanding sustainable energy access and its equitable distribution. Thomas chooses to gain his foundation at Howard University because of this great institution's capacity to align the sciences, humanities, arts, and all disciplines to the collective endeavor of positively impacting our communities.

Taylor Vander is a computer science major with a minor in mathematics from Slidell, Louisiana. She is committed to obtaining a Ph.D. in data science with plans to alleviate global social issues like housing affordability, public health, and education. She believes she can leverage data to reveal trends and patterns that can then be used to make effective plans and informed decisions. Before attending Howard University, Vander interned with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, where she mined and curated observed datasets, conducted geospatial machine learning predictions, and created the best data-driven estimate for unmeasured clay mineral abundance. She was the first author of a research poster and abstract entitled “Geospatial Machine Learning to Predict Global Abundance of Seafloor Clay Mineral Species,” which she presented at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting in 2022. Vander chose Howard University because of the unique exposure and support from the Karsh STEM Scholars Program and the opportunity to receive a world-class educational experience inside and outside the classroom.

Mia Weller is a biology major and chemistry minor from Baltimore, Maryland. She plans to earn an MD-Ph.D and advance medical research as it applies to HIV/AIDS. Weller hopes to use science as a gateway to battling medical issues that have social implications, such as sexual and reproductive health. She hopes to direct her research toward health equity to give back to her community. Weller chose Howard University because of the “Truth and Service” motto. The university consists of students and alumni who have been change agents. She hopes to fulfill this legacy by being of service to her community and advocating for health equity.

Khayri White is a student from Baltimore, Maryland, who is pursuing a computer engineering degree. He is interested in doing interdisciplinary research that integrates computer engineering and environmental science. He loves STEM because it is a logic-driven field that gives Black people a better chance to achieve success in society, allowing Black people to be judged more on their ability to solve problems rather than someone else’s opinion of them. Khayri chose to attend Howard University because of the support that he would receive from the Karsh STEM Scholars program and from the Howard community that will propel him to achieve success. Likewise, being an African American male from a low-income community, he understands the hardships that many low-income students face, and he intends to use his blessings to help such students gain access to resources that will allow them to also achieve success.

Osei-Sekou Whylie is a computer engineering student from Columbia, Maryland. Whylie is interested in researching improved renewable energy systems and robotics. He decided to enroll at Howard University due to the extensive network and prospects available to him, accompanied by the substantial support extended by the numerous Black scholars present on the campus. Since he was a child, Whylie has been interested in joining the STEM field because he believes his innovations could change the world for the better. The numerous brilliant Black minds in the STEM field inspire him, and he hopes his work will similarly inspire a new generation of students to be interested in making the world better with their inventive ideas.

Camille Williams is a biology major, chemistry, and Afro-American studies double minor from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After pursuing her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend an MD-PhD program in biology with a focus on Dermatology. With this focus, she plans to expand the diversity in dermatological education and the dermatology field.