Aaliah Burney
Aaliah Burney is a forensic chemistry major who aspires to become a forensic chemist in an FBI or CIA laboratory.
TU celebrates potential, enthusiasm of inaugural Hill-Lopes Scholars cohort
Fisher College of Mathematics and Science deepening commitment to diversity and inclusion in the sciences
By Megan Bradshaw and Roy Henry on October 22, 2019
Towson University’s Jess & Mildred Fisher College of Science and Mathematics has officially launched the Hill–Lopes Scholars Program, made possible through a generous donation by Barbara Hill and Ancelmo Lopes.
The program was born out of the passion Hill and Lopes feel for making science exciting and welcoming to underrepresented students. The donors have spoken about their experiences as the “onlys” in the room and firmly believe that since they have succeeded, it is their duty to help others.
“I was the only woman in the room. He was the only African-American, once he hit a certain level in his career. And it's lonely being the only,” said Hill during an Oct. 11 event.
“When you've got that nice hole in the glass ceiling, it means reaching down, grabbing another hand and pulling more individuals through,” she continued. “We hope that that's what this program's all about, pulling talented students through.”
The first cohort of talented students have been selected and will engage in the programming for up to three years. They will receive a scholarship each eligible semester as well as financial support to attend professional scientific meetings and to participate in career-building conferences, workshops and field trips.
They will also be able to take advantage of existing TU communities and programming, like the Career Center, STEM student clubs, STEM faculty research mentors and the Women in Science Forum.
Faculty program directors Cindy Ghent, Beth Kautzman, Peko Tsuji and program coordinator Kristin Pinkowski are “excited and energetic and bright and wanting to change things to make them better,” according to Hill.
“It is a joy to sit down with a group of talented, bright people and brainstorm how to make something better. From the first phone call we made here, we got such an excited and enthusiastic response; it has been a joy.”
Fisher College has long stood as a leader in promoting women and minority student success in STEM, with programs like the STEM Residential Learning Community, the Bridges programs, the TU Research Enhancement Program (TU REP), pre-service science teacher education, the Women in Science program and Towson Opportunities in STEM (TOPS).
Meet the Hill-Lopes Scholars Alpha Cohort
Kayla Cubernot
Kayla Cubernot is a biology major with a concentration in cell and molecular biology who is interested in conducting medical or forensic research and work in the lab in the future.
Meghan Ely
Meghan Ely is a biology major with a concentration in the functional biology of animals and a minor in w´Çłľ±đ˛Ô’s studies who hopes to have a career in w´Çłľ±đ˛Ô’s health.
Amanee Faddoul
Amanee is a math and business major with a concentration in applied mathematics who aspires to have a career in data science.
Priscilla Hounkponou
Priscilla Hounkponou is a chemistry major who hopes to go on to earn a Ph.D. and explore the fields of pharmacology, cosmetic chemistry and clinical chemistry.
Alex Jupinka
Alex Jupinka is a biology major with a concentration in secondary education. She aspires to be a high school biology and anatomy teacher and eventually a college professor.
Stephanie Prem
Stephanie Prem is a computer science major with a minor in music performance with a concentration in flute. She hopes to earn a Ph.D. and work for NASA or the NSA.
Brittany Renfro
Brittany Renfro is a forensic chemistry major who hopes to become a forensic pathologist.
Samavi Sultana
Samavi Sultana is a computer science major with a concentration in cybersecurity and interested in becoming a security analyst.
Samira Vuchula
Samira Vuchula is a biology major with a concentration in functional biology of animals and a minor in chemistry. She hopes to go to medical school and become a physician.
This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel’s priorities for Towson University: Diverse and Inclusive Campus and Culture of Philanthropy.