July 19: Virtual Summer Research Program Helps STEM Students Succeed

Virtual Summer Research Program Helps STEM Students Succeed

Last year, after students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics majors saw their summer opportunities disappear because of the pandemic, enrichment projects like the Data Science Summer Research Program shifted to virtual.

Spearheaded by Tiffany Oliver, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Department of Biology, the Virtual Data Science Summer Research Program has successfully exposed Spelman students to the world of data science through lectures, coursework and data science-based research for the second consecutive year.

"In addition to increasing interest in data science, it is imperative that students also understand the interdisciplinary nature of the field," said Dr. Oliver. "Through data science, we can solve real world problems; problems that need diverse understandings and perspectives. The best way to diversify outcomes is to increase the desires of diverse people to pursue careers in the field."

More than 40 students took part in this year’s program, which was sponsored by the Southern Company Foundation and included professional development workshops with data science professionals from CITI Chase, CGI, Delta Airlines, Bloomberg and Guidehouse.

Stories of side effects, false cures and baseless claims have fueled inaccuracies around the COVID-19 vaccine, causing a slowdown in vaccinations among the nation's most vulnerable communities.

According to federal data released in June, fewer than a quarter of Black Americans have received their first COVID-19 shot, despite ramped-up efforts to accelerate vaccinations in communities of color.

To address misinformation and help educate the community-at-large, the Atlanta University Center Consortium will host "COVID-19: Conspiracies, Consequences and Champions," a virtual town hall, at 6:30 p.m., on Wednesday, July 21.

Featuring Dr. Lynn Paxton, health director for the Fulton County Board of Health, and moderated by Michael Hodge, Ph.D., interim executive director of the AUCC, the discussion will address the coronavirus, vaccine hesitancy and include a community Q&A session.

There is no registration required, to join the conversation visit http://tinyurl.com/AUCCFultonCountyTownHall the day of the event.

Associate Professor to Take on New Role in Support of Student Success

Andrea Lewis, Ph.D., C’96, has been named director of the Student Success Program for Spelman, an umbrella unit that provides academic support services to ensure all scholars complete college with appropriate and equitable resources.

In addition, Dr. Lewis will join the inaugural class of Clark Atlanta University’s HBCU Executive Leadership Institute, which prepares administrators to lead historically Black colleges and universities and expand upon the historic role they play in the community.

"HBCUs afford Black students a safe place to call home while pursuing educational excellence, intellectual and social engagement, and charting their course to change the world," said Dr. Lewis.

After graduating summa cum laude from Spelman, Dr. Lewis earned a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate from Georgia State University.

Through her efforts as Associate Professor and former Chair of the Education Department, Dr. Lewis was committed to preparing teachers through experiential learning. She led study trips to Cuba and New Orleans and developed partnerships for teacher candidates with local and national elementary, high school and collegiate institutions.

Recent Graduate Forges a Path of Success in the Healthcare Industry

After graduating from Spelman College last May, Alexis Peterson, C'2020, moved to Chicago, Illinois, to accept a position as an Associate Broker with Aon, a leading global professional services firm.

Peterson works within Aon's National Healthcare Practice, which affords her an opportunity to engage with large scale clients.

"Within this position, I have had amazing opportunities to begin building specialized expertise in healthcare and medical malpractice advising within the
ever-changing insurance and healthcare fields," said Peterson who earned a degree from Spelman in health sciences.

"As with many of us during the coronavirus pandemic, we had time to grow in numerous ways," she continued. "My role at Aon has solidified my interest in healthcare administration, but it has also encouraged me to continue exploring my other interests."

Peterson recently joined a STEM mentoring and empowerment program called "NAV Garden for Girls," founded by incoming Spelman student Nia Lambert. The organization, based in the Chicago area, teaches underserved elementary school girls in a fun and exciting way about science and women's empowerment.