Alumnus Wells Graham accepted to Ph.D. program at Wake Forest University
James “Wells” Graham Jr., a spring 2021 UNC Pembroke graduate and aspiring scientist, has decided to further his studies in the physics doctoral program at Wake Forest University. Graham earned his applied physics degree, graduating with magna cum laude honors, on May 21. A Laurinburg native and Scotland County High graduate, Graham was a RISE Fellow while attending UNCP.
UNCP nursing student wins a $25,000 scholarship
Dekiah Parson, a junior nursing student at UNC Pembroke, has won a $25,000 scholarship from the Taco Bell Foundation. Parson, an employee of Taco Bell in Fayetteville, was among 26 students nationwide to receive the full scholarship amount. She plans to use the money toward graduate school. Parson discovered her passion for medicine after her godsister, London, was born prematurely. Her birth led to several health issues.
Alumnus Evert Garcia-Guzman accepted into Physics Ph.D. program at UNC-Chapel Hill
Chemistry has always been Evert Garcia-Guzman’s strength academically. However, when he enrolled at UNC Pembroke four years ago, Guzman decided to push the boundaries and challenge himself by studying physics–a subject guaranteed to offer the academic rigor he needed. “I had never taken a physics course, and I wanted to learn more,” he said.
Lynch, Walton named Udall Scholars
Aiyana Lynch and Sonny Walton have been named 2021 Udall Scholars–marking the first time two UNC Pembroke students were honored in the same year. The sophomores are among 55 students selected nationwide by the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation. The prestigious scholarship provides up to $7,000 to college sophomores and juniors committed to careers related to the environment, tribal policy or Native American health care. The 2021 Udall Scholars were selected from among 416 candidates at 187 colleges and universities.
COMPASS2 Program to participate in 2021 STEM for All video showcase
The 2021 STEM for All Video Showcase will feature UNC Pembroke’s COMPASS2 scholarship program. The event will be held online May 11-18 at https://stemforall2021.videohall.com/.
UNCP Research Scientist Ben Bahr Earns Top Mentoring Award
The North Carolina Biotechnology Center announces that UNC Pembroke neuroscientist Dr. Ben Bahr has won a national award for his transformative mentoring -- the 2021 Health Sciences Mentor Award from the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR). This award includes a cash award, certificate, and recognition through media outlets. The Bahr lab has mentored more than 165 undergraduate researchers. Click here to read the full story.
UNCP honors local icon establishing the Dr. Adolph L. Dial Endowed Professorship of American Indian Studies
Dr. Adolph L. Dial was once described as “a man for all seasons” largely due to his vast and varied life experiences which he readily shared with both students at UNC Pembroke and his community. His goal was always to inspire and make his world better than he found it. A key figure in the history of the university and Lumbee Tribe, Dial founded the American Indian Studies department and served 30 years as a faculty member directly influencing generations of students—an impact evidenced in the region’s leaders of today who called him a mentor, teacher and scholar.
Dr. Laura Staal wins Board of Governors 2021 Award for Excellence in Teaching
Hannah Middleton reached a crossroads during her sophomore year at UNCP. She began questioning whether a career in teaching was in her future. “I began having doubts about whether teaching was for me. I was actually about to talk to my advisor about getting out of the teaching program altogether,” she said. After taking Dr. Laura Staal’s Foundations of Reading course, Middleton rediscovered her passion. Rejuvenated, she went on to earn her degree and is weeks away from completing her first year as a special education teacher in Robeson County.
UNCP pair admitted to School of Veterinary Medicine at NC State
Alexis High is one step closer to fulfilling her dream of becoming a veterinarian. High will become the first graduate of UNCP’s Veterinary Education Access Scholars Program, a pathway initiative formed four years ago granting a select number of biology students guaranteed acceptance into N.C. State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine program. She is on track to complete her biology degree in May and begin the veterinary program this summer.
UNCP research scientist Ben Bahr earns top mentoring award
UNC Pembroke neuroscientist Ben Bahr has received the 2021 Outstanding Mentor Award from the health sciences division of the Council on Undergraduate Research. The award is a testament to Dr. Bahr’s passion for teaching the next generation of scientists and researchers. The award honors exceptional mentoring and advising by higher education faculty across all subdivisions of health sciences. Bahr joined the UNCP faculty in 2009 as the William C. Friday Distinguished Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry.