5,000+

Rodward Hewlin received B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical
Engineering. His publications and presentations include, “Evaluation of the Effect of Patient-Specific Geometry on
Hemodynamic Flow in Stenosed Carotid Bifurcation Arteries”, a technical presentation at the ASME Early Technical Career
Conference (ETCC), Atlanta, GA, Nov. 5-7, 2011, and R.L., Hewlin, Jr., and J.P. Kizito, “Evaluation of The Effect of Stent
Design and Strut Positioning On Hemodynamic Flow in Stenosed Carotid Bifurcation Arteries”, Technical Presentation, ASME
6 th Frontier Biomedical Device Conference, West Irvine, CA 47907, Sept 26-27, 2011. “I realized STEM was for me when I
was in high school, and always enjoyed mathematics and science.”
Elaina Jones received a B.S. degree in Architectural Engineering with a minor in Engineering Physics from North Carolina
A&TState University in 2003. She completed her master’s degree in Civil Engineering as a member of Cohort I of the Bridge to
the Doctorate program at NCA&T. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University.
Dr. Kenneth Jones received a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering in 2003 from North Carolina A&T State University, and was
a member of Cohort I of the Bridge to the Doctorate program at NCA&T. Upon completion of his master’s degree in Computer
Engineering, he was accepted into the Electrical and Computer Engineering doctoral degree program at NCA&T, and defended
his dissertation in the 2011 fall semester.
Nollele Jones attends North Carolina A&T State University and is pursuing a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering. “I realized that
STEM was something that I was willing to pursue after a physical science experiment in high school, which involved the class
making homemade lotion from borax and beeswax. I really enjoyed the experiment and it was cool that you could make something
out of everyday materials.
Na’ilah Kituku received B.S. and M.S. degrees in Civil Engineering from North Carolina A& T State University. She is
currently employed as a General Engineer at National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)/ Department of Energy (DOE).
“I always believed that I was going to be an architect until I discovered engineering. I took an engineering course my senior
year in high school, and during this course I realized there was an Architectural Engineering discipline. It was then that I knew
I was going to college to study Architectural Engineering. However, I do not believe I was completely convinced on completing
my undergraduate education in engineering until I began doing research. I was able to conduct my research through the NC-
LSAMP program, the most influential program during a time when I reached a crossroad in my life: stay in the STEM field or not. This program
pushed me into doing research and that research is ultimately what “sealed the deal” for me in continuing my education in a STEM field.”
Jordan Ortiz attends North Carolina A& T State University, and is currently pursuing a B.S. Degree in Mechanical
Engineering (Aerospace). “I realized that choosing a STEM major was the best route for the main objectives I wanted to
complete in my future. I was able to think technically in secondary school, so I knew I wanted to broaden that ability and find
out how far I could take my potential. As a senior completing my BS in Mechanical Engineering, with a concentration in
Aerospace Engineering, the light bulb clicked when I started to excel and learn new things daily. The course work is never
boring and it’s the type of environment that forces you to think outside the box. So many opportunities have been set in front of
me with scholarships and internships as well, so this is just the beginning for me. I participated in research my first year in the
LSAMP program, which was 2010-2011. It by far has been one of the best experiences I have had while in college. The undergraduate research
opportunity gave me the chance to obtain hands on experience in the lab. I was out in the field testing and networking as well. As a junior in college
I was already a part of a research project that could have the potential to improve lives in the medical field. This caused me to think, ‘who at 20
years of age could say they did that?’ Currently I am a senior graduating in May of 2012. This summer I will be going to Officer Candidate School
to become commissioned in the United States Coast Guard, and then become a Pilot. I plan to get my master’s degree as well while I am serving in
the USCG.”
Mathew Reader attends North Carolina A& T State University and is pursuing a B.S. degree in Computer Engineering. “I
realized that a STEM major was for me during my senior year in high school. I took electronics courses during my junior and
senior years, learned about the field through hands-on activities such as building circuits on a bead board, and building power
supplies. In doing this, I became very fascinated with these experiences and my ability to read a schematic. So I asked my
teacher what professional field I should pursue, to continue learning about building circuits and other electronic components.
He replied that I should consider electrical engineering. Currently, I am a junior at North Carolina A&T State University
studying electrical engineering, and in my second year of the NCLSAMP program continuing the research I started my
sophomore year. After obtaining my undergraduate degree from NCA&T, I plan to attend graduate school for a degree in
electrical or chemical engineering.
157