5,000+

Khalia Braswell is a senior Computer Science and Communications major at North Carolina State University. Her achievements
include Chair of the Black Students Board, Mentor for the START program, and Region II Publications Chair for the National
Society of Black Engineers. “I was in high school when I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in a STEM field. I made the
decision to attend NC State as a result of attending the Minority Engineering Program’s Overnight Stay. After seeing so many
African-American engineers, I knew this was where I wanted to be. Shortly after that program, I was accepted into the Summer
Transition Program (STP). The program was a good introduction to campus life, and it allowed me to make a lot of friends. Once
the school year began, I automatically placed into the START mentoring program. I am grateful for this because my mentor still helps me whenever I
need her. Since then, I have also become a mentor to several students and it is truly a rewarding experience. I feel that it is important to have a
mentor because it helps to have someone that looks like you in your discipline that can help guide you along the way. “
Kyle Linnard Davis received a B.S. degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from North Carolina State University, and is
currently a Ph.D. student in Biomedical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. His achievements include,
Chancellor’s Fellow at Washington University, Eta Kappa Nu Electrical Engineering Society, and Leadership Alliance member at
John’s Hopkins University. “While at North Carolina State University, I was an active participant in the MEP programs from the
time I decided to attend. I began by attending the overnight stay where I confirmed that I would attend North Carolina State
University. From there I was a participant in the STP program and got a head start on my undergraduate coursework and met
people that I would continue to develop a relationship with.”
Larrisha Renee Gregory (Nobles) received a B.S. degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at North Carolina State
University. Her achievements include Caldwell Scholar, Beckman Scholar, and Mulkey-Shelton Leadership Award. My journey in
the STEM field began as a participant in the Summer Transition Program at NC State. Through this program I gained an
appreciation for good study habits, mentors, and relationships with peers that propelled me though my undergraduate career. I had
successfully passed my first college course, learned my way around a new campus, and met future tutors thanks to STP. In the fall
following STP I was able to participate in the START program which gave me a mentor to help answer my many questions and give
advice that helped me though my freshman year. This gave me a great start as I pursued my undergraduate degree in chemical engineering.
Justin Hicks received a B.S. degree in Biomedical Engineering from North Carolina State University in 2011. He is currently an
Associate Researcher in the Radiation-Induced Osteoporosis Laboratory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His
achievements include a NIH Research Grant Diversity Supplement, Tau Beta Engineering Honors Society, Golden Key
International Honor Society, and the Larry Keith Humility Award from the UNC School of Medicine. “My Ah-ha moment when I
realized that STEM was a career for me was my freshman physics class which proved to be challenging; however, I realized I had
a natural knack for problem solving in which I excelled. While pursuing my bachelor’s degree, I participated in many of the
minority engineering programs at NC State University which I attribute my collegiate success to. I applied all of the lessons learned from this
summer program which allowed me to find early success in engineering and I do not believe I could have reached the same level of achievement
without the Summer Transition Program.”
Chasity Holt is currently a senior at North Carolina State University, majoring in Computer Engineering. Her achievements include
Vice President of the National Society of Black Engineering, and 2010 Dean’s List. “I realized a STEM career was for me after my
internship at SAS Institute Inc, this past summer. Getting hands on experience in the company showed me that there is more to
engineering than what we are taught in school and being in the work atmosphere was a motivation to push through the remainder of
my academic career. My involvement as an STP (MEP Summer Transition Program) student and head counselor has also been very
beneficial for me. I built communication, networking, academic, and leadership skills being involved in the program and I am able to
share the many things I gained with others who are eager to be better students and people. As a STP student, the program gave me an early support
system coming into college and allowed me to be comfortable away from home.
Braxton Z. Jackson is currently a junior majoring in Nuclear Engineering with a minor in Africana Studies at North Carolina
State University. His achievements include the Caldwell Fellows program, NC State Chancellor Leadership Scholarship and
Walton Family Scholarship. “I have participated in almost all of the programs offered through the Minority Engineering
Programs Office including: Summer Transition Program (as a counselor and incoming freshman), Overnight Stay (as a host for
the high school student), and START (as both a mentee and mentor). My participation in these programs has truly served as my
guide through the rigorous engineering curriculum by providing me with accessible resources that have helped me succeed in my major.”
Jasmine Nicole Jarvis is currently a senior majoring in Computer and Electrical Engineering with a minor in Psychology. Her achievements include
Dean’s List, and the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. “The moment I realized a STEM career was for me was actually in
middle school. I had always enjoyed and done really well in my math and science courses. I completed an in-depth project about a
Computer Software Engineer and became intrigued by the occupation. In high school I took several engineering related course as
well as honors and Advanced Placement math and science course. I interned with the NCSU Electrical and Computer Engineering
department my senior year in high school and that helped me even more realize where I wanted to attend school and what degree I
wanted to pursue. I participated in the MEP Overnight Stay and STP, which crucially helped my transition from high school to college.
160