5,000+

speaking skills improved and became comfortable presenting to both technical audiences and the
public. FGLSAMP is a very inspiring organization.”
Name: Gabrielle Dick
Period of Participation: 2001-2003
Graduation Date: December 2003 (B.S., Biomedical Science)
Current Status: Group Leader, Therapeutics Manufacturing, Biotest Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Personal Statement: “I participated in FGLSAMP at Miami-Dade College where I earned my A.A.,
and later at the University of South Florida after transferring for my Bachelor’s degree. At each step of
the way, I was blessed to have supportive mentors who were like family. FGLSAMP encouraged my
involvement in undergraduate research and applications for both university and national scholarships.
Without the guidance of FGLSAMP mentors, I would have never received an UNCF-MERCK
scholarship. Thank you FGLSAMP . . . !”
Name: Glenn Simmons, Jr.
Period of Participation: 2004-2006
Graduation Date: May 2006 (B.S., Biomedical Science)
Current Status: Doctoral Candidate, Biomedical Sciences —Meharry Medical College/NIH Predoctoral
Fellow
Personal Statement: “From the very moment I arrived on campus at USF, FGLSAMP mentors were
there to guide me. My mentors helped me to secure a research position at the Moffitt Cancer &
Research Institute within an Immunology lab. FGLSAMP provided travel awards for me to present at
several conferences (FGLSAMP, Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students) and
helped with my applications to doctoral programs. Two years ago, I was invited back to USF by
FGLSAMP as a speaker, workshop panelist, and graduate student exhibitor representing Meharry
Medical College during the 2010 FGLSAMP EXPO at USF.”
Name: Andre P. Garcia
Period of Participation: 2004-2008
Graduation Date: May 2008 (B.S., Civil Engineering)
Current Status: Doctoral Student, MIT/NSF Graduate Research Fellow
Personal Statement: “Throughout my undergraduate program at the University of South Florida, the
FGLSAMP program wrote countless recommendation letters on my behalf for various scholarship
programs. Later on this support extended to reviewing my application for the NSF Graduate Research
Fellowship Program (GRFP) which I was later awarded for my doctoral studies at MIT. I thank the
FGLSAMP program and my other USF advisors for helping me obtain this fellowship. Their support
has truly been instrumental. It is because of the amazing foundation set by everyone at USF that I am
here today. Thank you again.”
Name: Ryan Ferreira
Period of Participation: 2008-2010
Graduation Date: December 2010 (B.S. Computer Engineering)
Current Status: Analyst, Software Quality Assurance, Walmart, Inc. (Corporate Headquarters)
Personal Statement: “The mentoring and NSF scholarships I received through the FGLSAMP program
was invaluable in ensuring my success and graduation from the University of South Florida. My
mentors encouraged me to excel academically and seek out internships along with other professional
development opportunities. I am very grateful for their support.”
Name: Justin Hinson
Period of Participation: 2008-2010
Graduation Date: December 2010 (B.S., Mechanical Engineering)
Current Status: ARMS Ambassador (Professional Engineer), Sandvik, Inc.
Personal Statement: “I thank the FGLSAMP program so much for everything (financial aid
scholarships, undergraduate research, and mentoring) it did for me. I would not have been able to make
it with its guidance and support. FGLSAMP put me in a position where I have no other choice but to
succeed. My job with Sandvik, Inc. includes many tasks but primarily to provide a time vs. cost
analysis on products assembled at the facility. Again thank you, FGLSAMP for everything.”
Name: Alejandra Vega
Period of Participation: 2010-2011
Graduation Date: May 2011 (B.S., Mechanical Engineering)
Current Status: Engineer, Global Operations Leadership Development Program (GOLD), Johnson &
Johnson, Inc.
Personal Statement: “This year was very important because of all the milestones that I reached.
Presenting at national meetings in Jacksonville and New York City, graduating from college, getting
my first job, moving to a different state, etc. and the mentors within the NSF FGLSAMP program at
the University of South Florida helped through nearly all of . I enjoyed every minute of my LSAMP
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