2007 Scholars Journal - Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City
North Carolina
Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate
Achievement Program Volume 12
Who’s Who in the McNair Scholars Program
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
McNAIR SCHOLARS
Dr. Cheryl J. Lewis
Principal Investigator/Director
Quiana A. Abner, Political Science
Ebony S. Addison, Computer Science
Cristian J. Alva, Aviation
Kyana M. Bailey, Sociology
Yolanda D. Brown-James, Pharmacy
Latisha S. Coston, Social Work
Machara J. Elliott, Political Science
Jerry Glasper, Criminal Justice
Sherice M. Jernigan, Business
Tiffany L. Jordan, Biology
Carl O. Morrison, Criminal Justice
Andrew B. Oxendine, Industrial Technology
Levi L. Peebles, Psychology
Sherishma C. Pennyfeather, Social Work
Titaneisha L. Simmons, Criminal Justice
Sheena C. Stokes, Criminal Justice
Allen M. Suber, English
Mrs. Gwendolyn H. Cooper
Office Assistant
Ms. Nyoka Green
Resident Assistant/Computer Lab Assistant
FACULTY RESEARCH MENTORS
Dr. Hirendranath Banerjee
Dr. Kwabena Boansi
Dr. Akbar Eslami
Mr. Fredrick Ford
Dr. Jacqueline Huff
Dr. Jahi Issa
Dr. John Luton
Dr. Jamiiru Luttamaguzi
Dr. Brenda Norman
Dr. Ebere Oriaku
POSTER COMPETITION JUDGES
Dr. Scott Bradshaw
Mr. Kip Branch
Dr. Gary Harmon
Dr. Darnell Johnson
Dr. Kingsley Nwala
Ms. Deborah Riddick
Dr. Rebecca Seaman
The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate
Achievement Program, affectionately known as the
“McNair Scholars Program” is wholly funded by the
United States Department of Education.
Table of Contents
Who’s Who in the McNair Scholars Program .............................................................................. inside cover
Message from the Chancellor ......................................................................................................................... 3
Message from the Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs .................................................................. 3
Message from the PI/Director of TRIO Programs . ....................................................................................... 3
What is the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program?................................................... 4
Research Symposium Abstracts for 2007........................................................................................................ 5
Highlights from 2007....................................................................................................................................... 8
Alumni News......................................................................................................................... inside back cover
A Message from the Chancellor
As the chief executive officer of Elizabeth City State University, it gives me great
pleasure to extend greetings on behalf of the faculty, staff, and students of this great
university. I continue to remain excited about the outstanding educational programs
we offer our students through the McNair Scholars Program which has created an
environment of productivity and academic excellence.
In this edition of the McNair Scholars News & Journal, I am confident you will be
proud to read about the scholarly activities in which our faculty and students have
been involved.
It is with much enthusiasm, therefore, I again congratulate the students who have
participated in McNair Scholars Program and commend them on their successes.
A special note of gratitude to the faculty and staff that have supported and advised
these students in their research efforts. Be assured I will continue to be a champion for academic innovation,
scholarly activity, and high quality learning experiences for all students.
Best wishes and congratulations on a job well done!
Message from the Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
GREETINGS on behalf of the Division of Academic Affairs! This year we are celebrating the 12th anniversary
and continued outstanding achievements of the Ronald E. McNair Program at
ECSU. The Program’s successful accomplishments were made possible through a
collaborative partnership between ECSU staff and faculty. Through their efforts, our
students were able to design and develop research and scholarly activities in their
respective fields of study. Academic advisement, personal academic planning, career
counseling, financial assistance planning combined with a personal touch have made
this program a stimulating environment for learning, communicating knowledge and
achieving academic success. Through their hard work, the McNair staff and faculty
have not only provided moral support, advice and guidance to McNair scholars, but
have also served as their advisors, supporters, tutors, sponsors and role models.
I would like to thank our faculty & staff, as well as our students who have
participated or who are considering participating in this program, thus taking
advantage of the many benefits of being a McNair Scholar.
It has been a pleasure and I look forward to continuing our efforts to make the Ronald McNair Program an
outstanding outreach component of the University as well as an exemplary model for other institutions.
Message from the PI/Director of TRIO Programs
It is hard to believe that another year has come and gone. This year has been very
rewarding, consisting of one of the best cohort of students, research mentors, and
staff. As a part of the McNair Scholars Summer Undergraduate Research Institute
(MS-SURP), our students not only conducted a variety of research projects but also
had the opportunity to engage in an assortment of scholarly activities throughout the
summer and academic year.
It is Elizabeth City State University’s Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate
Achievement Program pleasure to present to you the 2007 research abstracts of our
McNair Scholars. In addition, we fervently present our program highlights and
updates regarding the accomplishments of our McNair Scholars and Alumnae.
With much pride in academic excellence, I bid you well!
McNair Scholars News & Journal 2007 / 3
What is the Ronald E. McNair
Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program?
The McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program is named in honor
of Dr. Ronald Erwin McNair, a renowned laser physicist and astronaut.
Dr. McNair’s life was cut short due to a tragic accident aboard the USS
Challenger space shuttle in January 1986. Dr. McNair graduated
magna cum laude from North Carolina Agriculture and Technical
State University in 1971 and received his Ph.D. at the age of 26
from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1976.
After his death, members of Congress provided funding for
the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program
to encourage ethnic minorities and underrepresented groups
to pursue graduate school opportunities, in particular doctoral
studies. It is one of the six (6) federally funded TRIO programs,
which provide direct services to low-income and/or first-generation
college students. These programs are designed to help students
overcome class, social, and cultural barriers to higher education.
During the academic year of 1989-90, the Ronald E. McNair
Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program had its humble beginning
with fourteen (14) projects. In the 2007 competition, the McNair
program grew to 181 projects located in 42 of the 50 states
(including the District of Columbia).
R O N A L D
A C H I E V E M E N T
How can ECSU’s Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate
Achievement Program benefit its participants?
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How are McNair Scholars Selected?
Services Available
Program participants at Elizabeth City State University receive exemplary
supportive services that are designed to accomplish four (4) major goals: 1) to improve
participant’s grade point averages, 2) to provide opportunities for research and other
scholarly activities, 3) to enhance the likelihood of admission to graduate programs of
choice, and 4) to prepare students for “success” in graduate/doctoral studies.
• Academic Counseling
• Access to Distance Learning and World Wide Web
• Career Development Workshops
• Computer-Assisted Instruction
• Field Trips and Conference Travel
• Financial Aid Assistance
• Graduate School Placement
• Intensive GRE Preparation Seminars
• Mentorship
• Research Training Colloquiums
• Summer Internships/Research Opportunities
• Stipend up to $2,800 (All eligible
participants will receive a stipend of $2,000
plus $800 for room & board, if warranted.)
• Tutoring
• Visiting Lecturer Series
E.
M c N A I R
P O S T - B A C C A L A U R E A T E
To be eligible for ECSU’s McNair Program one must be:
• A United States citizen or permanent resident
• At least a second semester sophomore and
enrolled at Elizabeth City State University
• In good academic standing with a GPA of 2.75
or better, and have a strong interest in attending
graduate school
• A first generation college student with demonstrated
financial need; or an ethnic minority (African Americans,
Hispanic American, American Indians, Alaska Natives,
Pacific Islanders, including native Hawaiians) and/or
• A member of a group who has been traditionally
underrepresented at the doctoral degree level.
P R O G R A M
Research Symposium Abstracts 2007
An Analysis of the Effectiveness of
Juvenile Prevention and Intervention
Programs in North Carolina
Carl Morrison and Sheena Stokes
Research Mentor, Mr. Fredrick Ford
Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences
This study explores the effectiveness of juvenile
prevention and intervention programs. It is a secondary
data analysis of recent juvenile prevention and intervention
programs in the State of North Carolina with emphasis
placed on Pasquotank county and surrounding areas. The
General Strain Theory (GST) was employed as a theoretical
foundation for this study. GST is an integrated theoretical
approach that addresses common assumptions and variables
that have been proven to cause delinquency. In addition, it
is based on the hypothesis that strain is accumulative and
produces deviance in adolescents in economical depressed
areas. The primary purpose of the study was to identify
common characteristics that produce stain causing deviance
with juveniles and the programs used to prevent and reduce
delinquency.
This study addresses the recent programs that have been
effective in reducing delinquency in North Carolina. It also
addresses individual traits, school performance, negative
stimuli, deprived neighborhoods, and negative family and
peer relations in correlation to deviance.
The results of the study indicated that prevention and
intervention programs are effective in reducing delinquency
on the state level. Local programs indicated similar
significance. Common risk factors of General Strain Theory
were effective predictors of delinquency onset. Future
juvenile justice policies and program implementations in
Northeastern North Carolina should focus on these risk
factors and current programs.
Black Criminology in the United States:
A Study of How the U.S. Criminal Justice
System Under Develops Black America
Jerry Glasper and Titaneisha Simmons
Research Mentor, Dr. Jahi Issa
Assistant Professor, Department of History & Political Science
This study explores the rate that the American criminal
justice system systemically underdevelops Black America.
Through the use of historical, sociological, psychological
studies, this paper attempts to seek remedies and solutions
geared toward ending the epidemic of Black criminalization.
The paper explores the methods used by local, state and
federal laws and agencies to institutionalize the Black
population in America. It also seeks to show how this
process continues to underdevelop black communities
around the country. Many scholars have theorized that
United States federal and state laws have always criminalized
the black community. In states like Texas which has a Black
population rate of 12%, its Black prison rate is 44%. Many
scholars also suggest that Black Criminology has its origins
in slavery and were further perpetuated after emancipation
and throughout the Jim Crow, Civil Rights and the Black
Power movement. Case studies from known scholars are
used to indicate the process of criminalization. This paper
will further the understanding of black adolescent male
and female violence. This research will also give a better
outlook and explore why many young black experience
“Chronic Anger”, “Chronic Frustration”, and “Displaced
Aggression” often resulting in “Black- on- Black violence.”
The exploration of the different social conditions purpose is
to provide the black community with solutions and practical
policies for black empowerment. Finally, the study will
indicate how the Historically Black Colleges & Universities
should play an important role in trying to end this epidemic.
Decision Making and Social Factors that
Contribute to Alcohol Use
Kyana Bailey and Levi Peebles
Faculty Mentor, Dr. Jacqueline Huff
Assistant Professor, Department of Education & Psychology
“Four out of five students have consumed alcohol by the
end of high school and more than half (51%) have done so by
eighth grade. Therefore, adolescents tend to experiment with
alcohol before they are old enough to legally drink” (Epstein,
Griffin, Botvin, 2004, p.159). The consequences of alcohol use
can result in unintentional injures, motor vehicle crashes,
sexual assaults, date rape, and having unprotected sex.
At Elizabeth City State University, 65.5% say that alcohol,
other drug use on campus is a problem, and 97.8% feel that
alcohol use negatively impact student life and academic
performance (2004-2005 survey core alcohol and drug
survey ECSU). Research consistently demonstrates that some
students with alcohol problems fall behind academically
and do poorly on exams. This research will assess the social
factors that impact the decision to use alcohol.
During the summer of 2007, sixty-four students completed
the survey. Results imply that students are aware of the
problems of alcohol use on campus. Half of the students
who completed the survey currently consume alcohol. The
present research has revealed that many students completed
their first drink of alcohol in high school. Thus, alcoholrelated prevention programs should target more high
school students. Research also should focus in identifying
differences in alcohol intake across class standing (freshman,
sophomore, junior, senior, graduate student) to study
whether or not higher level of educational status decreases
the use of alcohol. This will help determine if education plays
a role in reducing alcohol consumption. It was surprising
that the research did not produce any gender differences
McNair Scholars News & Journal 2007 / 5
in regards to general knowledge about alcohol or current
alcohol use. It was surprising that there was not a strong
relationship between self-esteem and current use. This may
be due to the small sample size as well as an imbalance of
male and female participants. Future research should also
focus on creating or using more structured decision making
scales, this may allow further investigation into whether or
not certain decision-making styles reduce or prevent the use
of alcohol consumption.
The Design of an Automated PLC
Controlled Packing System
Andrew Oxendine
Research Mentor, Dr. Akbar Eslami
Professor, Department of Technology
The objective of this research is to design and test a
programmable logic controller (PLC)-controlled conveyor
and pneumatic system that conveys manufacturing parts
and loads them on a packing box. The packing process
integrates mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic components
to make an automated process throughout the operation.
The system consists of a conveyor, a pneumatic actuator, a
PLC, a photoelectric sensor, relays, and a packing box. The
photoelectric sensor, conveyor, relays, and the pneumatic
actuator are connected to a PLC. The PLC is programmed to
communicate with these components and operate the entire
process. The design of the system involves the process of
programming of individual components through extensive
testing, verification, wiring, and modification. Applying this
system requires the links and integrations of components
that lead to the practical application. Consequently, all
the components are integrated to perform a task of
packing process.
The process begins when the conveyor transports a part
to the packing station. The packing station is equipped with
a photoelectric sensor, actuator, and packing box. When
the part arrives on the station, it activates the photoelectric
sensor. This causes the PLC to stop the conveyor and
activates the pneumatic actuator to extend and push the part
into the packing box. There is a time delay that allows the
actuator to complete its cycle and stop in the fully retracted
position before the conveyor motor restarts to carry another
part to the packing station. This is a continuous process in
which after packing a part, the system will reset itself to
pack other parts.
Differential Expressions of Cytokines in
Astrocytes & Astrocytomas
Yolanda Brown-James and Tiffany Jordan
Faculty Mentor, Dr. Hirendra Banerjee
Associate Professor, Department of Biology
The purpose of this study is to investigate the differential
expression of cytokines in the Brain Tumor Astrocytoma cell
line in comparison to healthy Astrocyte cell line. Cytokines
are secreted by various cells in the body. Cytokines are a
6 / McNair Scholars News & Journal 2007
group of proteins and peptides that are used in organisms
as signaling compounds. We studied the expression of many
different cytokines TGF1, VEGF, VCAM, IL-6, IL-2, IFN-,
TNF-, IL-4, IL-10, and GM-CSF. It was proven that most of
these cytokines used in this experiment have more
expression in the Astrocytoma cell line than the normal
Astrocyte cell line.
Dynamic Web Design for
the ECSU Bookstore
Ebony Addison
Research Mentor, Dr. Jamiiru Luttamaguzi
Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics
& Computer Science
Elizabeth City State University currently has no online
bookstore to benefit students, faculty, and staff members
to purchase books online. This project involves developing
an online bookstore application called ECSU Course Books
Application. The application is developed in PHP and will
access a MYSQL database. The online bookstore requires
its members to provide to the staff members their personal
and educational information and courses. The application
process provides the users with their own personal accounts,
which are protected and unable to display or violate their
personal information to other members or web sites.
The application keeps data about the books that students
purchase.
This project diminishes the problem of students having to
wait in lines to receive books needed for their courses. Web
design technology: HTML, MYSQL and PHP are used so that
viewers and members are able to login and purchase books.
The outlook of the site pages is consistent and determined by
a single cascading style sheet with several style classes. The
site fashions excellent performance, tight integration with the
database and good stability.
Entrepreneurship: The Major Steps to
Opening a Small Business
Sherice Jernigan
Faculty Mentor, Dr. Ebere Oriaku
Professor, Department of Business & Economics
This research is designed to identify the various steps
in operating a successful small business. The question
that must be addressed in this investigation is what steps
or processes are required to open a small business. This
research investigates the role of entrepreneurship as it relates
to the opening of small businesses. It will provide the basic
systematic ways of opening a small business in the state of
North Carolina.
The main focus of this research project consisted of the
following variables: (1) entrepreneurship, (2) business
concept feasibility, (3) business plan generation and (4) legal
regulations and requirements. This investigation identified
the risks associated with starting a small business and how
an entrepreneur can improve his/her chances of success
with good planning and preparation (SBDTC:1). The criteria
that allowed entrepreneurs to reduce business risks were:
(1) self assessments, (2) business plans, (3) sound financial
management, and (4) market research.
Micro-Credit/Micro-Finance and the
Role of Women in Developmet:
The Case of Africa
Quiana Abner and Machara Elliott
Research Mentor, Dr. Kwabena O. Boansi
Associate Professor, Department of History & Political Science
The shift from industrialization and commercial
development in the 1970s to investing in human capital and
individual development today has shown a clear interest
by institutions to focus their efforts on servicing individual
needs. The middle class and the rich are no longer the only
members of society who have access to financial services. The
purpose of our research is to address the development needs
of women within a broader development strategy to achieve
the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) of eradicating
extreme poverty and hunger while promoting gender
equality. We also wanted to explore why women were
under-serviced financially. The framework of our analysis
was the examination of the role of women in development
using micro-credit or micro-finance to achieve the broader
scope of the MDG’s.
A literature review of the concept of development has
been undertaken to show the various dynamic changes and
orientations over the years. The focus of the paper was on
people-centered development strategies in African countries.
A Case Study Approach within the framework of political
economy was adopted in the examination of micro-credit as a
development strategy in Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. We
concluded that micro-credit is innovative in its involvement
of women in development by making capital available to
them. However, it is not the end all answer to the complex
problems facing women in society. Consequently, our
study recommended that gender perspectives in national
accounts should be included as part of a long term strategy
of addressing gender imbalance and inequality. This would
require integrating gender issues into national budgetary
policies and procedures.
Professionals Perception of AfricanAmerican Female Gangs Participations in
Rural and Urban Communities
Latisha Coston and Sherishma
Pennyfeather
Faculty Mentor, Dr. Brenda Norman
Associate Professor, Department of Social Sciences
The purpose of this research study is to critically examine
the increasing number of African American females involved
in gangs in urban and rural communities. Limited research
studies have been conducted to examine factors that may
motivate African American females to join gangs. Female
gang participation is one of the least understood topics.
In 2002, research scholars reported that between 8-11% of
females were members of gangs (Wingood, DiClemente,
Crosby, Harrington, Davies, & Hook, 2002). According to
the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
(OJJDP, 2000), females sought gang membership for the same
reasons as males for protection, love, money, and recognition.
In, 1998, the National Council on Crime and Delinquency
(NCCD, 1998) conducted a research study of females in the
California Juvenile Justice System which revealed that 92% of
juvenile female offenders involved in gangs were victims of
some form of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.
Previous studies also revealed that females who
participated in gangs were also more likely to commit serious
and violent crimes. Young females may become involved
in gangs because of experiences of victimization, or the fear
that they may be victimized in the future. Some young
females may find that the only way to protect themselves
from gang participation in their neighborhoods is to
become affiliated with gangs (Archer & Garcia 2005). New
theoretical frameworks or concepts need to be developed
for explanations as to why African-Americans female may
participate in gangs. Due to the increase of female gang
involvement, there is a critical need to increase knowledge in
the area of research (Chesney-Lind & Sheldon 1992).
This research study warrants special attention in
addressing the problem of African American female gang
participation. Therefore, the findings from this research
study are expected to provide direct implications for the
social work profession. Recommendations for developing
effective interventions for African-American females’
participation in gangs will also be discussed in this study.
A Research Paper on the Benefits of
Federally Funded Aviation Programs for
Poor Children of North Carolina
Cristian J. Alva
Faculty Mentor, Dr. Ebere Oriaku
Professor, Department of Business & Economics
Research shows that the benefits of government funded
aviation programs for children of North Carolina such as
“Elevate NC” will greatly impact economic growth. The
paper also shows that the proposed programs will improve
the lives of youth throughout the State and increase the
recognition of North Carolina as being the “First in Flight”
State, encouraging more aviation industry. Similar programs
by organizations have been implemented on a volunteer
basis and have proved to be very successful throughout
the country, though they are often not provided with any
frequency, they are scarce, and are operated solely by
volunteers with no external funding. The proposed program
will not only benefit children, parents, instructors, and
communities with airports of North Carolina, but also the
aviation industry as a whole and the entire State of NC by
increasing revenues, employment, and overall economic
growth. Funding will go towards program marketing,
instructor salaries, classroom spaces at airports, training
McNair Scholars News & Journal 2007 / 7
tools, training aircraft and equipment, maintenance,
and daily program lunches and other necessities for the
participants. Participants will also be encouraged to
stick with the programs and return later as staff to
encourage retention.
Aviation is known as the greatest achievement of the
20th century; though we are entering a 2nd generation of no
progress in manned space flight. The program, ‘Elevate NC’
has the potential to open the eyes, minds, and hearts of the
youth of the world. Children, especially the underprivileged,
need help in finding a healthy passion and inspiration.
Through exposure to aviation, this program can help
these youth into becoming more productive, and socially
responsible human beings while at the same time giving
them an “in” into a career. These youth have the potential to
make some of the greatest achievements of the 21st century,
achievements in aviation.
Therapeutic Effects of Creative Writing
on Domestic Violence Survivors
Allen Suber
Research Mentor, Dr. John Luton
Associate Professor, Department of Language, Literature
& Communications
Domestic violence is one of the most prevalent social
problems in the United States. This problem not only affects
underprivileged and minority citizens, but also the upper
class and Caucasian citizens of our nation. Many people
focus on the methods victims use to escape these violence
situations. However, they should also examine ways to assist
victims in the recovery process … transforming victims into
survivors of domestic violence.
As a result, this researcher has decided to investigate
the feasibility of utilizing creative writing as a part of
counseling and therapy for survivors. The method used was
a phenomenological study of domestic violence survivors.
Involved in this study was a man who has been the victim of
Domestic Violence. This study consisted of the participant’s
experience, his recovery process, and statements analyzing
his creative work.
Highlights from 2007
Scholarly Activity
18th Annual Research Symposium
At the 18th Annual Research Symposium sponsored by Oklahoma State
University, Stephanie Mullen presented her research on February 21-23,
2007. Stephanie’s research project was entitled, “The Effects of Citing Group
Membership on Social Interactions”. In addition to presenting her research,
Stephanie had the opportunity to meet OSU Graduate Faculty and Staff, Mr.
Stedman Graham and McNair Scholars from around the Nation.
8 / McNair Scholars News & Journal 2007
Highlights from 2007
Honors Convocation
A number of McNair Scholars received recognition,
scholarships, and awards at the 2007 Honors Convocation
on April 12, 2007. Over 75% of our Scholars maintained
a GPA of 3.0 or greater. Four of our scholars attained a 4.0
GPA for fall 2006. These four outstanding young ladies
received the Excellence Without Excuse Award: Brittany
Byers, Shanitria Cuthbertson, Stephanie Mullens and
Annya-Marie Soucy for having the highest GPA in the
pool of McNair Scholars. Each had a cumulative grade
point average of 4.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for fall 2006.
The Challenger Award was given to McNair Scholars
who had a GPA of 3.5 or greater. The 2007 awardees were
Ashley Daniels, Machara Elliott, Jessica McDonald, Keria
Miller, and Tiffany Jordan. The Eagle Award was given to
McNair Scholars who received accumulative GPA of 3.0
or better. This year’s recipients of the Eagle Award were
Chelsea Daniels, Quinatona Ford, Nyoka R. Green, Tierra
Harrington, Levi Pebbles, MaShawn Scott and Sharese
Smith.
Other awards received were as follows: Academic
Distinction Award- Department of Psychology, Brittany
Byers; Academic Excellence in Social Work, Brittany
Byers; Chancellor’s Distinguish Emblem Award,
Quiana Abner, Brittany Byers, Trista Brodie, Shanitria N.
Cuthbertson, Chelsey Daniels, Marque Debnam, Machara
Elliott &, Tyonne D. English, Tierra S. Herrington,
Sherice Jernigan, Jessica L. McDonald, Keria S. Miller,
Sherishma C. Pennyfeather, Shalonda L. Poole, Janeen
Reid, and Allen Suber; Dr. Richard L. Reid Scholarship,
Cristan J. Alva; Honors Program Certificate of Merit,
Brittany Byers, Natasha Cox, Nyoka R. Green, and Allen
Suber; Mid-Eastern Alliance for Minority Participation
Program, Nyoka Green and Chelsey Daniels; Outstanding
Academic Achievement Award- History & Political
Science, Annya-Marie Saucy; Social Work Highest GPA
Award/Non-Transfer, Brittany Byers; Who’s Who Among
Student in American University and Colleges, Cristan J.
Alva, Nyoka R. Green, Jessica L. McDonald,
and MaShawn K. Scott.
Summer 2007 Photo Gallery
Latisha Coston, Ebony Addsion
and Sherishma Pennyfeather
(McNair Scholar) prepares to
board the Viking Bus. First Stop
is to Johns Hopkins University.
McNair Scholars News & Journal 2007 / 9
Summer 2007 Photo Gallery
10 / McNair Scholars News & Journal 2007
Highlights from 2007
12th Annual
Research Symposium
& Awards Ceremony
Mr. Carl S. McNair, founder
of the Dr. Ronald E. McNair
Foundation, was the keynote
speaker for the 12th Annual
Research Symposium and
Awards Ceremony held on the campus of Elizabeth
City State University on July 18, 2007. Carl McNair has
recently written a new book entitled, “In the Spirit of
Ronald E. McNair”. This inspirational book was given to
each of our Scholars for their participation in the program.
This year’s theme was “McNair Scholars Program
Inspires Others to Have a Voice and Place in Society”.
During the research symposium , the ballroom was filled
to capacity and the spirit was high, while eleven research
teams presented their research findings.
Each of the Scholars received certificates of
participation and awards were also presented to winners
of our annual competition. These winners were Andrew
Oxendine & Dr. Akbar Eslami (Research Mentor) for
first place, second place was Ebony Addison & Dr.
Jamiiru Luttamaguzi and third place, went to Yolanda D.
Brown-James, Tiffany Jordan & Dr. Hirendra Banerjee.
Undoubtedly, they received a roaring round of applause.
Alumni News
McNair Scholars Receiving Undergraduate Degrees
(fall 06 & spring 07)
•Brittany Byers
•Shanitria N. Cuthbertson
•Ashley Daniels
•Marque J. Debnam
•Nyoka Green
•Thomas Jones
•Carla Layton
•Keria S. Miller
•Stephanie Mullen
•Erica Shaw
•Adreene Wilson
•Annya-Marie Soucy
•Jennifer Young
McNair Scholar(s) Enrolled in Professional School
•Marque J. Debnam, Stetson University
McNair Scholars Enrolled in Graduate School (Fall 2007)
•Brittany Byers, University of Michigan
•Shanitria N. Cuthbertson, University of
North Carolina - Chapel Hill
•Ashley Daniels, Leigh University
•Nyoka Green, Oklahoma State University
•Carla Layton, Regent University
•Leonda Moore, University of Phoenix
•Takeshia Wilkins, North Carolina Central University
Other McNair Updates & Tidbits
•Mrs. Natasha Coley Holley, MSW, LCSW-P is a therapist
and serves as the Director of Operations at Integrated Family
Services, PLLC. She has offices located in Ahoskie, Greenville, Rocky Mount & Wilson, NC. Most recently, Natasha spoke at the Rotary Club in Elizabeth City, NC.
•Mr. Torreon Creekmore’s dissertation proposal has been
accepted and he hopes to receive his doctorate in May 2008.
McNair Scholars Receiving a Master’s Degree in 06-07
•Vickie Arrington, North Carolina State University
•Patrice Boyce, North Carolina A & T
•LaChelle Spence, Chicago School of Psychology
McNair Scholar(s) Enrolled in a Doctorate Program (Fall 2007)
•Waquita Lane, Fielding Institute
McNair Scholar(s) Receiving their PhD degree (Fall 2007)
• Tyrell Carr, Iowa State University Dr. Carr will be starting
his post-doc at University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill in
spring 2008.
McNair Scholars News & Journal 2007 / 11
Ronald E. McNair
Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program
Elizabeth City State University
1704 Weeksville Road
Elizabeth City, North Carolina 27909
“Before You Can Make a Dream Come True,
You Must First Have One”
Dr. Ronald E. McNair
Elizabeth City State University is committed to equality of educational opportunity and does not discriminate
against applicants, students, or employees based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, or disability.
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