Fglsamp 2015 Program Impact Report

2015 Program Impact Report | 1
DREAMFlorida Georgia Louis Stokes Alliance
for Minority Participation
2015 PROGRAM IMPACT REPORT
National Science Foundation | Grant Number HRD-1201981

2 | FGLSAMP 2015 Program Impact Report | 3
Albany State University
Dr. John Williams
(229) 430-4643
john.williams@asurams.edu
Bethune-Cookman University
Dr. Danyell Wilson
(386) 481-2687
wilsonda@cookman.edu
Wenda Williams
(386) 481-2660
williamw@cookman.edu
Florida A&M University
Edna Cofield
(850) 561-2469
edna.cofield@famu.edu
Florida Gulf Coast University
Dr. Claude Villiers
(239) 590-7479
cvillier@fgcu.edu
Florida International University
Undergraduate
Rebecca Ramos
(305) 348-3700
ramosrb@fiu.edu
Dr. Norman Munroe
(305) 348-3556
munroen@fiu.edu
Bridge to Doctorate
Dr. Shekhar Bhansali
(305) 348-4439
sbhansa@fiu.edu
Dr. Sonja Montas-Hunter
(305) 348-2455
smontash@fiu.edu
Florida Memorial University
Dr. Rose Stiffin
(305) 626-3697
rstiffin@fmuniv.edu
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Jhova Renteria-Aybar
(904) 766-6500
j.aybar@fscj.edu
Florida State University
Dr. Joe O’Shea
(850) 645-8118
joshea@fsu.edu
Latika Young
(850) 645-8118
llyoung@fsu.edu
Miami Dade College
Dr. Heather Belmont
(305) 237-1757
hbelmont@mdc.edu
Loleatha Dukes
(305) 237-1469
FGLSAMP Institutions + Map.............................................................................................2
Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation – A National Imperative..............4
FGLSAMP – A Historical Perspective...............................................................................5
FGLSAMP Today – Current Overview..............................................................................6
Sustainability – A Continuing Force for STEM Education...........................................8
Economic Impact of FGLSAMP........................................................................................ 11
FGLSAMP – Institutional Insight...................................................................................... 12
Albany State | Bethune-Cookman University............................................................ 13
Florida A&M University | Florida Gulf Coast University.......................................... 14
Florida International University | Florida Memorial University............................. 15
Florida State College (Jacksonville) | Florida State University............................ 16
Miami Dade College | Tallahassee Community College.......................................... 17
University of Central Florida | University of Florida................................................ 18
University of Miami | University of South Florida..................................................... 19
Impacting Students’ Lives............................................................................................... 20
Bridge to Doctorate...........................................................................................................26
Testimonials.........................................................................................................................27
Key Impacts......................................................................................................................... 30
Lasting Impact..................................................................................................................... 31
Contact..................................................................................................................................32
FGLSAMP INSTITUTIONS
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Tallahassee Community College
Dr. Calandra Stringer
(850) 201-6036
stringec@tcc.fl.edu
University of Central Florida
Dr. Fidelia Nnadi
(407) 823-6513
nnadi@mail.ucf.edu
University of Florida
Undergraduate
Dr. Anne Donnelly
(352) 846-3556
adonn@ufl.edu
Bridge To Doctorate
Dr. Henry Frierson
(352) 392-6622
hfrierson@ufl.edu
Dr. Tyisha Hathorn
(352) 392-8364
thathorn@ufl.edu
University of Miami
Dr. Michael Gaines
(305) 284-5058
m.gaines@miami.edu
Maria Robertson
(305) 284-5058
mrobertson@miami.edu
University of South Florida
Undergraduate
Bernard Batson
(813) 396-9309
bbatson45@yahoo.com
bbatson@eng.usf.edu
Bridge to Doctorate
Dr. Thomas Weller
(813) 974-2740
weller@usf.edu
Bernard Batson
(813) 396-9309
bbatson45@yahoo.com
bbatson@eng.usf.edu

LOUIS STOKES ALLIANCE
FOR MINORITY PARTICIPATION
A NATIONAL IMPERATIVE
FGLSAMP
A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
In 1992, with the leadership of U.S. Congressman Louis Stokes of Ohio, the Florida – Georgia
LSAMP became a part of a Congressional initiative that began to create greater incentives,
recruitment, support, and degree awards to underrepresented minority populations seeking
undergraduate in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Through the tremendous effort of the leadership at Florida A&M University, funding was se-
cured from the Florida State Legislature in the amount of $642,000 per annum to ensure a
successful launch and implementation of FGLSAMP. Though the Florida Legislative support
ended in 2007, it played a significant role in establishing the sustainability of FGLSAMP as a
going-concern among the public and private institutions participating in this alliance.
Historically, FGLSAMP has focused on providing students with academic enhancement and
STEM professional development experiences that widen student insight to becoming sci-
ence and engineering professionals. Through FGLSAMP, student participants were given
opportunities to broaden their STEM perspectives and aspirations. As a result of this type of
exposure there was a positive impact on:
STEM Retention
STEM Persistence & Progression
STEM Graduation
The design of the FGLSAMP structure was a holistic approach to create student pathways
that incorporated community college; undergraduate; and graduate partner institutions.
The keys to the success of the FGLSAMP institutional sites are the university faculty and/or
administrators that serve as the FGLSAMP Institutional Coordinators. The Institutional Coor-
dinators are the glue that maintains the overall effectiveness of the alliance. They are critical
to success of the FGLSAMP model because they serve most often as the first point of con-
tact for FGLSAMP scholars. The FGLSAMP Institutional Coordinators are the catalysts that
drive the success of this exceptional program.
Since 1992, the FGLSAMP model has evolved and grown from a primary focus on STEM un-
dergraduate success to now include the LSAMP Bridge to the Doctorate program, which is
designed to provide opportunities for students to attain at Ph.D. in STEM. FGLSAMP remains
committed to positively impacting STEM retention and graduation of underrepresented
minorities, while also influencing and encouraging greater numbers of STEM undergraduates
to pursue STEM graduate degrees through effective implementation and employment of the
FGLSAMP structure and model.
A Special Thanks to the National Science Foundation
LSAMP – NATIONAL COMMITMENT
Due to the decreased production of STEM degree recipients, especially within the STEM
underrepresented minority populations, the U.S. position as the global leader in science and
engineering research was severely challenged. To address this situation a new approach to
creating a significant pool of highly trained STEM professionals within the nation became
mission critical. Through the bold vision of U.S. Congressman Louis Stokes, the Alliances for
Minority Participation in Science, Technology, Engineering; and Mathematics (STEM) were
born. A Congressional appropriation was made by the U.S. Congress to provide funding to
support AMP via the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Thanks to the steadfast and visionary leadership of the NSF LSAMP Program Officers over the past
23 years, The AMP program (which now includes LS – Louis Stokes) encompasses over 40 Louis
Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation throughout the U.S. and is now recognized as one of the
premier programs to have significantly increased the number of baccalaureate and graduate degrees
awarded to underrepresented minorities in STEM disciplines.
NATIONAL LSAMP LEADERSHIP
Dr. A. James Hicks, Program Director, Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority
Participation (LSAMP), National Science Foundation (NSF), Washington
DC, is well known at the local, state and national levels for his service
on numerous committees and advisory boards. At the national level, Dr.
Hicks has served on several panels of proposal evaluators for the National
Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C; the Directorate for Science and
Engineering Education/NSF, Atlanta, GA. Additionally, Dr. Hicks is the
catalyst behind the highly regarded LSAMP Bridge to the Doctorate
program that began in 2003. He continues to provide extraordinary leadership and has built
a legacy of achievement during his tenure with LSAMP.
Dr. Tasha R. Inniss, Co-Lead Program Director who manages the LSAMP
program, is currently on “loan” to the National Science Foundation (NSF). She
is serving as a rotator in the Directorate for Education and Human Resources
(EHR) and is also a tenured Associate Professor of Mathematics and former
Vice-Chair of the Department of Mathematics at Spelman College.

FGLSAMP TODAY
PREPARING FUTURE
SCIENCE RESEARCHERS
The Florida Georgia LSAMP of today is an organization affording extraordinary opportunities
to the STEM scholars it serves and supports. Providing STEM opportunities spanning the
community college on through to STEM Ph.D., FGLSAMP impacts regional institutions from
south Georgia to the southern most parts of Florida. The impact of this dynamic program
is felt not just among the alliance institutions, but also among several non-FGLSAMP
institutions through partnering and collaborative activities.
THE ALLIANCE
FGLSAMP added a new partner institution, Florida Gulf Coast University in 2012 bringing
the alliance member institutions to 14 in total. The alliance consists of more than 600
students directly supported by FGLSAMP and approximately 200 students that participate
as “associate” members who do not receive direct funding support through FGLSAMP. This
demonstrates the effectiveness of FGLSAMP on students who find value in the academic
enhancement; graduate school preparation; and professional development activity of the
FGLSAMP program.
INSTITUTIONAL IMPACT
FGLSAMP, in its infancy, addressed issues that negatively impacted student matriculation in
STEM through a holistic approach to student engagement. After demonstrating extraordinary
STEM retention and graduation rates and overall student success, we found that many of
the FGLSAMP institutions began to scale up various components of the FGLSAMP to effect
success among overall STEM scholars. Recognizing the impact
of Learning Communities on underrepresented minorities
pursuing STEM degrees, FGLSAMP institutions began to
establish and utilize this approach for both STEM and Non-
STEM programs.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
FGLSAMP’s core focus is to establish formal and informal
programs at each alliance institution that best prepare
students to achieve success and preparation to reach
“the next” level of their academic and professional goals.
FGLSAMP has be able to create programs centered around
research and training. We have established program for
Undergraduate Research and Learning along with FGLSAMP
Community College Summer Research programs.
Our data analysis has revealed that each of these
programmatic components has positively impacted
student retention in STEM and progression toward STEM
baccalaureate degrees. These programs have also been a
catalyst for generating greater interest and pursuit of STEM
graduate education opportunities. Insight programs are
discussed below:
Undergraduate Research and Learning takes place during the
academic year at most of the FGLSAMP campuses. It serves
as a pre-cursor to student engaging in summer REU programs
so that students have a greater understanding of the various
components of the research endeavor. Students engage in
faculty-mentored research projects that provide excellent
research training (analysis; technical skills; presenting research
; working on publication) all in preparation for productive for
future internships, and graduate school.
Community College Summer Research at FGLSAMP
Community Colleges engage students in on campus research
projects that primarily serve to grow student interest in
pursuing STEM baccalaureate degrees through experiential
learning activities. This type of research project also provides
students to research and develop relationships with involved
faculty or graduate students serving as research mentors. The
summer research projects are 8-10 weeks long and primarily
target community college freshmen that also includes a
demonstration and research presentation near the end of
the project; and culminates with a visitation to a FGLSAMP 4
year institution to tour labs; meet students and faculty; meet
campus recruitment/admission representatives; and learn
about the STEM degree programs at the institution.

SUSTAINABILITY
CONTINUING FORCE
FOR STEM EDUCATION
The institutionalization and sustainability of FGLSAMP speaks to the impact and importance
of FGLSAMP within the alliance institutions. Recognizing the impact and importance of
STEM student support by NSF via FGLSAMP, alliance institutions are actively finding ways
to augment NSF’s investment through program implementation and institutionalization of
FGLSAMP Program components and model. All of which demonstrate long-term support of
FGLSAMP.
From 1994 – 2007, FGLSAMP received funding support from the Florida State Legislature
to build the foundation for the sustainability of the alliance. Though FGLSAMP does not
currently enjoy the funding support from the Florida Legislature, the vestiges of that support
remain in place today. The FGLSAMP Governing Board consists of the Presidents of each
institutional partner, thus providing commitment and support at the highest level to ensure
FGLSAMP continues well into the future.
In other demonstrable ways, the impact of FGLSAMP lives on in the institutionalization of
FGLSAMP program model components by participating institutions.
Due to the impact of FGLSAMP, Tallahassee Community College has established a FGLSAMP
STEM Academic Learning Lab for primarily FGLSAMP students, but through funding by
Hewlett Packard, it has been able to furnish the lab with laptop computers; special software;
learning/study pods. The lab is now open to other underrepresented minority STEM majors.
These students become FGLSAMP associate scholars. TCC has learned and understood the
need to create a sense of community for STEM URM populations.
At Florida A&M University and Florida International University, positions within the
university were established with university funding to support the salaries of Institutional
Coordinators who manage FGLSAMP program operations. This allows full-time engagement
with FGLSAMP.
Most of the member institutions have establish FGLSAMP as a student-lead campus “club”
which means funding for certain program activities will receive funding support through
institutional dollars allowing the FGLSAMP program to be a sustainable program for the
foreseeable future.
At the Graduate level, University of South Florida has established 2 fellowships in the College
of Marine Science to attract and retain talented URMs pursuing the Ph.D. in an area of
Marine Science.
FGLSAMP Leadership continues to look for opportunities to create sustainability of the
program within each institutional partner.
FGLSAMP is a sustainable
model for STEM Education
and Workforce Preparation.
– Byron Greene, Associate Director, FGLSAMP

ECONOMIC IMPACT
OF STEM
FGLSAMP – A Talent Pool for the STEM Economy
In brief, the mission of FGLSAMP is to significantly increase the number degrees awarded
to underrepresented minorities in STEM disciplines. More than 15,000 students have
participated in FGLSAMP over the past 2 decades with approximately 43% of our
FGLSAMP scholars pursuing STEM graduate degrees. The purpose of FGLSAMP is to be
an organization that prepares students and creates a STEM talent pool that becomes the
STEM workforce upon which the nation can build a STEM economy of scale. As stated earlier,
FGLSAMP provides extraordinary education and training opportunities as a component of
its professional development strategy. These education and training opportunities allow our
scholars to acquire strong research skill sets and experience in cutting edge science projects,
making them ready to become contributing members of a highly qualified STEM workforce
talent pool and filling STEM jobs critical to our nation’s science and research needs.
BUILDING A STEM WORKFORCE
Though we are still collecting the data, we have found that the majority of our FGLSAMP
graduates are indeed working in STEM professions via private sector or governmental
agencies. We believe that this finding can be attributable to FGLSAMP academic
enhancement and graduate school preparation interventions at key points along the
academic continuum.
In the southeastern United States, Florida, in particular a STEM economy is being created
through significant investments in STEM education and workforce development under the
guidance of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. FGLSAMP seeks to prepare
and position students for STEM Careers that align with STEM economic growth opportunities
like those within the State of Florida.
Through the FGLSAMP Bridge to the Doctorate, we are able to prepare BD Fellows for
leadership roles within the national science and research communities. Many of our BD
Fellows engage post-doc opportunities and/or begin their professional careers with our
nation’s science organizations such as: NOAA; National Academies of Sciences; NSF; U.S.
Dept. of Energy; CDC; NIST; DHS and others. Other BD fellows have taken careers at some of
the nation’s leading tech companies such as Intel, Northrup Grumman, Lockheed Martin,
and Oracle.
The overall impact of FGLSAMP and the tremendous talent it cultivates and produces is in
creating a steady stream of highly motivated and talented people to fuel our local, state, and
national economies. FGLSAMP alumni are filling critical science and technology areas, and
are addressing and impacting the quality of life issues that face our global community.
I have many to thank and LSAMP is a major player.
Thank you!
– CHRISTOPHER E. RUTH, PH.D. CANDIDATE, BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY
10 | FGLSAMP

FGLSAMP
INSTITUTIONAL INSIGHT
The Impact of FGLSAMP in both theory and application has brought about significant change
within the alliance institutions over time. Through the adoption and institutionalization of
FGLSAMP approach and model, we can witness the impacts that have led to greater STEM
recruitment, retention, and graduation rates, especially for underrepresented minority
populations. These impacts have also led greater outcomes for overall STEM populations
at each of the FGLSAMP institutions. FGLSAMP has been a catalyst for increasing STEM
diversity, creating better academic engagement, providing student support; developing
solutions to issues of student attrition in STEM disciplines.
STEM DIVERSITY
The establishment of FGLSAMP on each of the participating campus has brought about a
greater number of underrepresented minorities choosing to major and remain in STEM dis-
ciplines. There has been a tremendous increase of underrepresented minority recipients of
STEM baccalaureate degrees from our FGLSAMP institutions. The increase in baccalaureate
degree recipients from our baseline of 416 in 1992 to more than 2,400 today, is a great tes-
tament to the impact and influence of the FGLSAMP model upon participating institutions.
ACADEMIC ENHANCEMENT AND STUDENT SUPPORT
FGLSAMP continues to set an example in the creation of effective academic enhancement
activities that are aimed at building STEM learning communities on each campus. These
communities aim to not only diminish student attrition in STEM disciplines, but to also
foster greater student engagement within STEM departments. One of the greatest impacts
upon greater engagement and socialization at each campus can be seen in the continually
increasing number of students engaged in research on their respective campuses during
the academic year. More than 67% of FGLSAMP students are actively involved in on-going
research at their respective institutions.
SOLUTIONS TO STEM STUDENT ATTRITION
The premise of the FGLSAMP model is to address issues that lead to underrepresented
minority student attrition in STEM disciplines. The strong emphasis upon developing STEM
learning communities has been recognized as a vital component of STEM retention by
FGLSAMP institutions. Our partner institutions have now begun to provide greater support
to FGLSAMP learning communities through designating FGLSAMP as a student organization
that receives funds through campus student government associations and other support
efforts by campus STEM communities.
FGLSAMP has now almost become a household name associated with extraordinary student
experiences, preparations, and outcomes on each participating campus. The vitality of
FGLSAMP at each campus is contagious and it impacts and influences the STEM culture.
Greater insight into the FGLSAMP Impact can been seen in the highlights of our
FGLSAMP institutions.
ALBANY STATE
UNIVERSITY
BETHUNE-COOKMAN
UNIVERSITY
PRESIDENT: Arthur Dunning
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: John Williams, Ph.D.
PRESIDENT: Edison O. Jackson, Ph.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Danyell Wilson, Ph.D.
ABOUT ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY:
Albany State University, a historically black institution
in Southwest Georgia, has been a catalyst for change
in the region from its inception as the Albany Bible
and Manual Training Institute to its designation as
a university. Founded in 1903 to educate African
American youth, the University proudly continues
to fulfill its historic mission while also serving
the educational needs of an increasingly diverse
student population. A progressive institution,
Albany State University seeks to foster the growth
ABOUT BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY:
Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) is a minority
serving institution founded by the internationally
recognized educator, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune in
1904. The mission of the university is to serve in the
Christian tradition enhancing the diverse educational,
social, and cultural needs of its students and to
develop in them the desire and capacity for continuous
intellectual and professional growth. Under the current
and development of the region, state and nation
through teaching, research, creative expression and
public service. Through its collaborative efforts, the
University responds to the needs of all its constituents
and offers educational programs and service to
improve the quality of life in Southwest Georgia.
LSAMP IMPACT:
Over the past three decades,
FGLSAMP has been a strong force in
the advocacy of underrepresented
STEM students ascending to graduate
education. Through FGLSAMP,
students have been able to receive
the support and resources necessary
to enhance their academic and
professional profile, post-graduate
competitiveness, and entry into
doctoral level programs. Several of
our graduates have matriculated to the Ph.D. through
these resources, such as the Bridge to the Doctorate
program, while others have been able to enhance
their academic experience through internships,
supported research, and conference travel. As of 2015,
FGLSAMP at ASU continues to play a pivotal role in
the development of STEM students as they prepare for
graduate education, and we expect that this role will
expand in the years to come.
leadership of President Dr. Edison O. Jackson, BCU
has placed a strategic emphasis on the importance
of scientific research and graduate training.
Therefore, the College of Science, Engineering and
Mathematics (CSEM) at B-CU endeavors to provide its
undergraduate students with research opportunities in
novel fields and the opportunities to use their skills in
service to the community.
LSAMP IMPACT:
The Impact of the Florida-Georgia LSAMP on
B-CU’s campus, more specifically the CSEM has
positively increased STEM awareness via the
student organization, and retention through learning
communities, and graduate school readiness through
Campus Visitation hosted by the University of
Florida. The FGLSAMP student organization has
roughly 26 members whose majors range from
Biology, Chemistry, Computer Engineering, Computer
Information Systems and Computer Science, as well
as Integrated Environmental Sciences. By hosting
monthly meetings, tutoring sessions, and staying
updated with social media, the student organization
creates awareness of STEM fields and careers. In
addition, the organization provided two informational
sessions to discuss the benefits of performing
research and how to apply to REU’s. One session
was held during the monthly meeting and the other
session was held in the evening.
12 | FGLSAMP

FLORIDA A&M
UNIVERSITY
FLORIDA
INTERNATIONAL
UNIVERSITY
FLORIDA GULF COAST
UNIVERSITY
FLORIDA MEMORIAL
UNIVERSITY
PRESIDENT: Elmira Mangum, Ph.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Ralph Turner, Ph.D.
PRESIDENT: Mark B. Rosenberg, Ph.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Norman Munroe, Ph.D.
PRESIDENT: Wilson G. Bradshaw, Ph.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Claude Villiers, Ph.D.
PRESIDENT: Roslyn Clark Artis, Ph.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Rose Stiffin, Ph.D.
ABOUT FAMU:
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU),
founded in 1887, originally began with fifteen students
and two instructors. The university prides itself in
being the only historically black university in the
eleven-member State University System of Florida.
FAMU is dedicated to the advancement in the Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
arenas. With an accreditation by the Commission
on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools (SACS), FAMU provides over 95 degree-
programs for its student body of over 10,000 students.
LSAMP IMPACT:
As the lead institution of the FGLSAMP, Florida A&M
University takes pride in its commitment to provide
students an environment that fosters STEM learning.
Through the encouragement of students to participate
in research and internships, in addition to NSF funding
to the institution, FAMU’s FGLSAMP provides students
with opportunities to further explore interests and
careers in the STEM arenas. Students participate in
monthly “full group” meetings and also in smaller
groups based upon major and/or classification for
ABOUT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL:
Florida International University (FIU) is an urban,
public research university located in Miami, Florida’s
largest population center. With over 50,000 students,
76% of whom are underrepresented minority students,
FIU’s most defining feature is its diversity. According
to Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education, FIU is
ranked first among all four-year colleges in awarding
bachelor’s and master’s degrees to Hispanic students.
FIU offers more than 200 bachelors, masters and
doctoral degree programs in various colleges and
schools. Research is a major component of its mission
and it focuses on three major content areas: the
environment, health and globalization. University
scientists and students are engaged in innovative
research across a wide range of academic disciplines
– work that impacts the health and sustainability of
communities and environments in South Florida, the
state, the country and the world.
LSAMP IMPACT:
NSF FGLSAMP Bridge to the Doctorate builds upon
the successes of various diversity initiatives, including
the 2013-2015 NSF FGLSAMP BD, NIH supported
Biomedical Research Initiatives (MBRS - RISE, MARC
U STAR, SCORE), Ronald McNair Post-Baccalaureate
Achievement Program, the new NSF Nanosystems
Engineering Research Center (Advanced Self-Powered
Systems of Sensors and Technologies - ASSIST), and
other diversity, student training, and research initiatives
(NSF CREST, NSF PIRE, NSF FGLSAMP, GAANN,
ABOUT FLORIDA GULF COAST:
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) officially opened
its doors in 1997. The university seeks academic
excellence in the development of selected programs
and centers of excellence in science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines,
FGCU is accredited by the Southern Association
of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
ABOUT FLORIDA MEMORIAL:
Florida Memorial’s history and traditions reach back to
1879. Our legacy of determination and accomplishment
has made us the only historically black university in
southern Florida. We are a culturally diverse institution,
transforming lives and helping to create a future
for people from many races, ethnicities, countries,
religions, and socio-economic backgrounds. Members
of the Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, staff,
students, and alumni take every opportunity possible
to express pride in the institution.
specialized topics. FAMU also uses a graduate student
mentoring approach to lead student academic
preparation and study groups on campus. Students
learn how to create research presentations for their
participation in professional research conferences.
FGLSAMP facilitates opportunities for students
to have a STEM faculty mentor as a part of their
professional and departmental socialization. FGLSAMP
at FAMU aims to further increase its STEM student
retention rate, increase the number of STEM degree
recipients, and further ensure student advancement
toward attaining the STEM Ph.D.
etc.). FIU is committed to preparing students from
historically underrepresented groups as the next
generation of scientists and engineers, which will be a
key to global competitiveness and the attainment of
essential national goals. Collectively, these programs
have furthered FIU’s goal of becoming a national
leader in the annual production of minority (Hispanic,
African-American) Ph.D.s in STEM disciplines within
the Colleges of Engineering & Computing and Arts
and Sciences. The current BD cohort is a diverse group
of individuals spanning 11 academic disciplines (e.g.,
computational neuroscience, costal oceanography,
computer vision and pattern recognition, biomedical
device/system design, plant biology, polymeric and
materials chemistry, artificial intelligence, and human-
computer interaction, etc). Twenty-four students have
been recruited from four LSAMP programs (Florida-
Georgia, Peach State, Greater Philadelphia region,
and California). All BD Fellows submitted NSF GRFP
fellowship applications and two fellows received
awards. One student received a NSF I-Corps grant
that is providing entrepreneurship and technology
transfer training to support business skill development
and alternative career pathways. Four students
received Florida Education Fund’s (FEF) McKnight
Doctoral Fellowships.
to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and
doctoral degrees. Currently, FGCU has almost 15,000
undergraduate students, over 1,000 graduate students,
and nearly 250 non-degree students. In addition, it
has twenty-one (21) undergraduate degree programs,
twenty eight (28) graduate degree programs, one
(1) specialist program, and two (2) doctoral degree
programs. The Whitaker Center for STEM Education
at FGCU is committed to improving the delivery and
content of STEM across all levels.
LSAMP IMPACT:
Since joining the FGLSAMP in 2012, FGCU students
and faculty have been provided with tremendous
opportunities. FGCU recognizes the need for more
students to pursue baccalaureate and graduate degrees
in STEM disciplines, and is committed to substantially
increasing the number of degrees awarded to
underrepresented populations within STEM areas.
In 2014, 100% of the FGLSAMP participants attended
the 2014 FGLSAMP Expo in Jacksonville, Florida,
where we placed first for the Math Presentation
category, second for the Engineering Poster category,
and third for the Chemistry Poster category. Every
year, 60% of the FGLSAMP participants make
presentations at FGCU during Research Day, or at
the Whitaker Center Undergraduate Research and
Internship Symposium.
LSAMP IMPACT:
FMU has been a member of the consortium, with
more than 70 students having entered professional
or graduate programs and careers in STEM areas
since 2000. In addition, more than 90 students began
participating in research early in their academic careers,
partook in an FGLSAMP Exposition, or did both.

FLORIDA STATE
COLLEGE
JACKSONVILLE
MIAMI DADE
COLLEGE
FLORIDA STATE
UNIVERSITY
TALLAHASSEE
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
PRESIDENT: Cynthia Bioteau, Ph.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Jhova Renteria-Aybar
PRESIDENT: Eduardo J. Padrón, Ph.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Heather Belmont, Ph.D.
PRESIDENT: John E. Thrasher
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Joe O’Shea, Ph.D.
PRESIDENT: Jim Murdaugh, Ph.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Calandra Stringer, Ph.D.
ABOUT FSCJ:
Florida State College at Jacksonville provides high
value, relevant life-long education that enhances the
intellectual, social, cultural and economic development
of our diverse community.
FSCJ is growing its reputation as the largest, most
dynamic and most influential higher education institution
on the First Coast. The number of programs offered
and the quality of our graduates produce significant
economic impact on the Northeast Florida region.
LSAMP IMPACT:
At Florida State College at Jacksonville we are
committed to creating a fostering and supportive
environment aiming to attract students from
underrepresented minorities and empower them
to pursue their education, remain persistent, and
ABOUT MIAMI DADE:
Miami Dade College (MDC) first opened its doors in
the 1960s with just 1,428 students. It was open to any
county resident who had graduated from high school,
and became Florida’s first integrated junior college. By
1967, it was the largest institution of higher education
in the state of Florida, and within a decade, almost 66
percent of students were minorities and 56 percent
were women.
Today, more than 165,000 students attend MDC, a state-
supported college with seven campuses, two centers and
numerous outreach centers. We are the largest institution
of higher education in the United States and one of the
most highly regarded colleges in the nation.
The next two decades were marked
by reforms of academic programs,
including the creation of more than 50
new degree and short-term certificate
training programs. Also, MDC introduced
multimedia classrooms and the Virtual
College, established the Honors College
and the Emerging Technologies Center
of the America’s (ETCOTA), and took on
management of the reinvigorated Miami
International Film Festival. Finally, in
2003, MDC introduced four-year degrees
to the institution.
ABOUT FLORIDA STATE:
One of the nation’s elite research universities, Florida
State University — with the Carnegie Foundation’s
highest designation, Doctoral/Research University-
Extensive — offers a distinctive academic environment
built on its cherished values and unique heritage,
welcoming campus on the oldest continuous site of
higher education in Florida, championship athletics,
and prime location in the heart of the state capital.
ABOUT TCC:
Located in Florida’s capital city, Tallahassee
Community College serves over 15,000 students,
mostly those from Leon, Gadsden and Wakulla
Counties. The College is noted for its breadth of
community influence, from the Florida Public Safety
Institute, which trains all Florida state troopers, to the
Wakulla Environmental Institute that teaches students
how to become good stewards of the environment. In
addition, TCC is one of the top ten national producers
of Associate of Arts degrees among two-year colleges.
As the importance and popularity of the STEM field
has grown; the College has increased opportunities
for students of all ages to gain knowledge in this in-
attain degrees in science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics disciplines. This empowerment,
support, and success of FGLSAMP-STEM students
is facilitated with the help of Professor Renteria-
Aybar, institutional coordinator at FSCJ, and Dr.
James Stittsworth, Professor Lee Seltzer and Dr. Wai
Kitto who act as co-advisors of the FGLSAMP-STEM
Club. FGLSAMP-STEM Club advisor and co-advisors
work together to make it possible for FGLSAMP-
STEM students to attend workshops, conferences
and events that provide educational enrichment
experiences for FGLSAMP students. Participation in
Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (REU)
is recommended as a means of gaining experience in
their field of study.
LSAMP IMPACT:
FGLSAMP, in partnership with the National Science
Foundation (NSF), aims to significantly increase the
numbers of STEM baccalaureate, masters and Ph.D.
recipients through the implementation of best practices
established over the past 14 years of operation. The
FGLSAMP model employed to meet our goal is based
upon a holistic approach designed to facilitate STEM
recruitment, STEM retention, professional and academic
development and STEM graduation at both the graduate
and undergraduate levels. This model will also assist
our ability to cultivate greater program execution
and output. At Miami Dade College, we use a multi-
pronged approach to increase the numbers of minorities
completing STEM associate degree and transferring to
four-year degree granting institutions. This approach
includes sponsorship of our local FGLSAMP club –
Synergy, support of student tutoring in high-risk courses,
advisement, mentorship, support of both internal and
external research experiences, and an annual bus tour
of the four-year degree awarding FGLSAMP institutions
across the state.
Combining traditional strength in the arts and
humanities with recognized leadership in the
sciences, Florida State University provides unmatched
opportunities for students and faculty through
challenging academics, cultural discovery and
community interaction.
Underlying and supporting the educational experience
at Florida State University is the development of new
generations of citizen leaders, based on the concepts
inscribed in our seal: Vires, Artes, Mores — Strength,
Skill and Character.
LSAMP IMPACT:
The FGLSAMP at FSU program provides a unique
mentorship opportunity for the students involved. Our
eight graduate student mentors, who are completing
doctoral programs in areas ranging from Industrial
Engineering to Biophysics and from Math to Nutrition
and Food Science, are each paired with around three
undergraduate students, allowing for a close mentor-
mentee relationship to develop. This component is
coupled with our monthly meetings, which bring
faculty and staff guests from around campus to
provide information and help connect students with
opportunities to engage outside of the classroom. Each
meeting features a monthly Grad Mentor spotlight,
where our Grad Mentors share their own journeys to
Ph.D. programs. Other topics have included introduction
to research, professional conference opportunities,
applying for graduate school, national fellowships, and
summer REU opportunities.
demand field. The Advanced Manufacturing Training
Center on TCC’s main campus offers a wide variety
of professional certifications, while the STEM Gym
operated by the Division of Science & Mathematics
gives grade-school-aged children a look into the
wonders of applied science.
LSAMP IMPACT:
The primary focus of FGLSAMP here at TCC is to
increase the number of baccalaureate degrees
granted to underrepresented students in the STEM
disciplines. Participants have an academic support
system that provides the counseling, mentoring, and
tutoring needed to pursue an undergraduate and
graduate degree in STEM, which ultimately leads to
the Professoriate. Student academic success includes
Academic Excellence and Professional Development
Workshops as well as opportunities for summer
research and internship experiences. TCC’s STEM
Center also offers a tutoring program as well as an
environment that fosters both an academic and
professional learning community.

UNIVERSITY OF
CENTRAL FLORIDA
UNIVERSITY
OF MIAMI
UNIVERSITY OF
SOUTH FLORIDAUNIVERSITY
OF FLORIDA
PRESIDENT: John Hitt, Ph.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Fidelia Nnadi, Ph.D.
PRESIDENT: Julio Frenk, Ph.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Michael Gaines, Ph.D.
PRESIDENT: Judy Genshaft, Ph.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Bernard Batson
PRESIDENT: W. Kent Fuchs, Ph.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Anne Donnelly, Ph.D.
ABOUT UCF:
Established in 1963, UCF is now the second largest
university in the United States and the second largest
producer of science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) graduates in the State University
System of Florida. UCF offers 210 degree-programs on
12 colleges to 61,000 students, from its main campus,
its hospitality campus, its health sciences campus, and
its 10 regional locations. These offers reflect UCF’s
commitment to offer opportunities for partnerships
and innovative research.
ABOUT UM:
A private research university with more than 16,000
students from around the world, the University of
Miami is a vibrant and diverse academic community
focused on teaching and learning, the discovery of new
knowledge, and service to the South Florida region
and beyond.
The University comprises 11 schools and colleges
serving undergraduate and graduate students in more
than 180 majors and programs. In 2015, U.S. News &
World Report ranked UM among the top 51 universities
in the country in its “Best Colleges” listings. U.S. News
also cites several of its programs in “America’s Best
Graduate Schools.”
Established in 1925 during the region’s famous real
estate boom, UM is a major research university
engaged in more than $330 million in research and
sponsored program expenditures annually. While the
ABOUT USF:
The University of South Florida is a high-impact,
global research university located in Tampa Bay
on Florida’s spectacular west coast. It is one of the
largest public universities in the nation, and among
the top 50 universities, public or private, for federal
research expenditures. The university is one of only
four Florida public universities classified by the
Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
in the top tier of research universities, a distinction
attained by only 2.3 percent of all universities. The
university’s main doctoral granting institution located
in Tampa is home to over a dozen colleges and USF
Health. USF signature research areas include Aging
and Neuroscience, Bioengineering, Cancer Biology,
Drug Discovery, Sustainability and Water Resources,
Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Robotics,
Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition.
LSAMP IMPACT:
Since its inception in 1993, FGLSAMP program has
impacted the University of South Florida’s diversity,
student success, and research mission. First and
foremost, due to FGLSAMP’s primary goal of
ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA:
The University of Florida is one of only 17 public
land-grant universities that belong to the Association
of American Universities. With more than 50,000
students, UF is now one of the largest universities
in the nation; one campus includes 16 colleges and
more than 150 research centers and institutes. UF has
more than 4,000 faculty members with distinguished
records in teaching, research and service, including
42 faculty elections to the National Academy of
Sciences, Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, or
the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Annual
research funding to the University of Florida has grown
more than 300 percent, placing UF firmly among
the top 20 public research institutions nationally.
This combination of exceptional faculty and facilities
provides undergraduate students with unparalleled
opportunities in STEM fields.
LSAMP IMPACT:
The University of Florida is a long-standing member of
the Florida Georgia Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority
The university promotes a diverse and inclusive
environment, with students enrolled from 50 states
and 148 countries, and study abroad and research
programs with 98 institutions in 36 countries. Students
at UCF have been recognized throughout the world
and include recipients of the Rhodes, Mellon and
Goldwater scholarships. In 2014, UCF enrolled more
National Merit Scholars and awarded more degrees
than any other Florida university.
LSAMP IMPACT:
The College of Engineering and Computer Science
Office of Diversity and Inclusion (CECS ODI) was
created with the purpose of providing assistance and
resources to students- particularly underrepresented,
faculty, administrators and staff members in the
college. To date, CECS ODI has four programs:
FGLSAMP, NACME, IGNITE in STEM and RAMA. Two
of the aforementioned programs were established
to supplement the UCF FGLSAMP program. The first
program, IGNITE in STEM (Impact, Grow, Network,
Innovate, Translate and Educate in STEM) was
designed to increase the retention and persistence
rates of our undergraduate students through
the provision of cultural, academic, personal and
professional (CAPP) developmental support in peer
and mentoring coaching sessions. During the fall
and spring semesters, a total of twenty-four IGNITE
sessions are held with over 200 attendees.
majority of this work is housed at the Miller School of
Medicine, investigators conduct hundreds of studies
in other areas, including marine science, engineering,
education, and psychology.
LSAMP IMPACT:
The University of Miami is committed to continuing
to increase number of underrepresented students
in all science, technology, engineering and math
(STEM) fields, and the FGLSAMP program has been
instrumental towards this effort. Since 2003, 51
UM undergraduate students have participated in
the FGLSAMP program, and all of these students
graduated from UM with a degree in Biomedical
Engineering; almost half have reported continuing
their studies toward an advanced degree. While at
UM, students are engage research for at least two
semesters, and are all required to present at the
FGLSAMP EXPO and UM’s Research, Creativity and
Innovation Forum. The encouragement received by
FGLSAMP students to succeed in their academics
and also be actively engaged in research has had a
positive impact on the University as a whole. These
students represent UM and also the FGLSAMP
program and serve as a positive example of how far
underrepresented minorities can go when offered
guidance and support.
advancing the annual production of URM students
who earned STEM degrees. The project is aligned with
USF’s strategic plan of growing the number of STEM
degrees awarded and producing a highly qualified
STEM workforce for the region, state, and number.
FGLSAMP been (and continues to be) uniquely
positioned to support these efforts.
Many of the academic and social integration (e.g.,
targeted financial aid scholarships, individualized
academic counseling and tutoring, peer and near peer
study groups, undergraduate research opportunities,
graduate school application assistance, etc.) practices
within the “LSAMP model” have been increasingly as
university-wide activities. Along with demographic
shifts in our country’s minority population, FGLSAMP
inspired programming has helped to increase the
retention of URM students in STEM disciplines. During
the 2013-2014 academic year, USF awarded over 500
undergraduate STEM degrees to minority students, an
increase of nearly 200 percent from the 2003-2004
academic year.
In addition to its impact’s on USF’s URM STEM
retention rates, FGLSAMP has enhanced USF’s
national profile through the individual achievement
of its scholars. The project has assisted both current
and past FGLSAMP participants in their successful
applications for national awards and gaining
admissions into competitive doctoral STEM programs
(MIT, UC-Berkeley, Purdue, Georgia Tech, etc.).
Participation (FGLSAMP) and shares the overall goals
of increasing student retention and graduation in
STEM disciplines and giving students the tools they
need to successfully graduate and pursue a graduate
degree and STEM career. This effort includes several
mechanisms. During the academic year students are
offered professional development activities including
meeting with STEM graduate students, attending
research conferences, and attending seminars on
how to apply to graduate school and how to apply
for funding for graduate school. The primary focus
of preparation for STEM graduate school and careers
is the expectation that all FGLSAMP students
conduct academic year research and make research
presentations. The FGLSAMP program works with
students to identify research mentors and helps them
secure and successfully participate in these projects.
Students are expected to attend and present their
work at the Annual Florida Undergraduate Research
Conference and the Annual UF Undergraduate
Research Symposium. Students are also encouraged
to build on these experiences by participating in
off campus summer research at other institutions.
FGLSAMP students are also encouraged and assisted
in their applications for other prestigious internal
programs including the University Scholars Program
and the Ronald McNair Program, which help enhance
their preparation, and eventually, the NSF Graduate
Research Fellowship and other graduate programs.

IMPACTING
STUDENTS’ LIVES
SHAQUANNA YOUNG
Shaquanna is a senior at ASU and majors in Biology. Her
previous research includes the profiling of inflammatory and
stress related proteins in retinal pigment epithelium of mice
under the mentorship of Dr. Pamela Martin and Dr. Folami
Lamoke. She was elected to be apart of the Star Program
Symposium at Georgia Regents University in Augusta, GA.
Shaquanna states that in being a member of LSAMP she was
able to present research and network with other students
who have the same aspirations as her. She was able to attend
conferences that gave her exposure to different career paths
that her degree had to offer.
IRIS DENMARK
Iris’ most recent research project at Bethune-Cookman
University was with Dr. Vishwa Trivedi through the school’s
Center for Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE).
Their preliminary goal was to express and assess an
anabaena sensory rhodopsin transducer. Methods of protein
expression and theoretical methods played a vital role in their
succession. She is currently a Bridge to Doctorate candidate
at Jackson State University where she has the opportunity
to travel, network and conduct her own research for which
she has submitted her first proposal. Also, Iris conducts
bacteriological studies, and is very excited for what LSMAMP
and JSU has planned for her here.
CHARISSA OBENG-NYARKO
Charissa is a third-Year Biology/Pre-Med scholar from Fort
Lauderdale, Florida. Since joining FGLSAMP in her freshman
year at FAMU, she has been provided with many research
and internship opportunities, STEM career preparation and
networking skills trainings, and an academic support system.
This past summer, she interned at University of Michigan for
the Molecular Integrative Physiology-SURP program, where
she conducted research in neuroscience along with her
mentors, Drs. Michael Wang and Xaojie Zhang. Through this
experience, she was able to present her research at the 2015
ABRCMS Conference in Seattle, Washington in November
of 2015. FGLSAMP has also allowed her to also do research
on campus in Dr. Onyeozili’s medicinal chemistry lab where
she has currently extracted at least 30 phytochemicals
from medicinal plants. In expressing her appreciation for
FGLSAMP, Charissa’s states that “Overall, I thank God for
bringing this organization in my life. I’ve grown so much
academically since my freshman year because of FGLSAMP.”
EDESTHELE DECIUS
Edesthele, a fourth year biology major at FAMU, has been
a part of FGLSAMP for about 2 years. While shadowing Dr.
Onyeozili’s lab, she has been exposed to several topics, and
has learned several skills and techniques that are helping
expand her knowledge in chemistry and are making her
more curious about research. She will be participating in the
Medical Imaging informatics (MII) Research in Informatics
Summer Experience (RISE) at the University of California,
Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2016. In speaking about the impact
FGLSAMP has had on her, Ms.. Decius states, “I am grateful
for the opportunities FGLSAMP has engaged me in. They
will encourage me to be more assertive and improve my
interpersonal skills as I become more involved with people at
the educator and researcher levels.
CHAD HOGAN
Chad is a member of the FGLSAMP undergraduate
program at FGCU where he will be graduating with a B.S.
in Biotechnology in May 2016. Chad is currently applying to
graduate programs in the field of Genetics and Genomics
and hopes to attend graduate school in the fall of 2016. Chad
holds an overall GPA of 3.92 with a major GPA of 4.0. Chad
was also a recipient of the FGCU Whitaker Center Mini-Grant
for Undergraduate Research and Travel in fall 2015. Currently
Chad is working on research in the field of Forensic Biology
at Florida Gulf Coast University in the laboratory of Dr.
Sulekha Coticone. His work is dealing with the collection
and analysis of trace DNA evidence collected from various
surfaces found in crime scenes.
ROSHANAK “ROSHIE” GONZALEZ
Roshanak is a sophomore in the bioengineering program at
FGCU. She is currently conducting research with Dr. Jorge
Torres. Her research project consists of using a probe to
detect naphthalene particles in the air. This involves using
a probe coated with titanium oxide to detect the change
in current when naphthalene particles stick to the titanium
oxide. She will use a chamber made out of a petri dish with
holes for the probe and two ends of the vacuum to go into
to meet the goals of her research. Another chamber consists
of naphthalene particles which air from the vacuum will pick
up. The change in amperage from clean air to naphthalene

year, Briana has continued working in Dr. Megraw’s lab. She
was just recently selected to be a UROP Leader for 2016-17,
during which she will co-teach her own section of UROP.
DAVID PEREZ
David is a transfer student in Environmental Engineering
who just began his career at FSU the 2015-16 academic
year. Previously, he completed his Associate’s degree at
Tallahassee Community College, where he was an active
member in their FGLSAMP chapter. David participated in
a Department of Energy summer REU at the Brookhaven
National Laboratory, which made him very interested in
maintaining his involvement with FGLSAMP at FSU. This year,
David was also selected to participate in a special section of
the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP),
where he has been excelling as a research assistant in
addition to being selected to serve as a UROP Leader for his
senior year. Finally, David presented at two conferences this
fall, the Louis Stokes Midwest Center for Excellence (LSMCE
2015) Conference in Indianapolis in October and the ABRCMS
conference in Seattle in November.
BENITA OKEKE
Benita, a student at MDC, chose a biopharmaceuticals
concentration under the B.S. in biological sciences
degree program. Benita’s research experience includes
pharmacokinetic studies on antibodies and their drug
conjugates. She has also worked as a lab assistant for the
School of Science. Benita is passionate about dispensing
information to individuals of the college community who
are too busy to find that information themselves. This is
exemplified by her involvement in the Student Government
Association the FGLSAMP Synergy and many other college
events like Children’s Holiday at North, Miami-Dade County
Public Schools STEM Expo, and the Forensic Science
Symposium. One day, Ms. Okeke hopes to earn a doctoral
degree in Pharmacology and later to work in the Food and
Drug Administration. Through LSAMP support, Ms. Okeke
was recently able to travel to Baltimore and attend the
10th Annual Undergraduate Student Research Conference
– Minority Access Incorporated, which provided her the
opportunity to present her oral research for the first time.
containing air will tell indicate that the air has another
element in it. At the moment, Roshanak is working on
measuring and experimenting with different concentrations
and different organic molecules, as well as concluding the
naphthalene tests.
CHARLISSA WHYMS
Charlissa, a recent graduate from FMU, is now working as a
teacher in K-12 teaching biological sciences. Her goal is to
obtain a Ph.D. in molecular biology. Miss Whyms synthesized
a series of indenones and tested them against bacteria and
yeast; her ultimate goal was to submit them to the National
Cancer Institute for testing as anticancer agents; her goal
was partially realized when two compounds were submitted
and showed moderate activity against two cancer cell lines of
the 60 lines available for testing at NCI, Whyms was thrilled
to participate and be part of the Expo, as well as a success
story for early exposure to research.
SARA CHILDERS
Sara is in her senior year at FSCJ, where she plans on obtaining
her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. Academically,
she has been recognized on three separate occasions by FSCJ
for Outstanding Biology Student, Outstanding Science Tutor
and Outstanding Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Student. In
the future, Sara plans on attending the University of Florida’s
College of Veterinary Medicine to become the world’s first
autistic veterinarian. She will specialize in marine mammal
pathology.
BRIANA WHITEHEAD
Briana is currently a junior biology major planning to
complete a minor in criminology (forensics). Briana has been
engaged both in and out of the classroom during her time
at FSU. During her first year, she heard about FGLSAMP
through her participation in the CARE (Center for Academic
Retention and Enhancement) program, which supports first
generation college students, and through FGLSAMP, she
learned about other ways to get involved. During her second
year, she was selected as a participant for the Undergraduate
Research Opportunity Program (UROP) and began serving
as a research assistant with Dr. Timothy Megraw, whose
lab investigates the functions of centrosomes and cilia in
cell division, development, and disease. Spring semester
sophomore year Briana completed a summer internship with
a non-profit, Daktari Bush School and Wildlife Orphanage,
in South Africa, where she helped educate local children
while also working with injured wildlife. During her junior

DANIEL QUEVEDO
Daniel graduated with a BS in Biomedical Engineering in
2015 from UM. While in undergrad, he worked in a variety
of projects in and out of Miami that included fields such
as Cardiac Tissue engineering, Protein Engineering, and
applications of Synthetic Biology for biofuels. LSAMP was
a huge influence in helping him find and attain two REU
programs, and in teaching and guiding him through his
early research career. Daniel was a recipient of a Fulbright
scholarship to work at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
in Germany, as well as an NSFGRFP Fellowship to attend the
University of Michigan. There, he will work with Prof Joerg
Lahann towards a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering while
researching the use of nanoparticles for drug delivery.
KENYARIA NOBLE
Kenyaria conducted Alzheimer’s disease research in the
lab of Dr. Patrick Bradshaw at USF. In 2013, Kenyaria
was awarded a prestigious UNCF Merck Undergraduate
Scholarship. Later that same year, she participated in the
Summer Medical and Research Training (SMART) program
at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.
Kenyaria worked in the lab of Dr. Bert O’Malley, a recipient
of the National Medal of Science. She was selected for oral
presentations during the 2013 ABRCMS and the 2014 NSF
funded Emerging National Researchers (ERN) Conference.
For the past year, Kenyaria has worked on stem cell and
gene therapy in hearing loss at Medical University of South
Carolina (MUSC). She has been accepted into the Ph.D.
program in Biomedical Sciences at MUSC beginning fall 2015.
ILEANA WALD
Ileana completed her B.S. in Civil and Environmental
Engineering in May 2015 from USF. She was one of 2,000
recipients of the 2015 NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
Program (GRFP). Her research interests are water treatment
and sanitation for developing countries; detection,
inactivation and removal of pathogens from waste sludge
and water; biological methods for waste treatment; and
resource recovery from wastewater. In summer 2015, she was
selected for the University of Virginia NSF REU for Water
and Health in Limpopo, South Africa. Her awards include the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Ernest F. Hollings scholarship. As a Hollings scholar, Ileana
conducted research in summer 2013 at NOAA’s Monterey Bay
National Marine Sanctuary in California. In August, she will
enter the doctoral program in Environmental Engineering at
UC-Berkeley.
JEWEL BROWN
Jewel is currently a student at TCC who is pursuing a degree
in graphic design. She is originally from Orlando, Florida
and will be graduating from TCC in the fall of 2015. Jewel
expressed that participation in the TCC STEM program has
opened her eyes to several other opportunities as well as
providing her with valuable resources to use. One of those
resources is the Florida Georgia Louis Stokes Alliance for
Minority Participants, which has awarded her with more than
a scholarship but also has allowed her to meet new people
to network with and to receive guidance from. She has
also benefited from the academic and career development
workshops that helped her navigate the pathway to degree
and career and graphic design.
RAMEECH MCCORMACK
Rameech, a dual-major in mechanical and aerospace
engineering and a dual-minor in mathematics and
entrepreneurship, is a Spring 2015 graduate from UCF. Over
his five years of experience as an undergraduate researcher,
he had the opportunity to publish five peer review journal
articles, and received numerous awards for his research in
nanotechnology. As he originally planned, he will be attending
MIT to pursue higher studies in mechanical engineering with a
focus on nano/micro engineering.
BRANDON HUNTER
Brandon is a recent Civil Engineering graduate at the
UF. Under the guidance of Dr. Timothy Townsend in the
Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Hunter’s
research studied various doses of ferric chloride as coagulate,
to remove dissolved organic matter (DOM) from non-
municipal solid waste landfill wastewaters. Hunter was named
as a recipient of the prestigious National Science Foundation
Graduate Research Fellowship for his graduate work.

I am convinced that the USF FGLSAMP Bridge to
the Doctorate program clearly distinguishes itself
in creating a family environment which breeds
success, both personally and professionally. The
program provided office space and computers for
us to study. This space evolved into a home away
from home wherein we would take refuge when
‘life happens’, have study groups, run simulations,
help each other write and review technical papers
and proposals and even celebrate birthdays! This
created a strong family-type environment within
our cohort that was passed down and emulated by
succeeding BD cohorts.
As I reflect on the USF FGLSAMP BD program, the
moral and financial support, peace of mind, sense
of fulfillment in reaching back to uplift others
to become scientists and engineers, and family-
type environment provided a unique algorithm,
which left me no choice but to be successful. Ten
years later, I still apply those “lessons learned” in
my current position at the NASA Goddard Space
Flight Center.”
– QUENTON BONDS, PH.D., UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, 2010
BRIDGE TO DOCTORATE
[2003 - 2013]
The Bridge to the Doctorate (BD) program is a transformative force in STEM graduate education
and beyond. Since 2003, FGLSAMP has hosted 11 BD cohorts at 4 FGLSAMP institutions, thereby
providing life-altering experiences for the BD Fellows who have been a part of this dynamic
program. The FGLSAMP BD continues to impact the number of URM receiving the STEM Ph.D.
The BD provides LSAMP undergraduates a unique opportunity to pursue the STEM Ph.D. with
tremendous funding support provided by NSF for the first two years of graduate school. A great
number of the BD Fellows go on to receive other prestigious fellowship awards such as the NSF
Graduate Research Fellowship, Alfred Sloan Minority Fellowship, and McKnight Fellowship. The
host institution provides means of funding support once the BD Fellows move into the 3rd year
of graduate school. The funding support by NSF is the greatest impact, because it addresses the
issue of solid funding support, which is arguably one of the greatest hurdles keeping URMs from
pursing STEM graduate education.
WIDER IMPACTS
There is a multiplier effect that comes about as a result of the Bridge to the Doctorate in that
it generates greater diversity participation in STEM research at both the academic institutions
and at many of the nation’s research laboratory facilities. BD creates unique opportunities for
STEM URM populations to participate in international research and professional development.
In addition, BD has also generated voluntary institutional funding by each BD institution
site to support and place additional (matching) students into the FGLSAMP BD cohort
above the 12 that are funded by NSF support. The importance and impact of FGLSAMP BD
on institutions is reflected in the commitment to build greater diversity within the STEM
graduate populations.
BD INSTITUTION NO. OF COHORTS NO. OF BD FELLOWS
Florida State University 1 20
University of Florida 3 48
University of South Florida 5 76
Florida International University 2 36
To date, the FGLSAMP Bridge to the Doctorate program has achieved a completion to degree
rate of greater than 82%. This is significant in that greater numbers of underrepresented
minority Ph.D. recipients are entering the U.S. labor force in significant science and research
professions. Thus, the impact of the FGLSAMP BD program has been to transform the STEM
professional landscape throughout the nation.
FGLSAMP BD Fellows have conducted research and/or started professional careers with
organizations such as: NOAA; NASA; U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories;
Intel; Draper Industries; Lockheed Martin; National Academies of Science. These are unique
professional opportunities that the FGLSAMP BD can bring into the lives of its BD participants.
26 | FGLSAMP

BD Fellowship has provided not just funding but also access
to professionals with actual experience and accomplishments
to back their advice, help in writing proposals and obtaining
additional funding, funding and encouragement for attending
conferences, and forging relationships with other BDs of
diverse interests. Most importantly, it facilitated the MS
completion in 2 years (not particularly common in the
discipline of biology)
– NICOLE SEBESTA, FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
The NSF Florida Georgia Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority
Participation (FGLSAMP) Bridge to the Doctorate Fellowship
gave me the opportunity to start my Ph.D. program. It
enabled me to focus on my research during the first two
years while seeking other opportunities. My dissertation
investigated the viral content of reclaimed water with a
new molecular technique that allows us to describe the
viral community as a whole. Thanks to the FGLSAMP BD
fellowship, I was encouraged to apply and participate in
other NSF opportunities including the International Polar
Year – Research Opportunities in Antarctica for Minorities
program and East Asia Pacific Summer Institutes (EAPSI) in
New Zealand Fellowship. The FGLSAMP BD Fellowship was
an incredible resource, not only because of the much-needed
financial aid, but also because of the support system it
provided through the staff and other BD fellows. The award
was a great help for me to accomplish my academic goals and
I am very grateful for it.
– KARYNA ROSARIO, PH.D., UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY, 2010
The fellowship provided exposure and support for external
funding, grant proposal writing and networking. The Bridge to
Doctorate program allowed me to “hit the ground running” so
to speak. It kept me sane and it kept me focused on my future
as a research scientist. And of course, the funding support has
been invaluable.
– KRYSTINE PIMENTEL, FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
I truly appreciate the comradery between the fellows. Having
a place to go to when you need help in guiding through the
“red tape” of grad school. Making a real connection with the
BD fellows and staff is what I value the most. I believe it is
that connection that gives me the confidence to seek help
when I need it. Developing trust within the BD fellows and
staff should always take priority. That’s the key to keeping
fellows from dropping out. Honestly, if not for the BD, I would
have quit the Ph.D. program. So many times the walls in my
department were stacked up against me and it was through
the support of my BDs and staff that guided me through.
– MICHELLE PIERRE, FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

You can do whatever
you want to do today.
All you need is
the education.
– CONGRESSMAN LOUIS STOKES [1925-2015]
KEY IMPACTS
AT A GLANCE
A SNAPSHOT
• Economic Impact/Value of FGLSAMP to-date:
NSF FGLSAMP (Undergraduate) Funding Support $19,200,000.00
Florida Legislature Funding support (1992-2007) $9,630,000.00
Institutional Match $7,200,000.00
FGLSAMP NSF – Bridge to the Doctorate $15,477,000.00
Institutional Match – Bridge to the Doctorate $4,620,000.00
FGLSAMP EXPO Economic Activity* $3,200,000.00
Value Research/Internship Experiences $19,500,000.00
• External FGLSAMP Summer Research Internships
2002-2014 average 260 per year
• Number of Underrepresented Female Enrolled in STEM (at FGLSAMP Institutions)
1994: 52,425
2014: 61,852
• Number of Underrepresented Male Enrolled in STEM (at FGLSAMP Institutions)
1994: 37,028
2014: 47,567
• FGLSAMP Scholar GPA
78% Greater than 3.0
• Average Time to (BS) Degree: 5.52 years (FGLSAMP Scholars)
• Average STEM Retention: 90.3%
• Research Internship Experiences: Over 2,961 since 2002
• 4,337 Institutional URM STEM Baccalaureate Degree awards in 2014
• 564 Institutional URM STEM Master’s degree awards in 2014
• 347 Institutional URM STEM Ph.D. degree awards in 2014
• Greater than 86% Ph.D. completion rate for the FGLSAMP Bridge to the Doctorate Fellows
Photo: Google Images

December 2015
LEAD INSTITUTION/ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
LOCATED AT:
FGLSAMP
Florida Georgia Louis Stokes Alliance
for Minority Participation
Florida A&M University
Sybil Mobley Complex
500 Gamble Street, Rm 418C South
Tallahassee, FL 32307
(850) 561-2467
www.fglsamp.com
Ralph Turner, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator

Fglsamp 2015 Program Impact Report

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