SCIENCE SCHOLARS SOAR EAGLE STEM PROGRAM INSPIRES STUDENTS FOR GREATNESS

Being a science major is hard.

Junior chemistry major Juliana Quay didn’t shy away from stating the obvious. The Lancaster native knows her path to graduation would be much harder without the assistance of the Eagle STEM Scholars program.

Established in fall 2011 with funds from an IDeA Networks for Biomedical Research Excellence grant and Winthrop match funds, the program is geared specifically toward biology, chemistry, math, computer and environmental science, and other STEM majors. It offers up to 20 incoming freshmen from underrepresented minority, financial need, and first- generation college students the opportunity to receive financial support, mentoring, resources for academic success and an unmatched level of access to scientific research. The program’s goal is to prepare the students to go into biomedical science Ph.D. and healthcare professional programs.

According to Quay, the program gave her a chance to conduct research in a place she had never experienced — a chemistry lab. “I had never been in a ‘real’ chemistry lab, and I was getting to interact with older students and learn about

Thanks to the Eagle STEM Scholars program, Douglas Johnson ’18 got to work closely with his professors, including Victoria Frost, assistant professor of biology.

2011

YEAR EAGLE STEM PRO- GRAM WAS ESTABLISHED

141

NUMBER OF SCHOLARS WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE PROGRAM

their research. I was able to shadow Dr. [Jason] Hurlbert’s biochemistry lab, and I even got to attend a national conference my freshman year. Time in the lab has been my favorite part. The more time I spend there, the more I fall in love with chemistry,” said Quay, who wants to earn a Ph.D. in neuroscience.

It's testimonials like Quay’s that indicate the value of the program. Rachel Law, director of the Eagle STEM Scholars program, knows the 141 students who have participated in the program, and she’s proud of their accomplishments. “Our main priority is giving these students the support they need to graduate in four years prepared to enter graduate programs and the workforce. We help them acclimate to college through the Summer Bridge program, during the summer between high school and college. We facilitate their meeting with professors for research experiences, get them involved in community and campus service, and encourage them to be a support system for one another,” said Law. “This program wouldn’t be possible without the support of our STEM faculty, and the vision of Drs. Pat Owens and Takita Sumter, whose support was instrumental in establishing the program.”

DISCOVERING A PASSION FOR RESEARCH

Douglas Johnson ‘18 of Greenville felt the perks of the program were critical to his success as a biology major. “The staff helped us continually throughout the school year with all of our needs, including scheduling classes, learning proper study habits, planning extracurricular activities, helping us network and so much more,” said Johnson, who is currently in the biology accelerated master’s program at Winthrop while he applies to medical school.

Johnson, too, found his passion in the research lab as he analyzed bacteria along South Carolina beaches as well as meiofauna in marine ecosystems. “Not only were these important projects helpful in strengthening my student profile for graduate school,

4 6

NUMBER OF WEEKS IN THE SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAM

5

NUMBER OF COHORTS THAT HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE PROGRAM

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:

“The Eagle STEM Scholars program played a pivotal role influencing my career path by exposing me to various opportunities to involve myself in research and the Winthrop community. As a freshman, Eagle STEM connected me with upperclassmen and faculty, and this catalyzed my early participation in biochemistry research. The program is an invaluable resource that has in turn prompted my passion for science education outreach and mentorship. I am immensely grateful.”

JESSLYN PARK ‘18 Currently working on a Ph.D. in biochemistry at the University of California San Francisco

“The program is a continuation of Winthrop’s rich history by providing increased opportunities in science and math for students from low- income families, for those from underrepresented groups and for women in fields where they are traditionally underrepresented. Four cohorts have now graduated, and an impressive 58 percent have already started graduate studies—most in doctoral degree programs. The tireless efforts of Rachel Law, Cliff Harris and the entire Eagle STEM Scholars program staff have been truly exemplary and the underlying reason for the program’s tremendous success.”

PAT OWENS Chair, Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Geology

but it also helped establish my passion for research, which I plan to continue, and it gave me an opportunity to know my professors, and peers, on a different level.”

Johnson’s favorite aspect of the program was the guidance and compassion he received. “It really feels like a big support group attempting to help everyone on their journeys. Everyone was dedicated to my success and to helping me achieve my goals. Winthrop has really found a way to stand out through this program.”

For more information on the program, please visit www.winthrop.edu/eaglestem.

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