Skyler Guinn is a junior at Hampton University majoring in Pharmaceutical Science. Her professional research interests are centered in medicine so she can make medications that result in the least side effects. Her interest in the STEM field began in 2018 when she took Health Science 1. This allowed her to research and learn more about medical terminology, pharmaceutical drugs, and the importance of each type of human body system. She also took online courses to obtain CPR, OSHA, Stop the Bleed, and Pharmacy Technician certifications. At Hampton University, she is involved in organizations such as the Greer Dawson Wilson Student Leadership Training Program and North Carolina PAC. Outside of school, she loves to bake with her sister, go shopping, style hair, watch shows or movies, and spend time with her family and friends. She is from the Queen City of Charlotte, NC and loves to explore.
Natyra James, a proud Baton Rouge native and junior at Xavier University of Louisiana, is on a determined path toward a career in medicine. Majoring in Biology Pre-Med with a minor in French, Natyra's academic pursuits are as ambitious as they are inspiring. This year marks her inaugural experience with the prestigious Johns Hopkins USTAR program, an opportunity she embraces with both excitement and dedication. Her passion for family and film enriches her life outside the rigorous demands of her studies. Natyra's enthusiasm for exploration extends beyond the classroom; she is eager to immerse herself in Maryland's rich history and absorb the beauty of the Johns Hopkins campus. With each new experience, Natyra continues to build a foundation of knowledge and memories that will support her future endeavors in the medical field.
Erin J. LaFleur is currently a junior at Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. She is majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry with the aspiration of going to medical school after receiving her bachelor’s degree. She works as a student research assistant under Dr. Gina Chiarella conducting experiments on green chemistry at her home campus. Her interest in science and medicine began in middle school after becoming aware of the racial disparities faced by underrepresented groups, particularly African Americans. She gained experience in research prior to the USTAR program at her institute. During her free time, she enjoys exercising, crocheting, traveling, and reading. Additionally, Erin frequently support the local church’s food drive. She has maintained at least a 3.88 GPA throughout her college career while staying active in her clubs and community.
Matthew Macapagal is a junior chemical engineering major at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. His research interests include cell therapy, cell manufacturing, and separation processes of biological macromolecules. Matthew has experience in researching physical and genetic characteristics of novel Bacillus bacteriophages and the reactions of the nematode C. Elegans to various stimulants. Additionally, Matthew is an associate of the NIH-funded UMBC STEM BUILD 2.0 program. He is also involved in extracurricular clubs at UMBC, such as the Residential Student Association and the Filipino American Student Association. After completing his undergraduate studies, Matthew plans to pursue a Ph.D. in biochemical engineering. Afterwards, he hopes to enter the pharmaceutical industry researching manufacturing scale-up of pharmaceutical drugs, chemical routes, and product efficiency.
Kenton Moore is a junior at Prairie View A&M University, majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry on the pre-medical track. His research interests lie in environmental chemistry, in which he works as an on-campus lab assistant, researching the preparation of transition metal complexes in an environmentally stable manner. His interest in the sciences began during his sophomore year of high school, when his AP Chemistry teacher convinced him to study as a STEM major in college. His passion for research and learning led him to apply to Johns Hopkins USTAR program, where he will be spending the summer gaining experience and developing his research skills under the guidance of a mentor. Around Prairie View’s campus, Kenton is a proud member of the University’s honors program and the Undergraduate Medical Academy. When not engaged academically, he likes to skateboard and is also the president of the campus crochet club. Upon receiving his degree, Kenton plans to enroll in medical school to pursue his career goal of becoming a physician to serve underrepresented patient populations.
Maya Watt is a junior Public Health Sciences major with a Chemistry minor at Xavier University of Louisiana. She is currently the PR Chair of Xavier Mental Health Coalition, Communications Co-Chair for Xavier’s chapter of the Nation Council of Negro Women and XpressU, Graphic Designer and Delivery Person for the campus’ Emergency Contraception (EC) Dispensary, and an active volunteer for High Voltage and STEM Library Lab in New Orleans. She is also a part of the Xavier Exponential Honors Program. In the upcoming school year, she will begin research with Dr. Zuzana Baran concerning Schiff-based ligands and metal complexes. She plans to pursue a dual MD/MPH program upon completion of her bachelor’s degree and a career path in Dermatology. Combining her interest in public health and medicine, she is interested in comparative research of the epidemiology of different skin conditions between different racial groups. Outside of school, she loves to cook, dance, and listen to music. She is from Memphis, Tennessee and loves to represent her city.
