EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS
SHIRLEY LAKPA
Co-President
Edene Shirley Lakpa is a biology major, chemistry minor from Apple Valley, Minnesota. Her interests and research background surround microbiology. After she receives her BS from Howard University, she looks forward to a career that will allow her to integrate medicine and biomedical research. Specifically, Edene hopes to learn more about infectious diseases as a career path. Currently, she is working as a student researcher at Howard University. In addition to serving as Co-President of M.O.B., Edene works as the President of the Petey Greene program at Howard, a member of the Future Health Scholars program, and National Society of Collegiate Scholars. In the past, Edene participated in the HHMI funded Freshman Honors SEA-PHAGES Laboratory, conducted research over the summer through the Summer SEA-PHAGES enrichment experience, worked as an Undergraduate Assistant for the Lab, and conducted research in Ethiopia through the NIH funded MHIRT program.
AALIYAH MEADE
Co-President
Aaliyah Meade is a Biology major, Chemistry minor from Newport News, VA. During her freshmen year, Aaliyah was a student in the SEA-PHAGES (Science Education Alliance- Phage Hunters Advancing Evolutionary Science) honors biology lab class. With her research experience from the course, she participated in the Howard University 2016 Research Symposium. Upon completing her freshman year, she was chosen to attend the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program [currently known as SHPEP] at the University of California Los Angeles. During her time at UCLA, she was able to expand her knowledge about a future career in the medical field; while also networking with medical professionals, undergraduate pre-med students, and current medical students from around the country. This past semester, Aaliyah was selected to attend ABRCMS 2016 in Tampa, FL and she has hopes of attending next year with research to present. Currently, Aaliyah is an undergraduate assistant in the SEA-PHAGES lab, a teacher’s assistant in the Howard University Spanish department, a member of the National Council of Negro Women- Howard University Section, a MelaninMD scholar, a member of the Health-Professions Society, a mentor and tutor at the Washington Metropolitan High School,and an undergraduate researcher under Dr. Ayele Gugsaa. In the future, Aaliyah is considering pursuing an M.D./Ph.D. degree.
MORINNE OSBORNE
Co-Vice President
Morinne Osborne is a Biology major Spanish/Chemistry minor from Portland, Oregon. Morinne will be graduating in the spring of 2018. During her freshman year, Morinne was enrolled in the SEA-PHAGES honors Biology course and then came back to work as an Undergraduate Assistant during her sophomore year. Morinne attended SHPEP (formally known as SMDEP) in Louisville, KY where she learned elevated biology, physics, as well as chemistry courses while shadowing doctors at various nearby hospitals. Morinne is currently a part of the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) where she is doing research with Dr. Janelle Burke in the Biology department. Morinne's research currently involves study the evolution of plants spanning from the late 1800s to now. Morinne serves as the Administrative Executive for an after school program held by Jewels Incorporated, which is a mentoring organization that services girls in the DC area. After graduation, Morinne hopes to obtain her MD/MPH and pursue a career in working for Doctors Without Borders as a plastic surgeon.
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AMBER DURAND
Co-Vice President
Amber Durand comes from Atlanta, Georgia and graduated from Atlanta Adventist Academy as Valedictorian. At AAA, Amber was the President of the Student Association and was awarded the Caring Heart Award for her dedication to service. She also participated in Leadership Conferences and the National Honor Society. At Howard University, Amber is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Her bi-cultural background and focus on community collaboration has led her to a number of volunteer opportunities and leadership roles on her campus. As a Sophomore, Amber also works as an Undergraduate Assistant for the PHAGES Biology Laboratory, and as a Manager for the Howard Herbarium Digitization Project in the Burke Lab. In her free time, Amber enjoys reading and playing piano. After graduation, Amber plans to attend dental school and pursue a career in dental research
NGOZI ELOBUIKE
Administrative Executive
Ngozi Elobuike is a Biology Major, Chemistry Minor from Stockton, California. Currently, she is employed as both an Undergraduate Assistant for the P.H.A.G.E.S. Research Laboratory as well as a Tutor for the Center of Pre-Professional Education through the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Tutorial Program. When she is not working, Ngozi serves a gHU co-Coordinator for Howard University’s Chapter of GlobeMED, a member of the Freshman Leadership Academy, Future Health Scholars Program, and a volunteer for the DC Health Link Volunteer Program. Recently, Ngozi was inducted into Beta Kappa Chi National Scientific Honor Society. In the past Ngozi has participated in the UCLA HBCU Chemistry and Biochemistry Summer Research Program, P.H.A.G.E.S. Research Laboratory and the 2016 Howard University Research Week. As part of the COAS Honors Biology Program, she has been accepted into the Roswell Park Cancer Institute Summer Research Program and is working to develop a research project under Dr. Irwin Gelman. In the future Ngozi hopes to obtain an M.D. / M.P.H. in order to open up clinics both in the United states and abroad as well as render her services to Doctors without Borders.
MAAT MAACK
Co-Administrative Executive
Maat Mack is a Chemistry major, Allied Sciences minor from Harlem, New York. Maat will be graduating in the spring of 2019. During the summer after her freshman year, Maat coordinated a high school summer internship program at the Metropolitan Hospital in New York City; there she communicated with thirteen different departments to allow students to shadow doctors, nurses and lab technicians in their respective fields. Presently, Maat is preparing for her fully funded research trip to the University of Cape Coast in Ghana where she will spend four weeks researching under a professor at the school. Maat is currently working on undergraduate research with Dr. Raghavan in the chemistry department; her research involves the study of silver nanoparticles and antimicrobial chemical properties. Maat also serves as the director of fundraising for Bison’s Promise, which is a mentoring and tutoring organization for children ages 6-16 in the DC area. After graduation, Maat plans to obtain an MD/Ph.D and pursue a career in sport medicine clinically, as well as in research.
BAKARE AWAKOAIYE
Co-Treasurer
Bakare Awakoaiye is a junior biology major from Oakland, CA. He currently attends Howard University where he serves as the Treasurer of the California Student Association, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and a member of the College of Arts and Sciences Honors Program holding a 3.93 GPA on the Dean's List. After completing research in the SEA-PHAGES program his freshman year, Bakare is now conducting research in the Department of Physiology where he works with Dr. Burke studying the effects that simian HIV and fetal alcohol syndrome have on the growth and function of hormones and receptors in the brains of monkeys. After graduating Howard University, he plans to attend medical school in pursuit of an MD in order to serve his hometown as a pediatrician while continuing research on infectious diseases.
IMANI BOYKIN
Co-Treasurer
Imani Boykin is a sophomore Sports Medicine major Chemistry minor from Miami, Florida. Imani will be graduating in the spring of 2019. Currently she is employed as an undergraduate assistant to the Howard University’s Student Life & Activities office in the Blackburn Center. When she is not working, Imani serves a member and Junior Bisonettes Coordinator to the Howard University Bisonette Dance Ensemble, financial director of GlobeMed HU, teen outreach volunteer to the Boys and Girls club @THEARC, and research and service fellow of Young AfricanA Leadership Initiative. As an honor student, she also conducts research pertaining to exercise physiology with Dr. Bond in the Cancer Center. After graduation, Imani hopes to obtain her MD/MBA and pursue a career in orthopedic surgery and entrepreneurship.
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