Undergraduates

Current PREM students

Amir Moore

Physics
Junior

“Hi, I’m Amir Moore, a third year physics major from Haddon Heights, New Jersey. I originally joined PREM because of the testimonies of my fellow students. But now after being in PREM myself I can also attest that PREM is an excellent program to be a part of. With the constant provision of opportunities and networking possibilities, my experience with HU PREM has been nothing short of the standard of excellence.”

Anthony Gillespie

Electrical Engineering
Sophomore

My name is Anthony Gillespie from Montville, Ohio. This past year I have worked with Dr. Geddis on BZ reactions and integrated circuits. I wanted to join the PREM program to further my interest in research and explore the applications of engineering in a lab setting.

Nya Harmon

Chemical Engineering
Sophomore

My name is Nya Harmon and I am a second year chemical engineering major, material science and engineering minor from The Woodlands, Tx. This past year I conducted research in Dr. Dumas’ lab.

Garrett Horton

Computer Engineering
Sophomore

My name is Garrett Horton. I’m a Second Year, Computer Engineering Major, double minoring in Math as well as Materials Science and Engineering from Atlanta, Georgia. I joined PREM my sophomore year after working and Brandies University and I now currently work with Dr. Jerald Dumas to 3D print polycaprolactone (PCL) and bone composites. After Hampton, I have aspirations of attending graduate school.

Jazmine Riggins

Physics
Sophomore

My name is Jazmine Riggins. I am a sophomore Physics major from Covington, Georgia. I decided to join PREM to expand my research experience. I also wanted to get a clearer understanding of what research topic I would pursue in the future.

Alexandra (Lexxie) Jefferson

Biochemistry
Sophomore

Hello! My name is Lexxie Jefferson, I am a second year Biochemistry major, Material Science and Engineering minor from San Diego, Ca. The past two years I have been working with Dr. Ghebreyessus on the formation of light-sensitive hydrogels. We have explored different factors that may affect the synthesis like pH, temperature, electrostatic interactions, etc. I joined the PREM program because it is opportunity to increase my exposure to research, and a way for me to attain helpful skills. After completing my studies at Hampton University, I plan to continue my journey of becoming a physician.

Jalen Lambert

Pharmaceutical Science
Junior

My name is Jalen Lambert, I’m a third year Pharmaceutical Science major from Dallas, TX. This past summer I conducted research at Brandeis University in the Rodal lab. I joined P.R.E.M. to expand my research experience and learn more about research topics in my major and field. After graduation, I plan to attend Medical or Pharmacy school.”

Markenya Gatling

Biochemistry
Senior

Markenya Gatling is a graduating senior Biochemistry major from Hampton, Virginia. She is currently doing research with her mentor, Dr. Frank Insu Hahn, on the Computational Reactivity of the Hydrolysis of Guanosine Triphosphate (GTP) to Guanosine Diphosphate (GDP). This is her first time in the program and she is looking forward to doing STEM outreach with the community she was raised in.

Emira Wideman

Biochemistry
Sophomore

My name is Emira Wideman, and I am a sophomore Biochemistry major from Abington, Pennsylvania. I am currently working with Dr. Peter Njoki on the measurement and synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are used in everyday products to help save money and reduce pollutants, our research is based on the cosmetic side of them. I’ve always wanted to do research, especially on a topic of my interest, Dermatology. Thanks to the PREM program I am now able to achieve this, while also being given opportunities outside the lab. After graduation I plan to pursue a medical degree.

Past PREM Undergraduates

Alexa Livingstone

Physics
Junior

My name is Alexa Livingstone. I am a junior Physics major double minoring in Material Science and Mathematics. The past year I have been working with Dr. Uwe Hommerich in his optics lab. The focus of my research has been studying the energy level transitions of doped Rare Earth Ions.

Spencer Parsons

Chemistry
Junior

Khalid Hampton

Computer Engineering
Junior

Hello my name is Khalid Hampton, I am a junior computer engineering major from Stone Mountain, Georgia. I’ve been was chose to be a part of PREM where I had the opportunity to do doing crystal research with Dr. Hommerich.

Jihaad Barnett

Electrical Engineering
Junior

My name is Jihaad Barnett, I am a junior Electrical Engineering Major from Augusta, Georgia. This past year I have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Zhao Sun with optical properties of sensor technology. After graduation I plan to pursue a graduate degree in renewable energy.

Russell Wiggins

Chemical Engineering
Senior

My name is Russell J. Wiggins, I am currently a senior at Hampton University. My major is Chemical Engineering. I have been a member of PREM for the past 2 semesters, which has been a great experience. I have enjoyed the outreach aspect just as much as the research I’ve been involved with. The focus areas of my research consist of developing a biocompatible glue with novel properties as well as surface modification of metal substrates for the purpose of medical application. In these efforts, I have worked along side Dr. Rupak Dua. My plans for after graduation consist of working in industry in the areas of process engineering and/ or materials engineering. My general interest extends to environmental engineering as well as petroleum engineering.

Mikayla Browning

Chemistry
Senior

My name is Mikayla Browning. I am a junior Traditional Chemistry major from Ypsilanti, Michigan. This past year I have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Kesete Ghebreyessus on the synthesis and characterization of arylazopyrazols based small molecular switches for their potential applications in the fabrication of photo responsive supramolecular hydrogels, solar energy storage and conversion, and anion receptors. After graduation I plan to attend medical school to pursue anesthesiology.

Kayla Patterson

Computer Science
Senior

My name is Kayla Patterson. I am a graduating senior in Hampton University’s Computer Science department with a minor in Mathematics from Robbinsville, New Jersey. I chose to join PREM because I wanted to get experience with research before going to graduate school. I felt that joining PREM would give me the tools to discover if research is something that I would like to continue in graduate school. I am currently conducting research on AI and Machine Learning for Integrated Photonics with Dr. Geddis. One of my aspirations in life is to open more doors for women of color in the Computer Science field.

Janelle Mabrey

Electrical Engineering
Senior

My name is Janelle Mabrey. I am a senior Electrical Engineering major from Suffolk, Virginia. I chose to become a part of the PREM program as a way to further connect with my fellow STEM majoring peers as well as a way to gain more opportunities for completing research.

Larry Luster

Chemical Engineering
Junior

Larry E. Luster is an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Jerald Dumas’s lab, focusing on developing new methods of synthesizing bone-polymer composites. Larry’s previous research experience includes a Research Experience for Undergraduates at Brandeis University as part of their MRSEC program. Larry became a part of the PREM program to continue developing the research skills he gained during his first REU at Brandeis. Currently, Larry aspires to pursue an industry career in Research and Development but has yet to finalize his career plans.

Alexander Edmonson

Chemical Engineering
Senior

My name is Alexander Edmonson and I am a Senior majoring in Chemical Engineering and minoring in Mathematics. I was born in North Carolina in a military family with my dad still being active, so I have moved around quite a bit in my life. I enjoy doing research because I feel like I am helping progress whatever field I am currently working in and creating a whole solution or steps to a solution that only a handful may have tried.

Aaron Jones

Physics
Freshman

My name is Aaron Jones. I am a Physics Major at Hampton University from Hampton, VA. This summer I will be attending the summer REU program at Brandeis University under the guidance of Professor Seth Fraden. We will be working on soft materials and chemical networks. My research interest is in subatomic particles and radiation. I plan to pursue a PhD in Radiology.

Isaac Mukooza

Chemistry

My name is Isaac Mukooza and I am chemistry student at Hampton University and a proud member of the PREM program. PREM is an incredible program of like-minded people who love the sciences and mathematics and want to spread knowledge about STEM to the community. Personally, I joined PREM because I loved the idea that we combine our love of research with our dedication to service to the community. My project focused on copper (II) selective metallogels and these molecules have all kinds of biochemical applications to cancer research and time-release drugs. PREM has opened all sorts of doors for its students. I have travelled to other cities during the summer to participate in research projects such the REU program at Brandeis University. During our service events, I have met all kinds of young people in Hampton area who are interested in science – such as outreach events at the Boo Williams Sportsplex. It is exciting to know that our time with these students could have inspired them to pursue studying a STEM field later in life.

Jordan Nobles

Computer Engineering
Freshman

I am Jordan Nobles, a first-year computer engineering major from Raleigh, North Carolina, and I am a member of the Freddye T. Davy Honors college. This past semester, I have been working in the Integrated Photonic Circuits and Systems Laboratory, under Dr. Geddis, in the recreation of the BZ chemical reaction. Our number one goal is to use a laser diode to control this reaction. I plan to graduate as a computer engineer in four years.

Susan Okrah

Chemical Engineering
Senior

Susan Okrah is a senior chemical engineering major. She is a top researcher both on and off campus. Susan joined the PREM program her sophomore year. As PREM scholar, Susan was able to conduct research at Brandeis University, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research presentations have earned her top awards around the country including the Student Leadership Award for Research at the Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) last year. Currently, she conducts research under the advisement of Dr. Jerald Dumas. After graduation, Susan is pursuing a Ph.D. in Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago.

Anais Rhoades

Chemistry
Freshman

I am Anais Rhoades, a freshman Chemistry pre-med major, Spanish minor from South Carolina. I am currently working with Professor Njoki on nanoparticle synthesis and application. Nanoparticles are essentially nano-size material, usually nano-size metals. The research entails synthesis of metal nanoparticles such as copper, silver, and gold to name a few. This semester the focus was synthesis and analyzing the particles of different reducing and capping agents under TEM and UV-Vis spectroscopy, as well as graphing absorption. My favorite part of research is analyzing the shapes from TEM imagery. I’ve always wanted to try research in some capacity and I like that PREM requires not only lab and research time, but outreach and volunteering too. I am excited for the opportunities to come.

Kristopher Small

Electrical Engineering
Sophomore

My name is Kristopher Small. I am a sophomore Electrical Engineering major from Jacksonville, FL. I joined PREM in the 2019 Spring term. I have been working with Dr. Otsebele Nare, researching on inter-facial studies between soft-materials and semiconductors with the goal to design a silicon CMOS based amplifier circuitry using electronic design automation software. After graduation, I plan on working for the Department of Defense while pursuing graduate school.

Johnson Agyapong

Biology

My name is Johnson Agyapong, a Ghana native and Bronx, New York resident. I am a second year student at Brandeis University and I am a biology major aspiring to become a medical doctor.

I spent my summer as a member of PREM at Hampton University and I got the chance to do research in electrochemical biosensors. Aside from the research exposure, I got to explore different places such as Virginia, Georgia, and Washington D.C. Courtesy of PREM, my first research exposure was amazing.

Lauryn Alexander

Forensic Chemistry
Sophomore

My name is Lauryn Alexander. I am a sophomore and a forensic chemistry major and Spanish and mathematics minor from Charlotte, North Carolina. My passion has been chemistry for a long time, and I hope to graduate with my BS, go to graduate school, and later on obtain my Ph.D. My goal is to work in the crime lab of the FBI.

This summer I worked on creating a shape memory polymer with a temperature sensor. It was very difficult to achieve an SMP with a completely linear gradient due to the cold side repeatedly having a large gradient, while the hot side had barely a gradient at all.

From my experience this summer, I learned the importance of shape memory polymers in the medical world. I also gained knowledge on how to use different machines for testing the samples. This summer taught me that although research may be difficult and strenuous, it pays off in the end when you get the result you’ve been looking for.

Shape Memory Polymers with Temperature Sensors (PDF)

Khaled Besnaci

Physics
Sophomore

Raised in Queens, New York, Khaled is a recent graduate of the fairly new Cambria Heights Academy. He is currently pursuing his bachelor’s in physics from Hampton University.

While interning at Syracuse University, I used a digital mirror device in order to print 2D/3D constructs. Moreover, these constructs were used for vascularization and nutrient perfusion. Additionally, with the use of hydrogels such as Pegda and Gelma, my mentor and I were able to build the ideal channel that would allow for cell perfusion in mice. Throughout the course of the program, I learned that the main function of the digital mirror device is to fabricate micro channels with the projection of ultraviolet light as the source. Lastly, through PREM, I was given insight on the societal impact of 3D printing (i.e. hearts, lungs, kidneys, and other organs may be reproduced in the near future via 3D printing).

The people in the photo are my research Professor Dr. Pranav Soman, Marcus Morton, and myself.

Antony Epps

Science/Physical Therapist

I am attending Southside Virginia Community College to get my associate degree in science. I plan on going to a physical therapy program either at VCU or Southside Regional. My passion is to help and motivate others.

Leila Hart

Chemical Engineering and Liberal Studies
Sophomore

My name is Leila Hart. I was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but I live in Georgia. I am enrolled at Hampton University majoring in chemical engineering and liberal studies, and may pick up a third major with a minor in leadership studies.

I did alot of research under my third mentor for the summer, Shelby Buffington. I worked with triple shape memory polymers. I also did a formal poster and presented my poster as well. My topic was ‘Using Triple Shape Memory Polymers to Generate Complex Wrinkle Patterns”.

Christopher Johnson

Electrical Engineering
Sophomore

I’m a sophomore majoring in electrical engineering at Hampton University. This summer, I worked with Dr. David Reinkensmeyer at the University of California, Irvine, in the development of a wearable device for stroke victims. My research interest lies in rehabilitation through robotics. I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with an emphasis in robotics.

Breyah Matthews

Electrical Engineering
Junior

My name is Breyah Matthews. I am a junior studying Electrical Engineering with a minor in Nano-Science. This summer I participated in PREM at Hampton University. I contributed to a project with several other students under the guidance of Dr. Samuel. The project focused on electrospinning which is a fiber production method that uses an electric force to bond charged threads of a polymer solution. These threads are evaluated on some order of ten nanometers. An application of this production include filtration.

Marcus Morton

I am currently working with Professor Pronav Soman on research for tissue engineering. I have helped by making 3D designs in a software called Autodesk Inventor that were then printed out in a dissolvable material. We plan to use these designs to make hollow passageways throughout hydrogels.

Raquelle Perry

Racquelle Perry is originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and is a recent graduate of Hampton University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology.

As a student at Hampton University, she was involved in a number of student activities to include: The Student Recruitment Team, the Caribbean Pre-Alumni Council, and the Minority Association of Pre-Health Students. She is a member of Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society, Golden Key International Honor Society and Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. Perry will be attending Georgetown University in the fall for graduate school.

Shakayla Robinson-Love

Chemical Engineering
Sophomore

I’m Shakayla Robinson-Love, a sophomore majoring in chemical engineer at Hampton University. I’m an energetic 19 year old that loves researching as much as I love spending time with my family.

I was a member of PREM this year with a dream to one day change the world and help people with cancer. My mentor is Dr. Cooper and I did research based on photoresponsive metallo gels this summer in Dr. Ghebre’s lab.