50 th Class of 2008

50
H O W A R D U N IV E R S ITY G R A D U AT E S C H O O L
P H. D.
A N N IV E R SA RY
th
C E L E B RAT I O N
1958-2008
ANNUAL HOOD PRESENTATION CEREMONY
Class of 2008
A SALUTE TO THE GRADUATE CERTIFICATE, MASTER’S DEGREE,
A
N
D
THE PH.D. DEGREE CANDIDATES
Thursday, the Eighth Day of May
Two Thousand and Eight
Cramton Auditorium
Howard University
Salute to The Graduate Certificate, Master’s Degree, and Ph.D. Degree Candidates Class of 2008
1
2
Annual Hood Presentation Ceremony - Howard University Graduate School
Annual Graduate School
Hood Presentation Ceremony
Class of 2008
PROCESSIONAL
PRESIDING
Chontrese M. Doswell Hayes, Assistant Dean
Retention, Mentoring, and Support Programs
INVOCATION .............................................................................................................................................................................. Bernard Richardson
Dean of the Chapel
WELCOME ............................................................................................................................................................................Chontrese Doswell Hayes
GREETINGS ...................................................................................................................................................................................Richard A. English
Provost and Chief Academic Officer
MUSICAL SELECTION.............................................................................................................................................................Howard Gospel Choir
Clifton Ross, III, Director
CHARGE TO CANDIDATES ..........................................................................................................................................................Orlando L. Taylor
Vice Provost for Research
and
Dean, Graduate School
INTRODUCTION OF CANDIDATE EXEMPLARS.................................................................................................Assistant Dean Doswell Hayes
MUSICAL SELECTION.............................................................................................................................................................Howard Gospel Choir
INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER ................................................................................................................................................Vice Provost Taylor
KEYNOTE ADDRESS ..................................................................................................................................................................... Johnetta G. Davis
Associate Dean for Student Affairs Policy
University of Maryland, College Park
MUSICAL SELECTION.............................................................................................................................................................Howard Gospel Choir
Salute to The Graduate Certificate, Master’s Degree, and Ph.D. Degree Candidates Class of 2008
3
PRESENTATION OF THE ACADEMIC HOODS
MASTER’S DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE CANDIDATES .....................................................................................................Andrea H. Jackson
Assistant Dean
Administration and Admissions
PH.D DEGREE CANDIDATES ......................................................................................................................................................William Eckberg
Associate Dean
Educational and Research Affairs
RECOGNITION OF FACULTY EXEMPLARS ...........................................................................................................................Vice Provost Taylor
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................................................................Assistant Dean Doswell Hayes
ALMA MATER ......................................................................................................................................................................................... Gospel Choir
RECESSIONAL
President’s Reception Immediately Following Ceremony
Armour J. Blackburn University Center Ballroom
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ACADEMIC HOOD
The academic hood gives color and meaning to the academic costume. Its silk lining bears the colors of the
institution conferring the degree. The hood is bordered with velvet of prescribed width and color to indicate
the field of learning to which the degree pertains.
The academic hood is to be worn upon the conferring of degrees at the Howard University Commencement on
Thursday, May 8, 2008.
4
Annual Hood Presentation Ceremony - Howard University Graduate School
JOHNETTA G. DAVIS
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
J
ohnetta G. Davis serves as Associate Dean for Student Affairs Policy and
Director of the Office of Graduate Recruitment and Retention in the Graduate
School at the University of Maryland. Her portfolio includes campus-wide
graduate student recruitment and retention, graduate student development, and
monitoring student progress and success. She provides support to the more than 100 graduate programs, to many graduate student
organizations, and her office plays a vital role in enhancing the University’s efforts to become a model multi-ethnic, multicultural
environment. She serves as Co-PI on two major NSF-funded initiatives – PROMISE: Maryland’s Alliance for Graduate Education and
the Professoriate and the Atlantic Coast Alliance for the Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences. She is also a faculty member in
the Department of Family Science in the School of Public Health.
Prior to her appointment at Maryland, she served for more than 20 years at Howard University as professor of Communication
Sciences and Disorders where she is Professor Emerita. At Howard, she also served for 15 years in the Graduate School as Associate
Dean for Student Relations where she established many innovative and effective programs of graduate student recruitment.
During her tenure in graduate level administration, Dean Davis has authored 34 proposals for grants and has garnered over $17
million in research, training and development grants from both private and federal agencies for which she was named a “Rain
Maker” at Maryland. She is nationally recognized for her innovative strategies, extensive experience and success in recruiting and
retaining graduate students in general and graduate students of color in particular. She has directed and served on 23 theses and
dissertation committees both at Howard and at Maryland.
She has received a number of honors and awards for outstanding service and support to graduate students. Most recently at Maryland,
she received the 2007 Lifetime Service Award presented by the Graduate Student Government; the 2006 President’s Service Award;
the 2004 Woman of Color Award from The President’s Commission on Women’s Issues; and, on behalf of the Office for Graduate
Recruitment, Retention and Diversity, she accepted the 2004 Minority Achievement Award from the President’s Commission on Ethnic
Minority Issues. In 2000, she, along with her graduate student Associate Professor Tommy Robinson and Professor Thomas Crowe,
received the Editor’s Award for an article published in Contemporary Issues in Communication Sciences and Disorders published by
the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association. The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Howard
University named her distinguished alumnus both in 1986 and in 2006; and she is the benefactor of the Johnetta G. Davis Mentoring/
Retention Program in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
She is a Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and a member of the Potomac Chapter The Links,
Incorporated.
Salute to The Graduate Certificate, Master’s Degree, and Ph.D. Degree Candidates Class of 2008
5
2008
GRADUATE SCHOOL EXEMPLARS
The Graduate School is pleased to honor the 2008 exemplars. These individuals were nominated by their departments and selected
by the Graduate School for their outstanding achievements in their fields and specializations. A brief profile for each of the 2008
exemplars follows.
PH.D. DEGREE CANDIDATES
Jerry Crawford, II
Division of Arts and Humanities
Mass Communication and Media Studies. B.S., Virginia
Commonwealth University, 1985; M.S., Virginia State University, 2003.
Honors and Awards: 50th Anniversary Doctoral Fellowship, 2008;
Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, 2008; Frederick Douglass
Doctoral Scholarship, 2008; Graduate Teaching Assistantship,
2005-2007. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Barbara Hines. Dissertation Title:
1982-2007: Twenty-Five Years of Accreditation in Journalism and Mass
Communication at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, 19822007. Research Specialization: Accreditation and Historically Black
Colleges and Universities.
Marie-Jose Kouassi
Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Economics. B.S., University of Clermont, France, 1998; M.A., University
of Clermont, France, 2000. Honors and Awards: 50th Anniversary
Doctoral Fellowship, 2008; Graduate Teaching Assistantship, 20052007; Fulbright Scholarship, Institute of International Education (IIE),
2003-2005. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Satish Wadhawan. Dissertation
Title: Microfinance and Health: A Study of Selected Countries. Research
Specialization: Development Economics. Present Position: Teaching
Assistant, Department of Economics, Howard University, Washington,
D.C.
Tehani Finch
Division of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Physics. B.A., Harvard University, 1995; M.S., Massachusetts Institute
of Technology, 2001. Honors and Awards: Edward A. Bouchet Graduate
Honor Society, 2006; Featured Student, Howard Magazine, 2005;
Member of the U.S. Delegation to the Lindau Meeting of Nobel Laureates
and Students, Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), 2004.
6
Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Tristan Hubsch. Dissertation Title: Chronology,
Supertubes, and the Breckenridge-Myers-Peet-Vafa (BMPV) Black Hole.
Research Specialization: Black Hole Physics. Present Position: Fellow,
National Science Foundation Grades K-12 Program, Howard University,
Washington, D.C.
Annual Hood Presentation Ceremony - Howard University Graduate School
2008
GRADUATE SCHOOL EXEMPLARS
MASTER’S DEGREE CANDIDATE
Deneen Long-White
Division of Biological and Life Sciences
Sociology, B.A., Howard University, Washington, D.C., 2006. Honors
and Awards: Graduate Assistantship, 2006-2007, First Place, Master’s
Division – Oral Presentation, Howard University 2007 Graduate
Research Symposium and Honors Day, Improving Education Through
the Principles of Scholarship, Washington, D.C., Armour J. Blackburn
University Center, April 23, 2007. First Place, Poster Presentation: 41st
Annual Meeting of the American College of Nurse-Midwives. Palm
Desert CA, June 13-20, 1996. First Place, Poster Presentation: 1996
March of Dimes Maternal-Infant Health Nutrition Conference 13th
Annual Meeting, Washington, DC, March 14, 1996. 2006 Phillip
Hudson, Ph.D. Award for Outstanding Volunteer and Community Service.
Dean’s List 2005-2006. Member - American Public Health Association
1996-present. Member National Advisory Group for The Evaluation of
MCH Epidemiology in State Health Agencies 2005-present. Thesis Advisor:
Denyce Calloway, M.S. Thesis Title: The Relationship Between Potential
Access and Availability Barriers to Over-the-Counter Contraceptives and
Teen Birth Rates in the District of Columbia. Present Position: Project
Coordinator, Department of Health, Human Performance and Leisure
Studies, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Salute to The Graduate Certificate, Master’s Degree, and Ph.D. Degree Candidates Class of 2008
7
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE CANDIDATES
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN COMPUTER SECURITY
Suganthi Gunasekaran
B.Eng., Avinashilingam University, India, 2003
M.C.S., Howard University, 2007
Juil Chanel Martin
B.S.S.C.S., Howard University, 2005
M.C.S., Howard University, 2007
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
Leslie Simone Byrd
B.A., Alabama State University, 2000
M.A., City University of New York, Baruch College, 2004
Ph.D., Howard University, 2008
Cerise L. Glenn
B.A., University of North Carolina, Asheville, 1999
M.S., North Carolina State University, 2005
Ph.D., Howard University, 2008
Komlan Donal Lonergan
B.A., College of William and Mary, 2002
Miranda Tarisa Mims
B.A., Binghamton University, 2004
M.A., Howard University, 2008
David Austin Robinson
B.S., Drexel University, 2002
Takirra Amber Winfield
B.A., University of Maryland, College Park, 2006
M.A., Howard University, 2008
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN UNIVERSITY AND FACULTY
PREPARATION
Truman R. Keys
B.S., University of Illinois, Urbana, 2002
M.A., DePaul University, 2005
Ph.D., Howard University, 2008
Dennis Bernard Rogers
B.A., North Carolina State University, 1992
M.A., Howard University, 2003
Ph.D., Howard University, 2008
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN WOMEN’S STUDIES
Kimberly Ann Collins
B.A., Trinity University, 2004
M.A., Howard University, 2008
Andrea L. Jones
B.A., Agnes Scott College, 2006
M.A., Howard University, 2008
Gladys Wangari Kamau
B.A., California State University, San Bernadino, 2001
M.A., California State University, San Bernadino, 2003
Ph.D., Howard University, 2008
Nathania Anna Branch Miles
B.A., University of Maryland, College Park, 1990
Ada Vilageliu-Díaz
B.A., University of La Laguna, Spain, 1999
M.A., University of La Laguna, Spain, 2004
Ph.D., Howard University, 2008
Antonia M. Winston
B.A., Howard University, 2005
M.A., Howard University, 2008
The appearance of a name in this program is presumptive evidence of graduation, but it must not in any sense be regarded as
conclusive. The diploma of the University, signed and sealed by its proper officers, remains the official testimony of the possession of the
degree.
8
Annual Hood Presentation Ceremony - Howard University Graduate School
MASTER’S DEGREE CANDIDATES
MASTER OF ARTS
Algris Xiomara Aldeano
Modern Languages
B.A., Norfolk State University, 2000
Elda Auxiliaire
Mass Communication and Media Studies
B.S., University of Florida, 2005
Rolake Ayodeji Bamgbose
Mass Communication and Media Studies
B.A., Emory University, 2004
Janell Victoria Blackmon
Art
B.A., Morgan State University, 2005
Courtney M. Bowe
Mass Communication and Media Studies
B.A., University of Richmond, 2004
Carla C. Brooks
Mass Communication and Media Studies
B.A., Bennett College, 2001
Gizelle Venice Carr
Psychoeducational Studies
B.S., University of the West Indies, 2003
Kimberly Ann Collins
English
B.A., Trinity College, 2004
Quinn M. Conyers
Mass Communication and Media Studies
B.A., West Chester University of Pennsylvania, 2005
Ebony Rose Custis
Sociology
B.S., Florida A&M University, 2003
Felisha Shéree Davis
Modern Languages
B.A., Spelman College, 2006
Liang Ding
Political Science
B.A., Nangchang University, 1998
M.A., Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, 2001
Gwendolyn Anne Dixon
History
B.A., Holy Names College, 1997
M.A., University of California, Berkeley, 2002
Orode Fredalia Dorsu
Economics
B.S., University of Lagos, Nigeria, 1987
M.B.A., University of Benin, Nigeria, 1995
Kia Corrin Folsom
Mass Communication and Media Studies
B.S., Florida A&M University, 2005
Tamara Antonette Forbes
Mass Communication and Media Studies
B.A., Church Teacher’s College, Jamaica, 2000
B.A., Howard University, 2004
Meagan Dawnavette Ford
Mass Communication and Media Studies
B.A., Howard University, 2004
Steven Dinsdale Ford
History
B.A., Morehouse College, 2007
Monique A. Gamble
Political Science
B.S., Tuskegee University, 2003
Amber Paulette Gray
Mass Communication and Media Studies
B.A., University of California, Davis, 2003
Christina Rene Hardy
Mass Communication and Media Studies
B.A., Washington State University, 2006
Keina A. Hodge
Mass Communication and Media Studies
B.A., Temple University, 2004
Salute to The Graduate Certificate, Master’s Degree, and Ph.D. Degree Candidates Class of 2008
9
MASTER’S DEGREE CANDIDATES
Ngoma Evelyn Iroabuchi-Moghalu
Mass Communication and Media Studies
B.A., Howard University, 2002
Jesse Nkengong Jingwi
Political Science
B.A., Eastern Michigan University, 1998
Andrea L. Jones
Mass Communication and Media Studies
B.A., Agnes Scott College, 2002
Mohamed Keita
History
B.A., University of Houston, 2004
Marlin Rishard Manley
Mass Communication and Media Studies
B.A., University of Texas Pan American, 2005
Casilda Reneé Maxwell
Psychoeducational Studies
B.S., Morgan State University, 2004
Ebonee Rae Mayo-Mitchell
Mass Communication and Media Studies
B.A., John C. Smith University, 2006
Megan Kelly Mitchell
Philosophy
B.A., The College of Wooster, 2006
Amber Michelle Morrison
Mass Communication and Media Studies
B.A., Tuskegee University, 2002
Sharron Rahil Sarai Muhammad
History
B.A., University of Toledo, 1994
Eveline Rose Ngo-Mbog-Nonga
Modern Languages
B.A., University of Maryland, College Park, 2003
Revena Resha Porter
Communication and Culture
B.A., University of Arkansas, Little Rock, 2001
10
Maia Jovanni Puryear
History
B.A., Oberlin College, 1995
J.D., Cleveland State University, 1999
Sarian Y. Samura
Political Science
B.A., Kean University, 2002
B.A., Kean University, 2002
Ingrid R. Segarra
Economics
B.S., York College, 2005
Drè E. Simmons
Psychoeducational Studies
B.A., Cornell University, 2005
Ryan Margin Sutton
Psychoeducational Studies
B.S., Xavier University, Louisana, 2005
Neisha-Ann R. Thompson
Psychoeducational Studies
B.S., University of the West Indies, 2003
John Randolph Tilghman
History
B.S., Coppin State University, 2005
Taraesa Marisha Toney
Sociology
B.A., Howard University, 2004
Naima Khalilah Vinson
Educational Administration and Policy
B.S., Vanderbilt University, 2003
Darren Emanuel Wade
History
B.A., Bowie State University, 2006
Brittany Junene Wake
Modern Languages
B.A., Spelman College, 2006
Annual Hood Presentation Ceremony - Howard University Graduate School
MASTER’S DEGREE CANDIDATES
Anita Cherise Wheeler
African Studies and Research
B.A., Goucher College, 2007
Melinda Elizabeth Williams
Psychoeducational Studies
B.A., University of Delaware, 2006
Meaghan Wilson
African Studies and Research
B.A., State University of New York, Albany, 2000
Takirra Amber Winfield
Communication and Culture
B.A., University of Maryland, 2006
Antonia M. Winston
Mass Communication and Media Studies
B.A., Howard University, 2005
MASTER OF ARTS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
TeRon R. Berkeley
Public Administration
B.A., Virginia Union University, 2004
Yolanda Lovena Curtis
Public Administration
B.A., Agnes Scott College, 2006
Michelle A. Grainger
Public Administration
B.A., Howard University, 2004
B.A., Howard University, 2004
Subeida Mohamed Mukhtar
Public Administration
B.S., Georgia Southern University, 2004
Melanie R. Shorts
Public Administration
B.A., Trinity University, 2006
MASTER OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
Suganthi Gunasekaran
Systems and Computer Science
B.Eng., Avinashilingam University, India, 2003
Juil Chanel Martin
Systems and Computer Science
B.S.S.C.S, Howard University, 2005
Ngizambote Mavana
Systems and Computer Science
B.A., Rutgers University, 2001
Headley E. Murray
Systems and Computer Science
B.S.S.C.S., Howard University, 2006
Temitayo Michael Olajide
Systems and Computer Science
B.S., Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, 2002
Robin Nicole Williams
Systems and Computer Science
B.S.S.C.S., Howard University, 2005
MASTER OF ENGINEERING
Isaac Ansah
Mechanical Engineering
B.S., Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana,
2000
Mayokun Omolade Awobamise
Civil Engineering
B.S., Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, 2003
Thomas Gabre
Mechanical Engineering
B.S., Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia, 2001
Yao Kouwonou
Civil Engineering
B.S., International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering, Burkina Faso, 2002
Salute to The Graduate Certificate, Master’s Degree, and Ph.D. Degree Candidates Class of 2008
11
MASTER’S DEGREE CANDIDATES
Henry A. Laryea
Electrical and Computer Engineering
B.S.E.E., Howard University, 2005
Kevin O’neal Belgrave
Genetics and Human Genetics
B.S., Howard University, 2005
Lauriston A. Lawrence
Civil Engineering
B.S.C.E., Howard University, 2002
Brandi Leigh Blaisdell
Genetics and Human Genetics
B.S., Michigan State University, 2000
Brian S. Moore
Mechanical Engineering
B.S., Howard University, 1999
Melissa Ann Crowder
Nutritional Sciences
B.S., Virginia State University, 2004
Henry Phillips III
Mechanical Engineering
B.S., Tougaloo College, 2003
Angela Marie Dean
Genetics and Human Genetics
B.S., Florida State University, 2004
Hugh-Berk D. Sinclair
Civil Engineering
B.S.C.E., Howard University, 2006
Trellis Evonne Duplessis
Genetics and Human Genetics
B.S., Howard University, 2004
Nadir Rikai Wade
Electrical and Computer Engineering
B.S.E.E., Howard University, 2005
Marcha Dyer
Communication Sciences and Disorders
B.S., Towson University, 2005
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Tonesia Rosita Fenton
Psychology
B.S., Howard University, 2003
Dianna Armstrong
Human Development
B.A., California State University, Long Beach, 2004
Caleb James Ashley
Mathematics
B.S., Howard University, 2000
Rachel E. Austin
Exercise Physiology
B.S., Florida State University, 2006
Angela Christine Beard
Communication Sciences and Disorders
B.S., Eastern Illinois University, 2006
Alison N. Beason
Biochemistry
B.S., Jarvis Christian College, 2001
12
Tammi Marie Fergusson
Human Development
B.S., University of Maryland, College Park, 2004
Bertrum Foster
Mathematics
B.S., University of the Virgin Islands, 2003
Jennifer Louise Fransen
Communication Sciences and Disorders
B.S., Ohio University, 2005
Deirdra Elizabeth Gilliam
Communication Sciences and Disorders
B.S., Northern Illinois University, 2003
Annual Hood Presentation Ceremony - Howard University Graduate School
MASTER’S DEGREE CANDIDATES
Andy Yuen Hai Ting
Chemical Engineering
B.S.Ch.E., Howard University, 2005
Isaac W. Mugo
Biochemistry
B.S., Laroche College, 2003
Jamie LaVerne Hamilton
Psychology
B.S., Howard University, 2002
Elisa d’Olivier Ndombele
Psychology
B.A., Alabama A&M University, 2004
Lakishea Nicole Hawkins
Genetics and Human Genetics
B.S., North Carolina A&T State University, 2004
Ogechi Onyedikachi Nwaokelemeh
Exercise Physiology
B.S., University of Texas, Austin, 2001
Anita Estell Jackson
Health, Human Performance, and Leisure Studies
B.S., Bowie State University, 1999
Chinenye O. Ofodile
Mathematics
B.S., Morehouse College, 2004
Mallory Kae Johnson
Communication Sciences and Disorders
B.S., Xavier University, Louisiana, 2005
Oluwatosin Modupe Olaleye
Genetics and Human Genetics
B.S., Kennesaw State University, 2005
Kerrie Samantha Lashley
Anatomy
B.S., Howard University, 2004
Adedolapo Olutayo Owolabi
Biochemistry
B.S., University of Agriculture, Nigeria, 2004
Deneen Nancy Long-White
Health, Human Performance, and Leisure Studies
B.A., Howard University, 2006
Isha M. Renta-López
Atmospheric Sciences
B.S., University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, 2004
Karen Diane Luu
Communication Sciences and Disorders
B.A., University of Maryland, College Park, 2004
B.A., University of Maryland, College Park, 2005
Alicia R. Richardson
Mathematics
B.S., Morgan State University, 2004
Mamadou T. Mbaye
Physics
B.S., University of the District of Columbia, 2005
Andre Capri McNair
Biology
B.S., Howard University, 2007
Tejani M. Mendiz
Genetics and Human Genetics
B.S., Syracuse University, 2003
Kim Virginia Morrison
Genetics and Human Genetics
B.S., Howard University, 2001
Tanya Latoya Rigby
Chemical Engineering
B.S.Ch.E., Howard University, 2002
LaTanya Lovella Josephine Robinson
Communication Sciences and Disorders
B.S., Michigan State University, 1999
Kaleena M. Rogers
Communication Sciences and Disorders
B.S., Howard University, 2006
Monique Kendinique Rolle
Nutritional Sciences
B.S., Culinary Institute of America, 2004
Salute to The Graduate Certificate, Master’s Degree, and Ph.D. Degree Candidates Class of 2008
13
MASTER’S DEGREE CANDIDATES
Sheronda Elizabeth Shearon
Psychology
B.A., Spelman College, 2005
Ava D. Williams
Genetics and Human Genetics
B.S., Howard University, 1999
Tricia Patrice Silverton
Chemistry
B.S., Howard University, 2005
Kendall Ryan Ashford Williams
Mathematics
B.S., Howard University, 2005
Jeannine S. Skinner
Psychology
B.S., University of Central Florida, 2003
Monica L. Williams
Psychology
B.A., Spelman College, 1993
Gisselle Olivia Spence
Psychology
B.S., Coppin State University, 2005
Walter Eugene Wilson, Jr.
Psychology
B.S., Howard University, 2005
Chabonik Sweet
Communication Sciences and Disorders
B.S., Howard University, 2006
Charmaine DeMeetria Young
Communication Sciences and Disorders
B.A., North Carolina A&T State University, 2006
Lillian Edith Thompson
Communication Sciences and Disorders
B.S., University of Central Florida, 2006
Andrea Toliver-Smith
Communication Sciences and Disorders
B.S., University of Arkansas, Little Rock, 2005
14
Annual Hood Presentation Ceremony - Howard University Graduate School
PROFILES OF THE
2007-2008 PH.D. CANDIDATES
Muneer M. Abbas, Ph.D., Microbiology. B.S., Yarmouk University, Jordan, 1993; M.S., Yarmouk University, 1996. Honors and Awards: Graduate
Teaching Assistantship, 2003-2007. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Georgia Dunston. Dissertation Title: Association of Polymorphisms in Innate
and Specific Immune Response Genes in Trachoma. Research Specialization: Microbiology. Present Position: Research Assistant, National
Human Genome Center, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Aisha I. Adam, Ph.D., Biology. B.S., Ahfad University, Sudan, 1994; M.S., Howard University, 2002. Honors and Awards: 50th Anniversary Doctoral
Fellowship, 2008; Teaching Assistantship, 2002-2007; Minority Biomedical Research Support, 2000-2002. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Sisir Dutta.
Dissertation Title: Microbial Community Analysis of 12 PCB Contaminated Field Plots Using 16S Ribosomal DNAs. Research Specialization:
Molecular Biology and Genetics.
Megan Lynn Adams, Ph.D., Communication and Culture. B.A., University of Pittsburgh, 2001; M.S., Galludet University, 2005. Honors and
Awards: Graduate Teaching Assistantship, 2007-2008. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Richard Wright. Dissertation Title: A Critical Discourse
Analysis of the Early Phase of the Total Communication Movement in Deaf Education (1969-1971). Research Specialization: Intercultural
Communication.
Claire Nadya Agard, Ph.D., Psychology. B.S., Howard University, 1980; M.A., Howard University, 1983. Honors and Awards: Scholarship for
National Conference, American Board of School Neuropsychology, 2007; Graduate Assistantship, Psychoeducational Studies, 1981-1983; Trustee Tuition
Scholarship, 1977-1980. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Leslie Hicks. Dissertation Title: Urine Creatinine Levels and Neurocognitive Functioning
in African-American Adults. Research Specialization: Neuropsychology. Present Position: School Psychologist, Department of Psychological
Services, Prince George’s County Public Schools, Adelphi, Maryland.
Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, Ph.D., Physics. B.S., Dhaka University, Bangladesh, 1993; M.S., Dhaka University, 1994. Honors and Awards:
Research Assistantship, 2002-2007; Teaching Assistantship, 2001-2002. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Tristan Hubsch. Dissertation Title: FourDimensional Spacetime Physics From Orbifold M-Theory. Research Specialization: High Energy Physics. Present Position: Teaching Assistant,
Department of Physics, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Yaser Numan Mohamad Al-Sa’bi, Ph.D., Communication Sciences and Disorders. B.A., Yarmouk University, Jordan, 1989; M.A., San José
University, 1999. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Ovetta Harris. Dissertation Title: The Jordanian Expressive Vocabulary Test Study. Research
Specialization: Cultural and Linguistic Assessment Tools. Present Position: Assistant Professor, Jordan University of Science and Technology,
Irbid, Jordan.
Aisha Tata Asby, Ph.D., Psychology. B.A., Johnson C. Smith University, 2000; M.S., Howard University, 2004. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Ronald
Hopson. Dissertation Title: The Relationship of Stigma and Depression With Family Functioning Among Families Affected by Maternal HIV
Infection. Research Specialization: HIV/AIDS. Present Position: Psychology Intern, Harris County Juvenile Probation Department, Forensic
Unit, Houston, Texas.
Dodzi Kofi Attimu, Ph.D., Mathematics. B.S., University of Ghana, 2003; M.S., Howard University, 2006. Honors and Awards: 50th Anniversary
Doctoral Fellowship, 2008; Graduate Assistantship, 2004; Best Graduating Student in Science, University of Ghana, 2004; Best Graduating Student in
Math, University of Ghana, 2004. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Toka Diagana. Dissertation Title: Linear Operators on Some Non-Archimedean
Hilbert Spaces and Their Spectral Theory. Research Specialization: Non-Archimedean Functional Analysis.
Marinna Banks-Shields, Ph.D., Social Work. B.A., Emory University, 1990; M.S.W., Howard University, 1992. Honors and Awards: Uniformed
Services Awards from the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service for Outstanding Contributions, 2007-2004, 2002, 2000, 1998;
Health Services Officer Professional Advisory Committee Chair Award in Recognition of Outstanding Contributions in the U.S. Public Health Service,
2007, 2003; Presenter, Uniformed Service Social Work Conference, 2004; Presenter, American Psychiatric Association’s Institute of Psychiatric Services,
1998; Presenter, National Assertive Community Treatment Conference, 1998. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Annie Woodley Brown. Dissertation
Title: African-American Mothers With Serious and Persistent Mental Illness: Social Support, Parenting Satisfaction, and Parenting Style. Research
Specialization: Mental Health. Present Position: Commissioned Health Services Officer and Senior Public Health Analyst, Department of Health
and Human Services, Health Resources Services Administration, HIV/AIDS Bureau, Division of Community Based Programs, Rockville , Maryland .
Salute to The Graduate Certificate, Master’s Degree, and Ph.D. Degree Candidates Class of 2008
15
PROFILES OF THE
2007-2008 PH.D. CANDIDATES
Gwendolyn Scotton Bethea, Ph.D., Mass Communication and Media Studies. B.A., Howard University, 1972; M.A., American University, 1974.
Honors and Awards: United Press International Internship; Graduate Fellowship in Print Communications; Top Fifty Publications, Council
for the Advancement and Support of Education Award; Outstanding Young Women of America; Washington D.C. Art Directors Club Award; Howard
University Merit Awards. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Carolyn Byerly. Dissertation Title: Technology-Based and Related Cognitive Attributes in
Adopting Educational Gaming Technology Among K-12 Teaching Preparation Students in an Urban University. Research Specialization: Mass
Communication and Media Studies. Present Position: Director of Communications, Graduate School, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Mark A. Bolden, Ph.D., Psychoeducational Studies. B.A., Seton Hall University, 1996; M.Ed., Seton Hall University, 2001. Honors and Awards:
50th Anniversary Doctoral Fellowship, 2008; Student of the Year Service Award, Association of Black Psychologists, 2004; Graduate Assistantship,
The Journal of Negro Education, 2003-2004; American Psychological Association Minority Fellowship Program, 2001-2004; Graduate Assistantship,
2001-2003; Minority International Research Training Fellowship, 2002. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Aaron Stills. Dissertation Title: Stress and
Violence Exposure as Predictors of Substance Use Among African Americans: Exploring the Moderating Effects of Family Cohesion and Family Violence.
Research Specialization: Counseling Psychology. Present Position: Research Associate, DC-Baltimore Research Center on Child Health
Disparities, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Melton Jermane Bond, Ph.D., Sociology. B.A., Morehouse College, 1996; M.A., Fisk University, 2002. Honors and Awards: Frederick Douglass
Doctoral Fellowship, 2007-2008; Graduate Research Assistantship, 2005. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Rebecca Reviere. Dissertation Title: Social
Factors, Human Capital, Ethnicity and the Mediating Effects of Paternal Involvement on Select Pregnancy Outcomes. Research Specialization:
Medical Sociology.
Mireille Bright-Gbebry, Ph.D., Nutritional Sciences. B.S., Loma Linda University, 1993; M.P.H., George Washington University, 1997. Dissertation
Advisor: Dr. Allan Johnson. Dissertation Title: Predictors of Adherence in a Dietary Intervention Study of Postmenopausal African-American Women:
The Women’s Health Initiative Dietary Modification Trial. Research Specialization: Community Nutrition. Present Position: Nutritionist,
Howard University Cancer Center, Washington, D.C.
Kilolo Akua Brodie, Ph.D., Social Work. B.A., Clark Atlanta University, 1994; M.S.W., California State University, Stanislaus, 1998. Honors and
Awards: California State University (CSU) Forgivable Loan, CSU Chancellor’s Office, 2000-2007; Trustee Award, 2000-2002; Graduate Assistantship,
2000-2001; Most Outstanding Student, Master of Social Work Program, CSU Stanislaus, 1998; Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend, CSU Stanislaus, 1996-1998.
Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Sandra Edmonds Crewe. Dissertation Title: An Exploratory Study Describing the Relationship Between an Internal
Agency Environment and the Family Group Conference Process. Research Specialization: Public Child Welfare and Interagency Collaboration.
Present Position: Title IV-E Project Coordinator, Department of Social Work, California State University – East Bay, Hayward, California.
Zaneta G. Brown, Ph.D., Nutritional Sciences. B.S., Howard University, 1998; M.S., Howard University, 2004. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Allan
Johnson. Dissertation Title: Examining the Relationship Between Social Support and Chronic Disease, Diet, Food Security, and Body Mass Index
(BMI) in African-American Women. Research Specialization: African-American Women and Obesity. Present Positions: Program Director, WeightControl Information Network, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Senior Program Manager, Heal Academy, Black Entertainment
Television, Washington, D.C.
Dawn Nichole Bryant, Ph.D., Social Work. B.A., Canisius College, 2000; M.S.W., Howard University, 2002. Honors and Awards: Graduate
Research Assistantship, 2004; Graduate Teaching Assistantship, 2002-2004. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Soleman Abu-Bader. Dissertation Title:
Psychosocial Correlates of Depressive Symptoms Among African-American Children. Research Specialization: Mental Health. Present Position:
School Social Worker, Hope Community Charter School, Washington, D.C.
Nicole Michelle Buie, Ph.D., Chemistry. B.S., Hampton University, 2001. Honors and Awards: Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society,
2006; Best Overall Graduate Student, Senior, 2006; Graduate Teaching Assistantship, 2005; Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need Fellowship,
2002. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Galina Talanova. Dissertation Title: Complexation of Heavy and Transition Metal Ions With New Fluorogenic
Calix[4]arene-Based Ionophores. Research Specialization: Inorganic Chemistry. Present Position: Patent Examiner, U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office, Alexandria, Virginia.
16
Annual Hood Presentation Ceremony - Howard University Graduate School
PROFILES OF THE
2007-2008 PH.D. CANDIDATES
Atia Byll-Cataria, Ph.D., African Studies and Research. B.A., Spelman College, 2000; M.A., George Washington University, 2003. Honors and
Awards: 50th Anniversary Doctoral Fellowship, 2008; Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, 2008; Stanley J. Tarver Memorial Scholarship
Recipient, 2006-2007; Graduate Assistantship, 2006-2007. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Almaz Zewde. Dissertation Title: Bottoms Up: An African
Experience in Microfinance and Gender in Mali. Research Specialization: Development and Public Policy.
Leslie Simone Byrd, Ph.D., Mass Communication and Media Studies. B.A., Alabama State University, 2000; M.A., City University of New York, 2004.
Honors and Awards: 50th Anniversary Doctoral Fellowship, 2008; Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, 2008; Howard University Academic
Excellence Fund, 2005-2006. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Richard Wright. Dissertation Title: Collaborative Corporate Social Responsibility: A Case
Study Examination of the International Public Relations Agency Involvement in the United Nations Global Compact. Research Specialization:
Mass Communication and Public Relations. Present Position: Fall 2008, Assistant Professor in Communications, Alabama State University,
Montgomery, Alabama.
Brandi Nicole Cage, Ph.D., Psychology. B.S., Howard University, 2003; M.S., Howard University, 2005. Honors and Awards: Graduate Teaching
Assistantship, 2003-2008. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. C. Jules Harrell. Dissertation Title: How Does it Feel? A Cultural Perspective of Personality,
Spirituality, and Emotion Regulation. Research Specialization: Personality Psychology.
Pedro Alberto Capó-Lugo, Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering. B.S.E.E., University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, 2003; M.Eng., Howard University,
2005. Honors and Awards: Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, 2007; Second Place, Graduate Research Symposium, 2007; First Place,
Graduate Level Paper Competition, Washington Society of Engineers, 2006; First Place, Graduate Level Paper Competition, D.C. Council of Engineering
and Architectural Sciences, 2006; Sigma Xi National Scientific Research Society, 2005; First Place, Graduate Research Symposium, 2004. Dissertation
Advisor: Dr. Peter Bainum. Dissertation Title: Classical and Modern Control Strategies for the Deployment, Reconfiguration, and Station-Keeping
of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Benchmark Tetrahedron Constellation. Research Specialization: Aerospace
Engineering. Present Position: Adjunct Instructor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Marcel Castro-Sitiriche, Ph.D., Electrical and Computer Engineering. B.S., University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, 2000. Honors and Awards:
Institute for Scholarship on Engineering Education (ISEE) Scholar, College of Engineering, Architecture and Computer Sciences, 2006-2007; First
Place, Doctoral Oral Presentation, Engineering and Physical Sciences, Graduate Research Symposium, 2007; Teaching Assistantship, Motion Control
and Drives Laboratory, 2007; Research Assistantship, Motion Control and Drives Laboratory, 2001-2007; Second Place Paper Award, 8th UICEE Annual
Conference on Engineering Education, Kingston, Jamaica, February 2005; Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate Fellowship, Graduate
School, 2000-2005; First Place, Doctoral Oral Presentation Award, Graduate Research Symposium, 2005; Graduate Research Internship Program
(GRIP) Summer Program, University of California, 2004; Research Intern, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University,
2002. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Ahmed Rubaai. Dissertation Title: Artificial Intelligence-Based Real Time Controllers for Industrial Drives.
Research Specialization: Control Systems. Present Position: Adjunct Faculty, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Howard
University, Washington, D.C.
Rico Devara Chapman, Ph.D., African Studies and Research. B.S., Jackson State University, 1997; M.A., Jackson State University, 2000. Honors
and Awards: Tuition Scholarship Award, 2001-2005; Fulbright Scholarship, 2004. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Robert Edgar. Dissertation Title:
A Culture of Resistance: Student Activism at the University of Fort Hare, South Africa, 1970-1994. Research Specialization: African Studies and
South Africa. Present Position: Instructor, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi.
Jamaal Sharif Claggion, Ph.D., Sociology. B.A., Virginia State University, 1998; M.P.A., John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 2000. Dissertation
Advisor: Dr. Vernetta Young. Dissertation Title: Understanding Recidivism Rates in Washington D.C.: Assessing Individual and Neighborhood
Level Determinants of Criminality Among African-American Male Ex-Offenders. Research Specialization: Crime and Justice. Present Position:
Program Analyst, Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency, Washington, D.C.
Salute to The Graduate Certificate, Master’s Degree, and Ph.D. Degree Candidates Class of 2008
17
PROFILES OF THE
2007-2008 PH.D. CANDIDATES
Desmond Michael Coverley, Ph.D., Communication and Culture. B.Rel.Ed., Bluewater Bible College, United States Virgin Islands, 1972; B.S.,
Howard University, 1987; M.A., University of the District of Columbia, 1993. Honors and Awards: President Elect, National Society of Allied Health,
2007-2008; Board Member, National Society of Allied Health, 2005-2008; Membership Committee Chairman, National Society of Allied Health, 20052008; Member, Health Professions Network (HPN), USA, 2003-2008; Lonnie E. Mitchel Scholarship, 2007; Certificate of Membership, International
Iridology Practitioners Association (IIPA), 2007; Board Member, IIPA, 2006; IIPA Certification, 2006, 2003; Chair, Clergy Leadership Conference with
the Arial Foundation, 2006; Invitation from the Embassy of Lesotho to participate in the Training of the Clergy of Lesotho, 2006; Allied Health Sciences
Training Award, 2005; Allied Health Sciences Recognition Award, 2004-2005, 2001-2002; Excellence and Humanities Grant, 2003-2005; Allied Health
Sciences Leadership Award, 2003-2004, 2002-2003; American College of Iridology Award, 2003; Health Management Program Award, 2003; Allied Health
Recruitment Committee Award, 2002; Indefinite License from the Superior District Court, Washington, D.C., 2002; Editor’s Choice Award, International
Library of Poetry, 2001; Richmond Fellowship International Certificate for Community Mental Health in Association with the Inter-American Drug
Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), 1996; District of Columbia Public Schools Award, 1993; Golden Key National Honor Society, 1987; Certificate of
Recognition, University of the District of Columbia Student Government Association, 1982-1983; Academic Achievement Award, University of the District
of Columbia, 1983-1984; Certificate of Ordination, Baptize International Missions Incorporated, 1974. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Richard Wright.
Dissertation Title: Faculty Members’ Perceptions of Leadership and Communication Dynamics During Organizational Transition and Change at
a Major Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Research Specialization: Organizations, Communication, Leadership, Management,
Mergers, Health Organizations, and Health Communication. Present Position: Assistant Professor; Allied Health Education/Health Management;
School of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Health Sciences; Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Jerry L. Crawford II, Ph.D., Mass Communication and Media Studies. B.S., Virginia Commonwealth University, 1985; M.S., Virginia State University,
2003. Honors and Awards: 50th Anniversary Doctoral Fellowship, 2008; Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, 2008; Frederick Douglass
Doctoral Scholarship, 2008; Graduate Teaching Assistantship, 2005-2007. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Barbara Hines. Dissertation Title: 19822007: Twenty-Five Years of Accreditation in Journalism and Mass Communication at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, 1982-2007. Research
Specialization: Accreditation and Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Linval Lloyd Crosdale, Ph.D., Economics. B.B.A, University of the District of Columbia, 1991; M.B.A., Howard University, 1999. Honors and
Awards: Summa Cum Laude Academic Honors, University of the District of Columbia, 1991. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Ransford Palmer.
Dissertation Title: The New Basel Accord and Risk Exposure: A Case Study of a Commercial Bank in Jamaica. Research Specialization:
Monetary Policy and Banking. Present Position: Chief Financial Officer, Leon H. Sullivan Foundation, Washington, D.C.
Doris Kate Crusoe, Ph.D., History. B.A., Mississippi State University, 1987; M.A., Howard University, 2004; M.A., Howard University, 2005. Honors
and Awards: Graduate Teaching Assistantship, 2006-2008; Brenda Lawson Brown Scholarship, 2005-2006. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Elizabeth
Clark-Lewis. Dissertation Title: Mothers, Children, Stereotypes, and Visual Culture: The African-American Experience Interpreted Through Art,
1940-2000. Research Specialization: African-American Women in Art History. Present Position: Teaching Associate, Department of History,
Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Bassidy Dembele, Ph.D., Mathematics. B.S., University of Mali, 1999; M.S., University of Mali, 2000; M.S., Howard University, 2004. Honors and
Awards: Teaching Associate, 2005-2008; Teaching Assistantship, 2002-2004. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Abdul-Aziz Yakubu. Dissertation Title:
Malaria Model in Periodic Environments. Research Specialization: Applied Mathematics. Present Position: Teaching Associate, Department of
Mathematics, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Ayo Priscille Doumatey, Ph.D., Microbiology. B.S., University of Lyon, France, 1997; M.S., University of Lyon, 1998. Dissertation Advisors: Drs.
Charles Rotimi and Georgia Dunston. Dissertation Title: Polymorphisms in Inflammatory Pathway Markers and Their Association With Obesity and
Insulin Resistance in Populations of the African Diaspora. Research Specialization: Immunology and Molecular Genetics. Present Position:
Research Laboratory Manager, National Human Genome Center, Howard University Cancer Center, Washington, D.C.
Tameka L. Dunlap, Ph.D., History. B.A., Florida Atlantic University, 2003; M.A., Howard University, 2005. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Elizabeth
Clark-Lewis. Dissertation Title: Washington’s Sweetheart: Nannie Helen Burroughs. Research Specialization: African-American History.
18
Annual Hood Presentation Ceremony - Howard University Graduate School
PROFILES OF THE
2007-2008 PH.D. CANDIDATES
Victor Bassey Eno, Ph.D., Political Science. B.S., University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, 1987; M.S., University of Lagos, Nigeria, 1990. Honors
and Awards: 50th Anniversary Doctoral Fellowship, 2008; Graduate Teaching Associate, 2002-2008; Leslie C. Forde Memorial Scholarship, 20062007; Graduate Teaching Assistantship, 2002-2006; Patricia Harris Public Affairs Fellowship, 2004;. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Michael Frazier.
Dissertation Title: Perceptions of Governance Constraints and Primary Health Care Services: The Case of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Research
Specialization: Public Policy and Health Policy. Present Position: Teaching Associate, Department of Political Science, Howard University, Washington,
D.C.
Fatimah Abdul-Tawwab Fanusie, Ph.D., History. B.A., Lincoln University, 1997; M.A., Tufts University, 2001. Honors and Awards: Roothbert
Fellowship, 2003-2007; Gilder Lehrman Research Fellowship, New York Public Library, 2006; U.S.-India Research Fellowship, Kolkata, India, 2005;
Teaching Assistantship, 2004; Carl T. Solberg Fellowship, 2003-2004; Graduate Teaching Assistantship, 2001-2004; Rayford Logan Fellowship, 2000.
Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Emory Tolbert. Dissertation Title: W.D. Fard Muhammad in Historical Context: An Islamic Thread in the American
Religious and Cultural Quilt. Research Specialization: U.S. History.
Tehani Kahi Finch, Ph.D., Physics. B.A., Harvard University, 1995; M.S., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2001. Honors and Awards:
Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, 2006; Featured Student, Howard Magazine, 2005; Member of the U.S. Delegation to the Lindau Meeting of
Nobel Laureates and Students, Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), 2004. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Tristan Hubsch. Dissertation Title:
Chronology, Supertubes, and the Breckenridge-Myers-Peet-Vafa (BMPV) Black Hole. Research Specialization: Black Hole Physics. Present
Position: Fellow, National Science Foundation Grades K-12 Program, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Michael Shane Firven, Jr., Ph.D., History. B.A., Southern University, Baton Rouge, 1997; M.A., Southern University, Baton Rouge, 2000. Honors
and Awards: Recipient of University Trustee Scholarship, 2003-2004; Lecturer, Department of History, 2003-2004. Dissertation Advisor: Dr.
Emory Tolbert. Dissertation Title: From Paternalism to Black Power: Civil Rights, the Black Panther Party, and the Evolution of Black Leadership
in New Orleans, Louisiana. Research Specialization: 20th Century African-American and Civil Rights History. Present Position: Assistant Professor,
Department of History, Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Bruk Getachew, Ph.D., Pharmacology. B.S., Peru State College, 1995; M.S., Howard University, 2002. Honors and Awards: Guze Symposium on
Alcoholism Meeting Award, School of Medicine, Washington University, 2006-2008; Selected for Oral Presentation, New England Science Symposium,
School of Medicine, Harvard University, 2007; Graduate Research Assistantship, 2002-2007; Trustee Tuition Scholarship, 2002-2007; The Acres of
Diamonds National Abstract Award, Minority Training Research Forum, School of Medicine, Temple University, 2006; Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics Student of the Month, Graduate School, 2005; Merit/Junior Investigator Award, Research Society on Alcoholism, 2005; Second Place
Poster Presentation, Graduate Research Symposium, 2001; All-American Scholar, Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities,
1995; Honor Program Graduate, High Distinction, Peru State College, 1995; Joseph Robertson Scholarship, Peru State College, 1992-1995. Dissertation
Advisor: Dr. Yousef Tizabi. Dissertation Title: Effect of Chronic Intermittent Alcohol in a Rat Model of Depression: Role of Biogenic Amines.
Research Specialization: Neuropsychopharmacology. Present Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Department of
Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianapolis, Indiana.
Ainsley Anthony Gibson, Ph.D., Chemistry. B.S., University of the West Indies, 1995. Honors and Awards: Academic Performance Award,
Eli Lilly, 2000. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. John Harkless. Dissertation Title: Electronic Structure Properties of the 3d-Block Transition Metals
Using ab Initio, DFT and Quantum Monte Carlo Methods. Research Specialization: Computational Chemistry. Present Position: Systems
Administrator, Advanced Research Computing, University Information Services, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Dereje Desta Gimite, Ph.D., Biology. B.S., Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, 1989; B.S., University of the District of Columbia, 2001. Honors and
Awards: Graduate Teaching Assistantship, 2002-2007; College Chemistry Achievement Award, The Chemical Society of Washington, 2001; Student
Award, American Institutes of Chemists, 2001; Outstanding Performance in Organic Chemistry Award, Polymer Education Committee, Division of
Polymer Chemistry and Polymeric Materials, American Chemical Society, 2000. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Clarence Lee. Dissertation Title:
Acriflavine Inhibits the Proliferation of Trypanosoma musculi by Inducing Apoptosis With Specific Binding Affinity to kDNA. Research Specialization:
Molecular Biology and Parasitology. Present Position: Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Postdoctoral Researcher and Faculty, Hope College,
Holland, Michigan.
Salute to The Graduate Certificate, Master’s Degree, and Ph.D. Degree Candidates Class of 2008
19
PROFILES OF THE
2007-2008 PH.D. CANDIDATES
Cerise L. Glenn, Ph.D., Communication and Culture. B.A., University of North Carolina, Asheville, 1999; M.S., North Carolina State University, 2005.
Honors and Awards: 50th Anniversary Doctoral Fellowship, 2008; Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, 2008; Frederick Douglass Doctoral
Fellowship, 2005-2008; G2 Scholarship, Howard University and Georgetown University, 2007; National Communication Doctoral Honors Seminar,
National Communication Association, 2007; Passed Comprehensive Exams with Distinction, 2007. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. William Starosta.
Dissertation Title: Negotiating Cultural Identities and Organizational Terrains: African-American Females at Predominantly White Institutions and
Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Research Specialization: Intercultural Communication and Organizational Communication.
Angela DeJoyce Glymph, Ph.D., Psychology. B.A., University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 2001; M.S., Howard University, 2005. Honors
and Awards: 50th Anniversary Doctoral Fellowship, 2008; Outstanding Teaching Assistantship, Preparing Future Faculty Program, 2008; Teaching
Associate, 2005-2007; Teaching Assistantship, 2002-2005; Ronald E. McNair Graduate Fellowship, 2001-2002. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Angela
Cole. Dissertation Title: Attenuation of Racial Bias in Jurors’ Decisions: A Social Cognitive Explanation. Research Specialization: Juror
Decision Making, Group Dynamics, Social Justice, and Teaching of Psychology. Present Position: Graduate Research Assistant, Howard University,
Washington, D.C.
Shalanda Nichelle Gordon, Ph.D., Psychology. B.S., Xavier University, Louisiana, 2002; M.S., Howard University, 2004. Honors and
Awards: Graduate Research Assistantship, 2002-2006; Graduate Teaching Assistantship, 2002-2006; Payne Research Award, Shiloh Baptist Church,
Washington, D.C., 2006; Student of the Year Award, Department of Psychology, 2006. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Alfonso Campbell. Dissertation
Title: Trait Depression, Perceived Stress, and Glucocorticoids as Predictors of State Depression in a Community Sample of African Americans.
Research Specialization: Psychoneuroimmunology, Neuropsychology, Clinical Psychology, and Health Psychology. Present Position: Clinical
Neuropsychology Resident, South Texas Veterans Affairs Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas.
Shelma Middleton Grant, Ph.D., Social Work. B.S., College of Charleston, 1989; M.S.W., Howard University, 1995. Honors and Awards: Walter
and Theodora Daniel Educational Research Award, School of Education, 2006; Graduate Teaching Assistantship, 2004-2005. Dissertation Advisor:
Dr. Jacqueline Smith. Dissertation Title: Physical and Social Environmental Predictors of Diabetes Self-Management in African Americans: The
Mediating Effects of Individual Level Psychosocial Factors. Research Specialization: Public Health. Present Position: Program Analyst, National
Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
Ashley Reneé Griffin, Ph.D., Psychology. B.A., Georgetown University, 2001; M.S., Howard University, 2004. Honors and Awards: 50th
Anniversary Doctoral Fellowship, 2008; Graduate Research Assistantship, Capstone Institute, 2005-2008; Graduate Teaching Assistantship, 2005-2008;
Graduate Research Assistantship, Center for the Advancement of Engineering Education, 2002-2005. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. A. Wade Boykin.
Dissertation Title: Meaningful Learning, Variability, and Density: Effects on Motivation, Academic Engagement, and Context Clue Learning.
Research Specialization: Developmental Psychology with Education Focus. Present Position: Graduate Assistant, Capstone Institute, Howard
University, Washington, D.C.
Linda Yvonne Henderson, Ph.D., Psychoeducational Studies. B.A., California State University, Dominguez Hills, 2000; M.A., Pepperdine University,
2002. Honors and Awards: Psi Chi Honor Society, 1999; Alpha Kappa Delta Honor Society, 1999. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Constance Ellison.
Dissertation Title: The Effects of In-Home Community-Based Intervention Services on the Academic Achievement and Community Functioning of
Black Foster Children. Research Specialization: Educational Psychology. Present Position: Home and Community Based Services Manager,
District of Columbia Department of Mental Health, Washington, D.C.
April Y. M. Hodges, Ph.D., Nutritional Sciences. B.S., Bennett College, 2002; M.S., Howard University, 2005. Honors and Awards: Science
Enrichment Scholarship, 2007; Minority Access to Research Careers Travel Award, 2007; Graduate Representative, Department Chair Search Committee,
2007; Compact for Faculty Diversity Award Sponsorship, 2006; Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate Travel Award for Federation of
American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Conference, 2006; Allied Health Sciences Recognition of Academic Achievement, 2005; NAACP
Freedom Fund Featured Scholarship Recipient, 2004; FASEB Conference Sponsorship 2004; Graduate Research Assistantship, 2002. Dissertation
Advisor: Dr. Allan Johnson. Dissertation Title: The Influences of Dairy Product Consumption and Milk Micronutrients on the Parameters of the
Metabolic Syndrome. Research Specialization: Metabolic Syndrome. Present Position: Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate
Fellow, Graduate School, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
20
Annual Hood Presentation Ceremony - Howard University Graduate School
PROFILES OF THE
2007-2008 PH.D. CANDIDATES
Altaf Husain, Ph.D., Social Work. B.S., Case Western Reserve University, 1992; M.S.S.A., Case Western Reserve University, 1994. Honors and
Awards: First Place, Graduate Research Symposium, 1999; De Graff Scholarship, Young Men’s Christian Association, Akron, Ohio, 1993; Award for
Excellence, Office of Student Affairs, Case Western Reserve University, 1992; President’s Award, Case Western Reserve University, 1991. Dissertation
Advisor: Dr. Fariyal Ross-Sheriff. Dissertation Title: The Impact of Religiosity, Ethnic Identity, Acculturation and Discrimination on the SelfEsteem and Academic Achievement of Somali Youth in the United States. Research Specialization: Displaced Populations. Present Position:
Executive Assistant for Academic Affairs, Office of the Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Syretta R. James, Ph.D., Psychoeducational Studies. B.S., University of Maryland, College Park, 2001; M.Ed., Howard University, 2003. Honors
and Awards: Minority Scholarship, Maryland School Psychology Association, 2006; Graduate Research Assistantship, 2003. Dissertation Advisor:
Dr. Gregory Reed. Dissertation Title: The Impact of Kindergarten Scheduling, Gender, Geographic Location, and Parental Involvement on the
Achievement and Behavior of African-American Children. Research Specialization: Early Childhood Education and Assessment. Present
Position: Certified School Psychologist, Baltimore County Public Schools, Towson, Maryland.
James Kenneth Johnson, Ph.D., Psychoeducational Studies. B.S., Southern University and A&M College, 1998; M.Ed., Howard University, 2002.
Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Gerunda Hughes. Dissertation Title: Correlates of Mathematics Achievement Among Generation X African-American
High School Seniors. Research Specialization: African Americans and Math Education. Present Position: Assistant Director, Louisiana
Department of Health and Hospitals, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Wayne David Johnson II, Ph.D., Pharmacology. B.S., Prairie View A&M University, 2000. Honors and Awards: 50th Anniversary Doctoral
Fellowship, 2008; Doctoral Fellowship, Learning Communities for STEM Academic Achievement (LCSAA) Project, Fund for the Improvement of
Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) Grant, 2005-2008; Research Society for Alcoholism Student Merit Award, 2004, 2005, 2007; Alliance for Graduate
Education and the Professoriate Fellowship, 2002-2007; The Acres of Diamond Fellowship and Award for Oral and Poster Presentation, Minority
Training Research Forum (MTRF), 2005-2006; Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) Fellowship, 2003-2005; U.S. Armed Services Veteran, U.S. Navy, 19972002; Magna Cum Laude, Prairie View A&M University, 2000; Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities, 1997-2000; The National Dean’s
Award, 1997-2000; Mr. Prairie View A&M University Scholarship Recipient, 1998. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. B. Emmanual Akinshola. Dissertation
Title: Characterization of the Effects of Ethanol Administration on AMPA Glutamate Receptors. Research Specialization: Pharmacology and
Neuroscience. Present Positions: Interim Director of Program Coordination, Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (Alliance for
Graduate Education and the Professoriate), Howard University, Washington, D.C.; May 2008, Postdoctoral Fellow, Waggoner Center for Alcohol and
Addiction Research, University of Texas, Austin, Texas.
Cheryl D. Jones, Ph.D., Sociology. B.B.A., West Georgia College, 1985; M.B.A., Atlanta University, 1988; M.P.H., Morehouse School of Medicine, 1999.
Honors and Awards: Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship, 2004-2006; Graduate Research Assistantship, 2003-2004; Doctoral Scholars Fellowship,
2000-2001, 2002-2003; Public Health Fellowship, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, 1997-1998. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Arvilla PayneJackson. Dissertation Title: Lay Midwifery in Jamaica and the United States. Research Specialization: Reproductive Health. Present Position:
Research Instructor, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
Christina Violeta Jones, Ph.D., History. B.A., George Mason University, 1999; M.A., Howard University, 2002. Honors and Awards: Barbara
S. Mosbacher Fellowship, The John Carter Brown Library, Brown University, 2006-2007; David Nicholls Memorial Prize, Society of Caribbean Studies,
Regeants College at Oxford University, 2006-2007; Hawthorne Dissertation Award, 2006-2007; Center for Latin American Studies Library Travel Grant,
University of Florida, 2006-2007; Short-Term Fellowship, Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, 2005-2006; Summer Travel Research Grant
Award, 2005. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Selwyn Carrington. Dissertation Title: Revolution and Reaction: Santo Domingo During the Haitian
Revolution and Beyond, 1791-1844. Research Specialization: Latin American and Caribbean History. Present Position: Archival Technician,
National Archives and Record Administration, College Park, Maryland.
Gladys Wangari Kamau, Ph.D., Communication and Culture. B.A., California State University, San Bernadino, 2001; M.A., California State
University, San Bernadino, 2003. Honors and Awards: Graduate Assistantship, 2008, Graduate Assistantship, Department of Economics, 2004-2007;
Resident Assistant, Howard University Towers, 2004-2007. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Richard Wright. Dissertation Title: A Comparative Analysis
of Indigenous and Western Leadership and Management Practices in Kenya. Research Specialization: Sociolinguistics. Present Position:
Communication Intern, Africare, Washington, D.C.
Salute to The Graduate Certificate, Master’s Degree, and Ph.D. Degree Candidates Class of 2008
21
PROFILES OF THE
2007-2008 PH.D. CANDIDATES
Merve S. Kavakci, Ph.D., Political Science. B.S., University of Texas, Dallas, 1993; M.P.A., Harvard University, 2003. Honors and Awards:
Graduate Research Assistantship, 2004-2007. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Mervat Hatem. Dissertation Title: Questioning Turkey’s Role Model
Status: A Critical Examination of the Social and Political Implications of the Headscarf Ban in Turkey. Research Specialization: Middle Eastern
Politics. Present Position: Lecturer, Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Truman Ryan Keys, Ph.D., Communication and Culture. B.S., University of Illinois, 2002; M.A., DePaul University, 2005. Honors and Awards:
Pre-Faculty Internship, Partnership between Emerson College and Howard University, 2007-2008; Passed Doctoral Comprehensive Examination with
Distinction, 2007-2008; Instructorship, Office of the Provost, Amgen Scholars, 2007; First Place Doctoral Oral Presentation Award, Graduate Research
Symposium, 2007; Teaching Assistantship, 2005-2007; Top Student Paper Award, African American Communication and Culture Division, 2006; National
Communication Association Award, 2006. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Carolyn Stroman. Dissertation Title: A Narrative Systematic Review of
Culture, Communication, and Competence in the American Health Care Provider-Health Care Recipient Relationship. Research Specialization:
Interpersonal and Health Communication. Present Position: Lecturer, Emerson College, Boston, Massachusetts.
Marie-Jose Kouassi, Ph.D., Economics. B.S., University of Clermont, France, 1998; M.A., University of Clermont, France, 2000. Honors and
Awards: 50th Anniversary Doctoral Fellowship, 2008; Graduate Teaching Assistantship, 2005-2007; Fulbright Scholarship, Institute of International
Education (IIE), 2003-2005. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Satish Wadhawan. Dissertation Title: Microfinance and Health: A Study of Selected
Countries. Research Specialization: Development Economics. Present Position: Teaching Assistant, Department of Economics, Howard
University, Washington, D.C.
Joseph Kiptoo Lang’at, Ph.D., Chemistry. B.S., Bethune-Cookman College, 2002. Honors and Awards: Graduate Research Assistantship,
2003; Graduate Teaching Assistantship, 2002. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Dharmaraj Raghavan. Dissertation Title: A Study of ImidazoliumFunctionalized Clay Epoxy Nanocomposites. Research Specialization: Polymer and Clay Nanocomposites. Present Position: Assistant Professor
of Chemistry, Central Florida Community College, Ocala, Florida.
Graham G. Laurence, Ph.D., Physiology. B.S., University of the West Indies, 1994. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Georges Haddad. Dissertation
Title: Humoral Modulation of Calcium by Intracellular Signaling Pathways During Compensated Eccentric Cardiac Hypertrophy. Research
Specialization: Cardiovascular Physiology.
Nancy Thompson Lee, Ph.D., Communication and Culture. B.S., Bowie State College, 1988; M.A., Marymount University, 1992; M.A.R.S., Howard
University, 1999. Honors and Awards: Graduate Teaching Assistantship, 2003-2006; Evans C. Crawford Graduate Assistantship, Andrew Rankin
Memorial Chapel, 1997-1999; Board of Visitors Award, Bowie State College, 1988; Graduate Assistantship, Department of Education; James Daniel
and Brittie Ann Tymes Award, School of Divinity; Second Place Doctoral Oral Presentation Award, Graduate Research Symposium. Dissertation
Advisor: Dr. Carolyn Stroman. Dissertation Title: A Thematic Analysis of the Perceptions and Lived Experiences of the African-American Caregiver.
Research Specialization: Organization Communication and Health Communication. Present Position: Co-Project Director; Socialization to
Success in Nursing Project, Division of Nursing; College of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Health Sciences; Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Lakeshia R. Legette, Ph.D., Mathematics. B.S., Columbia College, 2003; M.S., Howard University, 2005. Honors and Awards: Preparing
Future Faculty Program Completion, 2007; Graduate Teaching Assistantship, 2003. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Neil Hindman. Dissertation Title:
Maximal Groups in the Stone- ech Compactification of a Discrete Semigroup. Research Specialization: Topology/Foundations.
Hui Liu, Ph.D., Chemistry. B.S., Nanjing University of Technology, China, 2000; M.S., Nanjing University of Technology, China, 2003. Honors
and Awards: Research Assistantship, 2008; Graduate Teaching Assistantship, 2003-2007. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Dharmaraj Raghavan.
Dissertation Title: Tailoring of Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) Copolymers for Bone Tissue Applications. Research
Specialization: Polymer Chemistry.
Leelannee Kay Malin, Ph.D., Mass Communication and Media Studies. B.A., Clark Atlanta University, 1998; M.A., Bowie State University, 2004.
Honors and Awards: Outstanding Graduate Student, Communications Chairman Award, Bowie State University, 2004; U.S. National Collegiate
Academy Scholarship, 2004; Second Attendant, Miss Clark Atlanta University, 1997-1998. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Barbara Hines. Dissertation
Title: Reel Women: Depictions of Females in the Sport Film Genre. Research Specialization: Mass Communications. Present Position: Mass
Media Department Chair, Largo High School, Prince George’s County Public Schools, Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
22
Annual Hood Presentation Ceremony - Howard University Graduate School
PROFILES OF THE
2007-2008 PH.D. CANDIDATES
Isiah Marshall Jr., Ph.D., Sociology. B.A., Texas Southern University, 1996; M.S.W., Howard University, 1998. Honors and Awards: Graduate
Assistantship, 1996-1998. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Vernetta D. Young. Dissertation Title: Life Deferred: An Ethnographic Study of Young Adults
in Long Term Care Facilities. Research Specialization: Urban Sociology, Criminology, and Social Work Education. Present Position: Assistant
Professor and Program Coordinator of the Bachelor of Social Work Program, Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
James C. Mauer, Ph.D., History. B.A., Grand Valley State University, 1996; M.A., Howard University, 1999. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Selwyn
Carrington. Dissertation Title: When the Ancestors Speak: Preference in Captive African Ethnicity and Labor in Colonial Colombia, 1525-1820.
Research Specialization: Black Diaspora in South and Central America and the Caribbean. Present Position: Teaching Associate, Department
of History, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Mara Lindy Mberira, Ph.D., Psychology. B.S., Cardiff University, Wales, 1992; M.S., City University, London, 1994; M.S., Howard University, 2006.
Honors and Awards: Fulbright Scholarship, 2001-2004. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Linda Berg-Cross. Dissertation Title: Personal Judgments
and Psychologically Abusive Behaviors: An Analysis of Ethnic Differences in Namibia. Research Specialization: Family Therapy and Family
Violence. Present Position: Lecturer, Department of Psychology and Social Work, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia.
Lawrence R. McNeil, Jr., Ph.D., Economics. B.A., Morgan State University, 1997; M.A., Columbia University, 2000. Honors and Awards:
Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, 2007; Graduate Assistantship, 2001-2002, Academic Fellowship, Columbia University, 1998-1999; Honors
Student Delegate to the International Achievement Summit, Academy of Achievement, 1999; United States Fulbright Fellowship, International Institute
of Education, 1997; Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Fellowship, PPIA Program, 1996. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Satish Wadhawan.
Dissertation Title: The International Diffusion of Technological Knowledge: Industry-Level Evidence From Ten Developing Economies. Research
Specialization: International Economics and Development Economics.
Moogi-Ayanna Mogengege, Ph.D., Psychology. B.S., Howard University, 1998. Honors and Awards: Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society,
2008; Frederick Douglass Doctoral Fellowship, 2008; Academic Excellence Fellowship Award, Office of the Provost, 1998-2002; Graduate Assistantship,
1998. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Linda Berg-Cross. Dissertation Title: If Mama’s Not Happy, Nobody’s Happy: An Exploration of the Influence
of Stigma, Disclosure, and Family Coping on the Transmission of Maternal Depression to Children in African-American Families Affected by HIV/AIDS.
Research Specialization: HIV/AIDS Affected Families. Present Position: Psychology Associate, Mental Health Resources Plus, LLC, Oxon Hill,
Maryland.
Nneka Obiajulu Mokwunye, Ph.D., Sociology. B.A., George Washington University, 2001; M.A., Howard University, 2003. Honors and Awards:
Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, 2008. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Rebecca Reviere. Dissertation Title: A Comparison Study of Cost,
Mortality, and Quality of Life Outcomes of Inappropriate and Appropriate Admissions to a Medical Intensive Care Unit. Research Specialization:
Medical Sociology. Present Position: Director of Bioethics and Spiritual Care, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C.
Kesha M. Morant, Ph.D., Communication and Culture. B.A., West Chester University, 1999; M.A., Pennsylvania State University, 2005. Honors
and Awards: Preparing Future Faculty Fellowship, 2008; Frederick Douglass Summer Teaching Scholarship, West Chester University, 2008; Graduate
Teaching Assistantship, 2005-2008; Frederick Douglass Summer Teaching Scholarship, Clarion University, 2007. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Richard
Wright. Dissertation Title: African-American Communication Dynamics: The Continuity and Extension Through Talk Elements of Commercial
Black Radio. Research Specialization: Intercultural and Rhetorical Communication. Present Position: Assistant Professor of Communication
Studies, Eastern University, St. Davids, Pennsylvania.
Nadine Ann-Marie Morris, Ph.D., Economics. B.S., University of the West Indies, 2000; M.A., Howard University, 2003. Honors and
Awards: Teaching Assistantship, 2007-2008; Teaching Associate, 2004-2005; Research Assistantship, 2002-2005; Graduate Assistantship, 2001-2004.
Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Satish Wadhawan. Dissertation Title: Regional Integration, Foreign Investment, and Income Convergence. Research
Specialization: Urban Economics and Economic Development.
Alan S. Mzengi, Ph.D., Economics. B.A., Mzumbe University, Tanzania, 1984; M.S., Bradford University, 1994. Dissertation Advisor: Dr.
Satish Wadhawan. Dissertation Title: Education, Growth, and Skill Formation in Tanzania and Selected East African Countries. Research
Specialization: Human Resources. Present Position: Minister Plenipotentiary, Tanzania Embassy, Washington, D.C.
Salute to The Graduate Certificate, Master’s Degree, and Ph.D. Degree Candidates Class of 2008
23
PROFILES OF THE
2007-2008 PH.D. CANDIDATES
Rhea Keisha Roper Nedd, Ph.D., Political Science. B.A., University of Maryland, 2000; M.A., The Catholic University of America, 2002. Honors
and Awards: Graduate Teaching Assistantship, 2006-2008; Ralph Bunche Award for Research in International Relations, 2006-2007; Graduate
Assistantship, 2003-2006; Baltimore City Mayoral Fellowship, 2004. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Jane Flax. Dissertation Title: Good Governance
and Corporate Social Responsibility: Rhetoric to Reality. Research Specialization: International Relations. Present Position: Assistant Director,
Pre-College Programs, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.
Obinna Boniface Obah, Ph.D., Electrical and Computer Engineering. B.Eng., Federal University of Technology, Nigeria, 1992; M.S., Federal
University of Technology, Nigeria, 2002. Honors and Awards: 50th Anniversary Doctoral Fellowship, 2008; Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor
Society, 2008; Frederick Douglass Doctoral Fellowship, 2008; Graduate Teaching Assistantship, 2004-2007; Student Co-Author Award for Technical
Publications, 2005. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Charles Kim. Dissertation Title: Fast Static Contingency Assessment Based on Reactive Loss
Compensation Index. Research Specialization: Power System Engineering. Present Position: Graduate Assistant, Department of Electrical and
Computer Engineering, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Oluwasegun Okusanya, Ph.D., Economics. B.S., University of Lagos, Nigeria, 1999; M.A., Howard University, 2002. Honors and Awards: 50th
Anniversary Doctoral Fellowship, 2008; Graduate Scholarship Award, 2001, 2003-2005; Best Graduating Student, Zenith Bank Award, 1999; Valedictorian,
Graduating Class, University of Lagos, 1999; Recipient of Nine University Awards/Prizes, University of Lagos, 1999; Arthur Andersen Honors List Award,
Arthur Andersen Consulting, 1999; Best Graduating Student, School of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, 1999; Most Brilliant Student, Department of
Economics, 1999; Scholarship Award, University of Lagos, 1997, 1998. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Satish Wadhawan. Dissertation Title: Financial
Globalization and Host Country Effects: An Empirical Analysis. Research Specialization: International and Monetary Economics.
Natalie Andrea Ottey, Ph.D., Communication Sciences and Disorders. B.S., Ryerson University, 1995; M.S., University of the District of Columbia,
1998. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Wilhelmina Wright-Harp. Dissertation Title: The Language and Working Memory Abilities of Children With
Sickle Cell Disease With and Without Silent Cerebral Infarct. Research Specialization: Language and Working Memory. Present Position:
Assistant Professor, University of the District of Columbia, Washington, D.C.
John Brian Parks, Ph.D., History. B.A., Howard University, 2002; M.A., Howard University, 2003. Honors and Awards: Graduate Teaching
Assistantship, 2004-2005. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Selwyn Carrington. Dissertation Title: Freedom v. Slavery: Lawsuits, Petitions, and the
Legitimacy of Slavery in the British Colonies and the United States. Research Specialization: Legal History.
Lisa Reneé Rawlings, Ph.D., Social Work. B.A., Rutgers University, 1996; M.S.W., Howard University, 2003. Honors and Awards: 50th Anniversary
Doctoral Fellowship, 2008; Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, 2008; Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Doctoral Fellowship, 20062008; Hawthorne Dissertation Award, 2007; Teaching Assistant of the Year, 2006-2007; Dean’s List, School of Social Work, 2001-2003. Dissertation
Advisor: Dr. Fariyal Ross-Sheriff. Dissertation Title: Displacement and Psychological Functioning of African-American Survivors of Hurricane
Katrina. Research Specialization: Displaced Populations. Present Position: Graduate Assistantship, Graduate School, Howard University,
Washington, D.C.
Terri Harris Reed, Ph.D., Communication and Culture. B.A., Calvin College, 1989; Ed.M., Harvard University, 1994. Dissertation Advisor:
Dr. Melbourne Cummings. Dissertation Title: Does Diversity Matter? Developing Dimensions of Intercultural Communications Competence.
Research Specialization: Intercultural Communication. Present Position: Vice Provost for Institutional Equity and Diversity, Princeton
University, Princeton, New Jersey.
Elizabeth Anne Reicherter, Ph.D., Psychoeducational Studies. B.S., University of Pittsburgh, 1985; M.Ed., Pennsylvania State University, 1995.
Honors and Awards: Walter and Theodora Daniel Scholarship, School of Education, 2007; Abstract Recognition of Excellence, American Physical
Therapy Association, 2006; Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Award, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, 2002. Dissertation Advisor: Dr.
Constance Ellison. Dissertation Title: Female Caregivers’ Educational Expectations and Behavioral Perceptions of Their Elementary-Age Children:
Ethnic Identity, Socioeconomic Status, and Mental Health Literacy as Predictors. Research Specialization: Mental Health Literacy and Parental
Beliefs About Child Learning. Present Position: Associate Professor; Department of Physical Therapy; College of Pharmacy, Nursing and Allied Health
Sciences, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
24
Annual Hood Presentation Ceremony - Howard University Graduate School
PROFILES OF THE
2007-2008 PH.D. CANDIDATES
Allana Nicole Rita Roach, Ph.D., Genetics and Human Genetics. B.S., Howard University, 2003. Honors and Awards: 50th Anniversary
Doctoral Fellowship, 2008; Graduate Assistantship, 2005-2007; Research Assistantship, 2001-2006; Outstanding Scholarly Publication in the Biological
and Life Sciences, 2005; Student Travel Award, Annual Meeting of American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology, 2003; Featured Speaker, NASA
Revolutionary Aerospace Concepts-Academic Linkage, Universities Space Research Association, 2003; American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS)
Diversity Scholars Award, 2003; AIBS Annual Meeting, 2003; Magna Cum Laude, Howard University, 2003; Capstone Scholarship for B.S. in Biology,
1999-2003; Dean’s List, College of Arts and Sciences, 2002; National Dean’s List, 2002; Second Place, Immunology Section, Poster Presentation, HBCU
Conference, 2002; Third Place, Immunology and Neuroscience Category, Poster Presentation, Annual Sigma Xi Student Research Conference, 2002;
Most Outstanding Presentation Award, Oral Presentation, NASA Revolutionary Aerospace Concepts-Academic Linkage, Universities Space Research
Association, 2002; Honors Program, College of Arts and Sciences, 1999. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Charmaine Royal. Dissertation Title: Racial
Identity Attitudes and Coping Strategies in African Americans With Sickle Cell Disease. Research Specialization: Impact of Physiological and
Psychological Functioning on Diseases. Present Position: Research Assistant, National Human Genome Center, Howard University, Washington,
D.C.
Aaron Frank Roane, Ph.D., Physics. B.S., Howard University, 1993; M.S., The Johns Hopkins University, 2000. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Tristan
Hubsch. Dissertation Title: Some Brane-World Cosmological Models. Research Specialization: High Energy Theoretical Physics. Present
Position: Patent Examiner, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Alexandria, Virginia.
Dennis Bernard Rogers, Ph.D., Political Science. B.A., North Carolina State University, 1992; M.A., Howard University, 2003. Honors and
Awards: Who’s Who Among College Students in America, 2008; Preparing Future Faculty Certification, 2008; Founder, Howard Men Rising Series, 2008;
Graduate Teaching Associate, 2006-2007, 2007-2008; President, Graduate Student Council, 2005-2006, 2006-2007; Graduate Teaching Assistantship,
2004-2006; Judicial Council, Graduate Student Council, 2004-2006; Founder, Edward A. Bouchet Honor Society, 2005; Pi Sigma Alpha, Political Science
Honor Society, 2004; Vice President, Graduate Political Science Association, 2002-2004. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Michael Frazier. Dissertation
Title: Politics and the Pulpit in the African-American Church: A Theoretical Investigation of Four Pastor Politicians. Research Specialization: Political
Theory and Black Politics. Present Positions: Graduate Trustee, Board of Trustees, Howard University, Washington, D.C.; Teaching Associate,
Department of Political Science, Howard University, Washington, D.C.; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ma’at Enterprises, LLC, Washington, D.C.;
President and Chief Executive Officer, Wisdom Speakers Bureau, Washington, D.C.
William Leroy Fitzgerald Rose, Ph.D., Electrical and Computer Engineering. B.S.E.E., Howard University, 1990. Dissertation Advisor: Dr.
Gary Harris. Dissertation Title: Investigation of Aluminum Oxynitride as a Replacement Dielectric for Silicon Dioxide on Silicon Carbide Devices.
Research Specialization: Material Science and Electrical Engineering. Present Position: Research Assistant, Howard Nanoscale Science and
Technology Facility, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Tina Maria Russell, Ph.D., Psychoeducational Studies. B.A., University of Virginia, 1993; M.S.Ed., Old Dominion University, 1996. Honors and
Awards: Minority Scholars Fellowship, 1998-1999; Minority Tuition Grant, Old Dominion University, 1995; Academic Achievement Award, University
of Virginia, 1989-1993. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Ivory Toldson. Dissertation Title: Individual and Familial Influences on Psychological
Functioning and Help-Seeking Behavior of Black College Students. Research Specialization: Help Seeking in College Students. Present Position:
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Independent Contractor, Contemporary Therapeutic Services, Germantown, Maryland.
Nana Aba Kweiba Sam, Ph.D., African Studies and Research. B.A., Howard University, 1999; M.A., Howard University, 2004. Honors and Awards:
50th Anniversary Doctoral Fellowship, 2008; Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, 2008; Graduate Research Assistantship, 2007; Phi Beta Kappa
Honor Society, 1999; Golden Key National Honor Society, 1997. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Almaz Zewde. Dissertation Title: The Feminization
of Sustainable Development: Assessing the Participation of Women in Achieving Food Security in Ghana – A Study of Rural Greater Accra. Research
Specialization: Development and Public Policy. Present Position: Graduate Research Assistant, Department of African Studies and Research,
Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Aya M. Sayedelahl, Ph.D., Electrical and Computer Engineering. B.Eng., Mansoura University, Egypt, 2000; M.Eng., Howard University, 2003.
Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Mohamed Chouikha. Dissertation Title: Human Detection Rate Enhancement in Infrared Images. Research
Specialization: Image Processing. Present Position: Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Howard
University, Washington, D.C.
Regina Celeste Sims, Ph.D., Psychology. B.A., University of Delaware, 2000; M.S., Villanova University, 2002. Honors and Awards: Graduate
Teaching Assistantship, 2004-2007. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Alfonso Campbell. Dissertation Title: Neurocognitive Correlates of Cardiovascular
Risk Factors in Blacks. Research Specialization: Health and Cognitive Function in African Americans. Present Position: Postdoctoral Fellow,
Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North
Carolina.
Salute to The Graduate Certificate, Master’s Degree, and Ph.D. Degree Candidates Class of 2008
25
PROFILES OF THE
2007-2008 PH.D. CANDIDATES
Ramsey LaVarr Smith, Ph.D., Chemistry. B.S., Morehouse College, 2000. Honors and Awards: Postdoctoral Fellowship, Oak Ridge Associated
Universities/NASA Postdoctoral Program, 2008; Graduate Research Assistantship, 2000-2007; NASA/D.C. Space Grant Academic Year Paid Internship
Program, 2005-2006; Guest Graduate Student Scientist, Advanced Light Source Laboratory, Chemical Sciences Division, Department of Energy,
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 2006, 2003; Harriett G. Jenkins Pre-doctoral Fellowship Mini Grant, NASA/United Negro College Fund Special
Programs, 2002-2005; Graduate Fellowship Award, NASA Center for the Study of Terrestrial and Extraterrestrial Atmospheres, 2005-2007, 2001; Teaching
Assistantship, 2002-2004. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Vernon Morris. Dissertation Title: An Evaluation of the Fate of Octafluorocyclobutate and
Hexafluoroethane in the Atmospheres of Terrestrial Planets. Research Specialization: Physical Chemistry and Atmospheric Chemisty. Present
Position: NASA Postdoctoral Fellow, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland.
Patrick Emecheta Sopuruchukwa, Ph.D., African Studies and Research. B.S.W., Morgan State University, 1993; M.S.W., Howard University, 1995.
Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Sulayman Nyang. Dissertation Title: The Farmers in Ogoni-Oilland. Research Specialization: Public Policy
Analysis. Present Position: Social Worker II, Department of Social Services, State of Maryland Government, Landover, Maryland.
Alberta Eleene Springer, Ph.D., Psychology. B.S., Virginia State University, 1984; M.S., Virginia State University, 1993; M.S., Howard University,
2002. Honors and Awards: Beta Beta Beta Biological Society, 1992-2008; Beta Kappa Chi National Honor Society, 1992-2008; Graduate Teaching
Assistantship, 2005-2006; Graduate Fellowship, National Institutes of Health, 2001-2005; Graduate Research Assistantship, 1998-1999. Dissertation
Advisor: Dr. Alfonso Campbell. Dissertation Title: Neurocognitive Functions and Mood States in African-American Men Who Abuse Cocaine,
Alcohol, and Polysubstances. Research Specialization: Neuropsychology. Present Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology,
Medgar Evers College, Brooklyn, New York.
Jennifer Ellen Struve, Ph.D., Communication and Culture. B.S.S., Cornell College, 2001; M.A., University of Northern Iowa, 2005. Honors
and Awards: Preparing Future Faculty Program, 2006-2008; Frederick Douglass Doctoral Fellowship, 2005-2008. Dissertation Advisor: Dr.
Richard Wright. Dissertation Title: The Making of an Illegal Human: The Discourse and Counter-Discourse of “Illegal” Immigration. Research
Specialization: Rhetoric and Intercultural Communication. Present Position: Teaching Associate, Department of Communication and Culture,
Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Bradley G. Thomas, Jr., Ph.D., Physiology. B.S., Bowie State University, 2000. Honors and Awards: Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need
Fellowship 2005; Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate Fellowship, 2000. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Robert Canada. Dissertation
Title: Synergistic Effect of Terbium on the Cytotoxic Activity of Cisplatin in Human PC-3 Prostate Cancer Cells. Research Specialization: Cancer
Research and Tissue Culture.
Mia Jihan Thompson, Ph.D., Anatomy. B.S., Spelman College, 2001. Honors and Awards: Intramural Training Award, National Institutes of
Health, 2003-2007; Graduate Teaching Assistantship, 2002. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. James Baker. Dissertation Title: Examination of ErbB4
mRNA and Protein in Schizophrenia. Research Specialization: Neuroanatomy. Present Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, Stanley Medical Research
Institute, Rockville, Maryland.
Mohammad Taqi Tirmazi, Ph.D., Social Work. B.A., California State University, Monterey Bay, 2000; M.S.W., Howard University, 2003. Honors
and Awards: 50th Anniversary Doctoral Fellowship, 2008; Council on Social Work Education Minority Fellowship, 2007-2008; Race, Ethnicity and
Migration Studies Scholarship, Utrecht University, 2006-2007; Cosby Fellowship, 2003. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Soleman Abu-Bader. Dissertation
Title: The Impact of Acculturation on Psychosocial Well-Being Among Immigrant Muslim Youth. Research Specialization: Urban and Immigrant
Youth.
Ada Vilageliu-Díaz, Ph.D., English. B.A., University of La Laguna, Spain, 1999; M.A, University of La Laguna, Spain, 2004. Honors and Awards:
Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship, 2006-2008; Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, 2007; Sigma Tau Delta, The International English Honor
Society, 2005; Research Assistantship, 2004-2005; Teaching Assistantship, 2002-2005; First Place for Doctoral Oral Presentation, 2004. Dissertation
Advisor: Dr. Eleanor Traylor. Dissertation Title: Narrative Insurrection in the Short Stories of Toni Cade Bambara, Edwidge Danticat, and Mayra
Santos Febres. Research Specialization: African-American, Caribbean, and Afro-Latio Literature. Present Position: Graduate Assistantship,
Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellow, Office of Retention, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Shaunée Lenice Wallace, Ph.D., Mass Communication and Media Studies. B.A., Delaware State University, 1997; M.S., Iona College, 2000.
Honors and Awards: Frederick Douglass Doctoral Fellowship, 2008; Inez Kaizer Scholarship, 2006-2007; Graduate Assistantship, Preparing Future
Journalism Faculty Program, 2006; Graduate Assistantship, Insights® Consumer Research Center, 2004; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Scholarship,
1992. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Rochelle Ford. Dissertation Title: Latina Public Relations Agency Practitioners: An Examination of Career
Experiences and Ethnic Diversity. Research Specialization: Latinas and Public Relations. Present Position: Communications Instructor, The
College of New Rochelle, Harlem Campus, New York, New York.
26
Annual Hood Presentation Ceremony - Howard University Graduate School
PROFILES OF THE
2007-2008 PH.D. CANDIDATES
Charmaine P. Warren, Ph.D., History. B.A., Montclair State University, 1984; M.A., City University of New York, City College, 1989. Honors and
Awards: Faculty Member, Department of Drama, Theatre and Dance, Queens College of City University of New York, 2006-2008, Faculty Author
Certificate, 2005; Faculty Member, Department of Theatre, St. Peter’s College; 2003-2005; Faculty Member, Department of Theatre Arts, Dance Arts, 19972005; Faculty Member, Department of Dance, Duke University, 1996. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Selwyn Carrington. Dissertation Title: “Dance
Come Meet Mi” Nation-Building as Cultural Continuance Through Religion and Dance, Up to the Twenty-First Century. Research Specialization:
Jamaican Dance History. Present Position: Instructor, Alvin Ailey/Fordham University Fine Arts Program in Dance, The Ailey School, New York
University, Tisch School of the Arts, The Classical Studio, New York, New York.
Charles A. Wash, Jr., Ph.D., History. B.S., Grand Valley State University, 1996; M.A., Howard University, 1999. Honors and Awards: Frederick
Douglass Doctoral Fellowship, 1999-2004; “The Race of Men of Howard University”, WHUT Television Grant, 2000-2001; Mt. Welby Farm Research
Grant, National Park Service, 1999-2000; Graduate Assistantship, 1998-1999. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Selwyn Carrington. Dissertation Title:
Enslaved Children in Urban and Rural Bahia, Brazil, 1822-1888. Research Specialization: Brazilian History and Slavery. Present Position:
Gubernatorial Records Archivist, Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, Ohio.
Johnathan L. Wharton, Ph.D., Political Science. B.A., Howard University, 1996; M.A., Howard University, 1999; M.A., Rutgers University, 2002.
Honors and Awards: 50th Anniversary Doctoral Fellowship, 2008; Dana Mattison Fellowship, 2004-2005. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Lorenzo
Morris. Dissertation Title: Politics, Paradigms, and Perceptions: The Racial, Generational, and Urban Developmental Implications of the 2002
and 2006 Newark Mayoral Elections. Research Specialization: Political Science and Local Politics. Present Position: Visiting Lecturer, Stevens
Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey.
Douglas Franklin White, Ph.D., Microbiology. B.S., Longwood College, 1994; M.S., Hampton University, 1997. Honors and Awards: Graduate
Teaching Assistantship, Department of Microbiology, 2005; Minority Scholar in Cancer Research Award, American Association for Cancer Research, 95th
Annual Meeting, 2004; Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate Fellowship, 2001-2004; Minority Academic Achievement Award, Longwood
College, 1993; National Dean’s List, 1992; Academic Initiative Scholarship, Longwood College, 1990. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Yasmine Kanaan.
Dissertation Title: Biological Evaluation of Imido-Substituted Chloro- 1,4-Naphthoquinone Derivatives on Prostate Cancer Cell Lines. Research
Specialization: Cancer Research. Present Position: Adjunct Professor of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Prince George’s Community
College, Largo, Maryland.
Kathy M. Woolbright, Ph.D., Nutritional Sciences. B.A., Southern Methodist University, 1990; M.A., Howard University, 1997. Honors and
Awards: Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate Fellowship, National Science Foundation, 2000. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Allan
Johnson. Dissertation Title: Associations Between Nutrition and Asthma Among Children Aged 17 Years and Younger: An Examination of the
1999-2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) Data. Research Specialization: Asthma in Children and International
Nutrition. Present Position: Public Health Nutritionist and Breastfeeding Coordinator, Department of Health, Supplemental Feeding Program for
Women, Infants and Children State Agency, Washington, D.C.
Pierre Einar Wright, Ph.D., Psychoeducational Studies. B.A., North Carolina Central University, 1997; M.A., Hampton University, 2000. Honors
and Awards: Graduate Teaching Assistantship, 2007-2008. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Gregory Reed. Dissertation Title: Examining Psychosocial
Factors Related to Condom Use Among African-American Women College Students. Research Specialization: HIV/AIDS and African-American
Female College Students. Present Position: Special Programs Corporation/Director, United Negro College Fund, Fairfax, Virginia.
Xunqin Yin, Ph.D., Biology. M.D., Qiqihar Medical University, China, 1998. Honors and Awards: Graduate Teaching Assistantship, 2002-2007;
Excellent Graduate Student, Qiqihar Medical University, 1998. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. William Eckberg. Dissertation Title: Identification of
Phospholipases C (PLCs) and Their Possible Roles in Egg Activation in Chaetopterus. Research Specialization: Molecular and Developmental
Biology. Present Position: Postdoctoral Associate, Children Memorial Research Center, Children Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University,
Chicago, Illinois.
Salute to The Graduate Certificate, Master’s Degree, and Ph.D. Degree Candidates Class of 2008
27
THE HOWARD UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL:
50 YEARS OF DOCTORAL EDUCATION
The Howard University Graduate School has launched a year-long celebration saluting 50 years of doctoral education: 1958-2008. This celebration
affords the University an opportunity to commemorate its accomplishments and to envision future aspirations in doctoral education. In 50 short years,
Howard has made a meteoric rise in American higher education, advancing from the awarding of the first Ph.D. in 1958 to becoming a top national
research university, granting nearly 100 degrees annually in 28 doctoral programs. The annual production of doctoral degree recipients and annual
grant acquisitions place the University among the top echelon of higher education as classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of
Teaching. Today, within its highly diverse graduate student body, Howard University is the largest on-campus producer of African-American Ph.D.
recipients in the United States.
In many ways, the Doctor of Philosophy degree is the centerpiece of a research university. This is especially true of Howard, which remains focused
on addressing many of the issues that face its primary constituencies, our nation and the world, chiefly through the research work of its doctoral
programs and doctoral recipients. During this Golden Anniversary year, special lectures, fundraising activities, and other events will explore previous
and continuous efforts of the University through a committed cadre of professors, alumni and students. We remain true to our expanding mission as a
leading university in doctoral education.
Most importantly, today, May 8, 2008, the Graduate School salutes its 50th Ph.D. Anniversary Candidates.
Congratulations!
28
Annual Hood Presentation Ceremony - Howard University Graduate School
THE FIRST TWO PH.D. RECIPIENTS
HAROLD DELANY, PH.D. ’58,
Department of Chemistry
“I believe there is a very fundamental purpose in higher education and that is it is designed to develop talents of the mind
while at the same time giving sustenance to the gentility of the human spirit.” -- Harold Delaney, Ph.D. ‘ 58
Dr. Harold Delaney earned one of the first two Ph.D. degrees ever awarded by Howard University in 1958. He was professor of chemistry for
21 years at Morgan State University, where he served as both department chair and dean. His distinguished career included service on the
Manhattan Project with the University of Chicago and a research post with E.I. Dupont De Nemours & Co. He provided leadership in the
state higher education systems of North Carolina, New York and Maryland, and served in national policy positions at the National Institute
of Education and American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). He served as president of Manhattanville College, and
after retiring from AASCU, served as interim president of Chicago State University, Frostburg State University and Bowie State University. Dr.
Delaney served on numerous boards over the years, including Central Carolina Bank, Chapel Hill; The Howard Thurman Trust; Manhattanville
College; Paul College; the Washington Center; and the Educational Resources Information Center Clearinghouse on Higher Education. Many
scholarships, fellowships and other tributes have honored his lasting contribution to education.
BIBHUTI MAZUMDER, PH.D’ 58,
Department of Chemistry
Dr. Bibhuti Mazumder, a native of India, received his B.Sc. (Honros) from Calcutta University in 1944, his M.Sc. from Dacca University in
the first class of 1947. In 1958, Dr. Mazumder received the Ph.D. degree in Chemistry from Howard University. He was senior scientist at Lever
Brothers India from 1959-1967 and professor of chemistry at Morgan State University from 1967-90. His publications include In Search of a
Meaningful Life and the Delight of Living, in addition to publications in his discipline.
Salute to The Graduate Certificate, Master’s Degree, and Ph.D. Degree Candidates Class of 2008
29
*Total Ph.D. Degrees by Division and Department
ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Communication and Culture
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Communication Arts and Sciences
(Communication Sciences and Disorders
and Communication and Culture were
merged until 1979)
Education
English
Human Communication Studies
(Now Communication and Culture)
Mass Communication and Media Studies
Modern Languages and Literatures
ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES
210
38
55
184
78
131
13
9
BIOLOGICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES
Anatomy
Biochemistry
Biology
Genetics
Microbiology
Nutritional Sciences
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Pharmacology
Physiology
Psychology
30
16
29
169
44
35
44
2
89
64
265
Atmospheric Sciences
Chemistry
Electrical Engineering
Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering
Physics
6
253
51
43
24
78
SOCIAL SCIENCES
African Studies
Economics
History
Human Ecology
(Discontinued)
Political Science
Social Work
Sociology
Total
146
120
105
58
201
30
104
2,563
______________________
* Total as of May 2, 2008
Annual Hood Presentation Ceremony - Howard University Graduate School
First Ph.D. Graduates by Major Department
DEPARTMENT
African Studies & Research
Anatomy
Atmospheric Sciences
Biochemistry
Biology
Chemistry
Communication & Culture
*
Communication Arts & Sciences
Communication Sciences & Disorders
Economics
Electrical Engineering
English
Genetics & Human Genetics
History
** Human Communication
Studies
*** Human Ecology
Mass Communication & Media Studies
Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering
Microbiology
Modern Languages
Nutritional Sciences
Pharmaceutical Science
Pharmacology
Physics
Physiology
Political Science
Psychoeducational Studies
Psychology
**** Romance Languages
Social Work
Sociology
****** Zoology
GRADUATE
Lezmore Emanuel
Ophelia Weeks
Natasha Greene
Lizette Roldán
Andrea Sealy
Reynold John
Roger Ramsammy
Princess Uston
Harold Delaney
Bibhuti Mazumder
Donna-Marie Darlington-Dawes
Sherry Scott
Johnetta G. Davis
Cleo Jones Gray
Joan Payne
Nereida Hillyer-Wright
Ephraim Mbaba
Thomas Bradley
Gregory Rigsby
Goziam Attoh
Moses Nwulia
GRADUATION DATE
6/5/1970
12/19/1980
5/13/2006
5/13/2006
5/13/2006
5/14/1977
5/8/1993
5/8/1993
6/6/1958
6/6/1958
8/10/2001
8/10/2001
7/24/1976
7/24/1976
7/24/1976
8/11/1990
5/13/1978
5/14/1983
1/25/1968
7/26/1986
6/3/1966
William Shija
Ikemefuna Obizoba
Kandace Harris
Sherrie Wallington
Abdulkeni Zekeria
Ramasamy Sellappan
Warren Ashe
Agnes Day
Toney Davis III
Uchenna Olejeme
Vida Farrar
Samarendra Dutta
Titus Pankey, Jr.
Basdeo Balkissoon
Elaine Yarborough
Norris Haynes
Mildred Johnson-Brown
Fred Yaffe
Simon Ndombele
Sandra Crewe
Ivor Livingston
Nathaniel Boggs, Jr.
James Oliviere
Sidney Smith, Jr.
5/14/1988
5/8/1976
12/22/2005
12/22/2005
12/14/1984
12/21/1977
5/12/1984
5/12/1984
8/7/1993
5/11/1991
8/7/1993
8/22/1964
8/26/1961
6/5/1964
12/22/1995
7/29/1978
7/29/1978
8/28/1972
5/11/1985
5/10/1997
7/28/1979
6/7/1963
6/7/1963
6/7/1963
*
Divided into two departments: Communication Sciences & Disorders
and Human Communication Studies
**
Now Communication and Culture
*** No Longer Offered in the Graduate School
**** Now Modern Languages
***** Merged with Botany to form Biology
Salute to The Graduate Certificate, Master’s Degree, and Ph.D. Degree Candidates Class of 2008
31
ALMA MATER
Reared against the eastern sky
Proudly there on hilltop high,
Far above the lake so blue
Stands old Howard firm and true.
There she stands for truth and right,
Sending forth her rays of light,
Clad in robes of majesty;
O Howard, we sing of thee.
Be thou still our guide and stay,
Leading us from day to day;
Make us true and leal and strong,
Ever bold to battle wrong.
When from thee we’ve gone away,
May we strive for thee each day
As we sail life’s rugged sea,
O Howard, we’ll sing of thee.
–Words, J.H. BROOKS, ‘16
–Music, F.D. MALONE, ‘16
32
Annual Hood Presentation Ceremony - Howard University Graduate School