Introducing the Inaugural Class of the Young Scholars Summer Research Institute! This program hosted by the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity, in collaboration with Durham Public Schools, offers high school and middle school students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of academic research while exploring complex social issues and equity topics.
Meet Our Scholars
Each Scholar has completed a rigorous curriculum and culminated their experience by presenting a group capstone project on pressing social issues. Their projects, ranging from racial profiling to educational inequities, are highlighted below. To learn more about our Scholars, view their individual profiles which showcase their project topics and the schools they attend.
Scholars in our inaugural cohort hail from various high schools and middle schools across Durham, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the program.
Inaugural Cohort

Shanya Hayes
Project:
Mental Illness and Prison
Education:
Charles E. Jordan High School

Sydney Grissom
Project:
Racial Profiling and Injustice System
Education:
Charles E. Jordan High School

Trinity Robinson
Project:
Racial Profiling
Education:
Durham School of the Arts
Meet Our Team
The Young Scholars Summer Research Institute is driven by a dedicated team of staff, administrators, instructors, interns, teaching assistants, mentors, and volunteers who support the growth and success of our Scholars. Their collective expertise, passion, and commitment provide invaluable guidance throughout the program, fostering a nurturing environment for students to excel.
Below, you can explore the profiles of our team members to learn more about the people who help bring this program to life.
Institute Personnel

Addison Malone
Role:
Program Coordinator
Institution:
Cook Center, Duke University

Daniel Bullock
Role:
Cohort Instructor
Institution:
K-12 Social Studies Curriculum Specialist at Durham Public Schools



Kristalyn Cooksey
Role:
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Institution:
Duke University

Patrick Dall
Role:
Cohort 1 Instructor
Institution:
George Lucas Carrington Middle School

Raymond Beamon
Role:
Cohort Instructor
Institution:
Hillside High School/Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

Young Scholars Summer Research Institute
Video produced by Mohamad Chamas and Rahima Rahi, with help from Bruce Orenstein to showcase the Young Scholars Summer Research Insitute.
Capstone
Explore images from the Institute and Capstone Project Showcase.