Introducing the 2019 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 webpage (Cohort 1), research poster (Cohort 2), and research paper (Cohort 3) on pressing social issues. Their projects, ranging from recidivism to immigration, 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 each cohort hail from various high schools and middle schools across Durham, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the program.
Cohort 1
Andwele Baker
Project:
The Cause and Effect of Single Parenting Within Minority Communities
Education:
Charles E. Jordan High School
Angel Boulware
Darlene Rangel-Estrella
Project:
Why is America So Focused on Black and Brown Immigrants
Education:
Northern Durham High School
Gabrielle Armstrong
Project:
The Cause and Effect of Single Parenting Within Minority Communities
Education:
Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College High School
Hatia Melvin
Project:
The Cause and Effect of Single Parenting Within Minority Communities
Education:
Brogden Middle School
Jannire Camey
Project:
The Cause and Effect of Single Parenting Within Minority Communities
Education:
Charles E. Jordan High School
Jessiah Talley
Project:
Why is America So Focused on Black and Brown Immigrants
Education:
Lakewood Montessori Middle School
Cohort 2
Langston Brooks
Maren Henry
Project:
Stereotypes of Black Men In The Media: What Are The Effect Of Their Mental Health
Education:
Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College High School
Michael Jennings
Project:
Impoverished Students: The Track To Standard Courses
Education:
Northern Durham High School
Mya Parker
Project:
Death by Delivery: Implicit Bias Against Black Mothers
Education:
Northern Durham High School
Naia King
Project:
The Fundings of HBCU’s and the Impact on Students of Color
Education:
Riverside High School
Obieze Udemadu
Project:
Taught to be Broken: Financial Literacy in Public School System
Education:
Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College High School
Oluwafunmilayo Adio
Project:
The Tainted Record: The Effect of School Disciplinary Actions on African American Women and the College Graduation Rate
Education:
City of Medicine Academy
Tiya Walker
Project:
Don’t Touch My Hair: Discrimination in the Workplace
Education:
Northern Durham High School
Cohort 3
Alana Petifer
Project:
The Toxic Spring of Organic Beauty: The Unintended Effects of the Green Beauty Industry
Education:
Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College High School
Catherine Kiplagat
Project:
Brains Behind Bars: Lack of Mental Health Treatment increases Recidivism Rates
Education:
City of Medicine Academy
Israfil Brandon
Project:
From Morsels to Crumbs: What’s Left for Black America in the Wake of the Great Recession
Education:
Middle College High School at Durham Technical Community College
Lauryn Futrell
Project:
No Good Shots: An Analysis of the Underrepresentation of Black Female Health Care Providers
Education:
City of Medicine Academy
Samuel Dixon
Project:
Financial Literacy Makes a Difference: How Financial Literacy Education Impacts African American Youth
Education:
Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College High School
Thomas Bennett
Project:
Family Matters: The Impact of Incarceration on the Black Family
Education:
Hillside High School
Tyreek Lloyd
Project:
Blackness is Not a Crime: The Effectiveness of Diversity Training in Combating Police Brutality
Education:
Southern Durham High School of Energy and Sustainability
Meet Our Team
The Aaron 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
Ayden Lawrence
Role:
Volunteer
Institution:
Voyager Academy
Boluwatife Ajasa
Role:
Research Intern
Institution:
Durham School of Arts
Caitlin Wynn
Role:
Volunteer
Institution:
Duke University
Cheyenne Solorio
Role:
Cohort 2 Instructor
Institution:
John W. Neal Middle School
Daniel Bullock
Role:
Durham Public Schools Program Liaison
Institution:
Executive Director for Equity Affairs at Durham Public Schools
Darryl Bradshaw
Role:
Cohort 1 Instructor
Institution:
Durham Public Schools
Elijah King
Role:
Research Intern
Institution:
Riverside High School
Erica Phillips
Role:
Program Coordinator
Institution:
Cook Center, Duke University
2019 Hank & Billye Suber Aaron Young Scholars Capstone Conference
On July 31, 2019, the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University hosted its annual Hank & Billye Suber Aaron Young Scholars Research Institute Capstone Conference. This event took place at Duke's Penn Pavilion where families, Duke faculty, and DPS teachers/officials gathered to engage with the scholars’ research.
Capstone
Explore images from the Capstone!
