Introducing the 2021 Class of the Hank & Billye Suber Aaron 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 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 digital media content and an essay (Cohort 1), research poster (Cohort 2), and research paper (Cohort 3) 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 each cohort hail from various high schools across Durham, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the program.
Cohort 1
Abiodun Adio
Project:
Analyzing How US Policies Negatively Affect the Lives of Undocumented Immigrants
Education:
School for Creative Studies
Alaina Robinson
Project:
The Impact of Police Brutality in American Society
Education:
Riverside High School
Ashley Romero-Vasquez
Project:
The Impact of Food Deserts in Local Communities
Education:
Durham School of the Arts
Hope Merritt
Project:
An Examination on How Gentrification Negatively Impacts People of Color
Education:
Northern Durham High School
Jamil Ali
Project:
N/A
Education:
Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College High School
Jordan Vereen
Project:
Educational Inequities in Recruitment of Teachers and Staff in School Systems
Education:
Durham School of Technology
Kaleb Lucas
Project:
Income Inequality and Economic Growth In America
Education:
Durham School of the Arts
Maria Hester
Project:
Inequities in our Schools
Education:
School for Creative Studies
Cohort 2
Jessiah Talley
Project:
Black Women and Obstetric Care
Education:
Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College High School
Mikal Ali
Project:
Motivational Strategies For Positive Academic Achievement in Black Boys
Education:
Hillside High School
Victoria Morris
Cohort 3
Amelie Novio
Project:
Prison’s Prison: Solitary Confinement and its Impacts on the Health of Black Men
Education:
Charles E. Jordan High School
DeeAysia Albritton
Project:
Historical Black Durham Renewed, But Displaced
Education:
Northern Durham High School
Michael Jennings
Project:
Excluded from Education: The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Suspension Rates
Education:
Northern Durham High School
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
Catherine Kiplagat
Role:
Research Intern
Institution:
City of Medicine Academy
Daniel Bullock
Role:
Durham Public Schools Program Liaison
Institution:
Executive Director for Equity Affairs at Durham Public Schools
Erica Phillips
Role:
Program Coordinator
Institution:
Cook Center, Duke University
Genevieve Furges
Role:
Research Intern
Institution:
Charles E. Jordan High School
Israfil Brandon
Role:
Research Intern
Institution:
Middle College High School
Kennedy Ruff
Role:
Teaching Assistant
Institution:
Guilford College
