2021-22 Academic Year Research Scholars

Ms. Alemayehu was selected as an IN LSAMP Scholar in 2021. Currently, she is seeking a BS degree in Biology and Pre-medical preparation. As an LSAMP scholar, she has worked with Dr. Bernstein in the Biology lab. Ms. Alemayehu is also involved in MAPS (Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students) and Pre-Health Professions Club. When she graduates, she hopes to go into medical school and become a pediatrician.

Ms. Bornkamp was selected as an IN LSAMP Scholar in 2021. Currently, she is seeking a BS in Biology with a double concentration in wildlife biology & conservation and zoology. As an LSAMP scholar, she has worked with Stacy Yager on the study of paleoceanography and paleoclimatology through the use of micropaleontology. After graduation, she hopes to attend graduate school and become a wildlife biologist focused on the research and conservation of threatened/endangered species.

Dan was selected as an IN LSAMP Scholar in 2021. He is pursuing a BS in computer science with a minor in computer technology. As an LSAMP scholar, he worked with Dr. Skoby on using machine learning to collect data from relativistic heavy-ion collisions. Mr. Chepkwony currently serves as the Chief Quality Officer of Online Impacts which is a nonprofit organization that helps other nonprofits build websites. He plans on going to graduate school while working as a part-time developer.

Ms. Dabson was selected as an IN LSAMP Scholar in 2021. Currently, she is seeking a BS degree in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry. Ms. Dabson is working with Dr. Sammelson in the synthesis of compounds with potential application in medicinal and/or bioorganic chemistry. Ms. Dabson is also involved in African Student Association, Pre-Health Professional Club, Women Empowerment Club, and is a part of the Honors College. When she graduates, she will continue her education in medical school to pursue a career in Anesthesiology.

Mr. Jones was selected as an IN LSAMP Scholar in 2020. Currently, he is seeking a BS degree in microbiology with a minor in Spanish. As an LSAMP scholar, he has worked with Dr. Sharma on genotyping mice to determine which genes affect the development of heart cells. Brendan Jones is the President and Founder of the Red Cross Club at Ball State. This organization provides relief and support to Muncie and the surrounding communities. He also is the President of MAPS (Minority Association of Premedical Students) at Ball State which works to increase the number of minority doctors. He is applying to medical school and aspires to become a neurosurgeon.

Mr. Mendoza has started as a IN LSAMP scholar in 2020. Currently getting a degree in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry. He joined the Genetic Club in 2019 as a member. He is currently doing research with Dr. Konkle.

Mr. Saldivar was selected as an IN LSAMP scholar in 2020. Currently, he is seeking a BS degree in Biology with a concentration in Pre-Veterinary and Zoology. As a LSAMP scholar, he has worked with Dr. Pederson on Glycogen levels in rats and the possible effects that it may have on learning and growth. These tests and experiments can be used to refer to diabetes in humans. Mr. Saldivar has been involved with an on-campus church group, The Revolution, and The Wildlife Society. These organizations help bring forth the development of volunteer work and networking with noticeable personnel. When he graduates, he hopes to get into a graduate school to pursue his Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine.

Ms. Shelton was selected as an IN LSAMP Scholar in 2021. Currently, she is seeking a BS degree in astronomy with a minor in art. As a LSAMP scholar, she has worked with Dr. Berrington in his variable star research group to provide a comprehensive systematic study of short periodicity systems that cannot be provided by the large-area surveys like the All-Sky Automated Survey and the Northern Sky Variability Survey. When she graduates, she hopes to continue to graduate school to become an astronomer.

Mr. Watts was selected as an IN LSAMP Peer Mentor in 2020. Currently, he is seeking a BS in Chemistry and pre-engineering . As a LSAMP scholar, he has worked with Dr. Sergiy Rosokha in the organic chemistry lab. He is a member of the ball state Impact organization for African American students and when he graduates, he hopes to be accepted into an engineering program and become a chemical engineer.