The U.S. gained a biomedical engineer who is contributing knowledge to research in cystic fibrosis thanks in part to UMES’ School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences. Dr. Yasmin Roye (UMES Class of 2020), a scientist in Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonology, returned to her alma mater as the guest speaker for the 73rd annual Honors Convocation on April 2, 2026.
Roye, born and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland, attributes her success in the field to the state’s foundational education system. Her instruction began as a youth involved in Maryland’s Gifted and Talented program, progressing to the biology track in Oxon Hill High School’s Science and Technology Program.
At UMES, Roye was a participant of LSAMP, where she was mentored by Dr. Tracy Bell, published her first research project with Dr. Uche Udeochu in the Journal of Spectroscopy, explored microfluidic fabrication and the application of nanomaterials in Dr. Kausik Das’ lab and researched the causes of neutrophil accumulation in the lung with Dr. Jennifer Bobenko.
Roye’s work with Bobenko earned her a first-place award at UMES’ Undergraduate Research Symposium for her poster titled, “Investigation of Neutrophil Sequestration Using a Lung Capillary Constriction Device.” The surgical and immunology research took place during a summer 2019 Leadership Alliance internship at Brown University.
The budding scientist was awarded the 2020 Award of Excellence for the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences along with the most outstanding student in the Department of Natural Sciences at the annual honors convocation. She graduated that year summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry.
It was not the typical year for the traditional honors convocation and graduation. The COVID-19 pandemic forced campus to go virtual.
“But thanks to Dr. Michael Lane, President Heidi M. Anderson and the rest of the UMES team who put together as special of a moment as possible that turbulent year, virtually,” Roye said.
After graduation, Roye attended Duke University’s biomedical engineering Ph.D. program as a William M. “Monty” Reichter Fellow and Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellow, graduating in five years from the program.
Her message
Addressing the next generation of high achievers, Roye said, “From 1886 to 2026, a rich history has been made here that you are a part of. History is being made today, right now. You have got to tell your story: Don’t allow anyone else to write it for you.
“Tell about the struggles and small wins, the late-night study sessions in the basement of Frederick Douglass Library, that eureka moment when it’s finally starting to make sense. Through every success, every trial and all that is in between, we are building our story, our passions and our legacy. We’re shaping ourselves and the world around us. Brick by brick, keep building. Build by yourself, build with your neighbor, with those who have come before and after you. Tell your story, piece by piece. And just like Dr. Martin Luther King in his final speech from Memphis, soon ‘you’ll see the mountaintop’.”
Above: UMES President Heidi M. Anderson, left, presents a plague to UMES alumna Yasmin Roye for giving UMES’ 73rd Honors Convocation keynote address. Dr. Rondall Allen, right, provost and vice president for academic affairs, was also present.
Gail Stephens, agricultural communications and media associate, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, gcstephens@umes.edu., 410-621-3850.
Photos by Todd Dudek, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, tdudek@umes.edu.
