UMES STEM STARS Scholars Cohort I

Alleyah Britton: Environmental Science Major

My interest in environmental activism and policy inspired me to apply to the UMES STEM STARS program. I believe everyone is responsible for protecting the earth and creating real change. Seeing the effects of pollution and litter in my community motivated me to major in Environmental Science. Through the UMES STEM STARS program, I have gained valuable experiences that have expanded my knowledge, introduce me to research, and supported my career goals. In 2023, I interned with the UMES Geoscience Bridge program, and I am currently an intern with the NOAA IN FISH program. I am also on the Executive Board of the Environmental Science Association. My advice to the second cohort of UMES STEM STARS Scholars is to be resilient. Learn to embrace your failures and not let anything stop you from pursuing your dreams.

Amaris Cary: Environmental Science Major

Applying to the UMES STEM STARS scholarship program meant more to me than paying for school. When I realized that we (the UMES STEM STARS Scholars) would be together over the summer, partaking in activities, I was immediately excited to make new lifelong friendships. I loved Earth Systems during high school, so I researched possible majors and found Environmental Science. I confirmed that I wanted to do Environmental Science when I took AP Environmental Science, where I excelled and loved what I was learning. The UMES STEM STARS program has allowed me to start research early on campus. I advise the second cohort of UMES STEM STARS Scholars to take every opportunity when they come to you because you have yet to determine where it will lead. In addition to being a UMES STEM STARS Scholar, I am a member of the Environmental Science Association and the American Fisheries Society.

Victoria Casteel: Biology Pre-Med Major

I applied to the UMES STEM STARS program to take a chance, I never thought I would’ve been selected and when I was, it was very motivating. I decided to major in Biology because of my drive to promote change and the betterment of others. I have watched many medical shows and wanted to be many things growing up, but being a Surgeon was the one that always stuck. The UMES STEM STARS program has not only provided a riddance of the financial burden college can be, it has also given me a chance to start my undergraduate research early contributing to cancer research. My advice to the second cohort of UMES STEM STARS Scholars is to get out there and make yourself known to the campus, and not only focus on being a star. I hold many hats on campus, being a member of various clubs, but most notably I am Miss Honors, the SGA class of 2027 secretary, and a hawk ambassador.

Paul Foster: Computer Science Major

I applied to the UMES STEM STARS program because I saw an opportunity to explore the various STEM majors, since initially I was not sure which major I wanted to pursue. I knew that I wanted to do something in a STEM field. The UMES STEM STARS program was the perfect opportunity to find the major that I wanted to pursue and to have a scholarship. I am currently majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Business. I chose this major because I like technology and what it is used for. Participating in the UMES STEM STARS program has been an awarding experience for me. The staff and my fellow cohort members are very welcoming and fun to be around; they are like family to me. My advice for the second cohort of UMES STEM STARS Scholars is to be close with each other. You will be together for four years, so make it count.

Eli Harmon-Ward: Environmental Science Major

I applied to the UMES STEM STARS program, believing it was the perfect fit for me and could bolster my resume and help me cover the cost of college. I chose my major because it encompassed everything that I have been interested in since I was young. So far, the UMES STEM STARS program has helped me gain research experience and advice that will benefit me for the rest of my academic and professional career. My advice to the second cohort of UMES STEM STARS Scholars is to review the notes before class and study directly after class to ensure you comprehend the material. Don’t be afraid to ask questions because that is how you can learn the best in class.

Emmanuel (Manny) Johnson III: Exercise Science Major

I applied to the UMES STEM STARS program because I believed it would help me achieve my academic goals and grow as a person. Thanks to the UMES STEM STARS program, I have been granted all the resources needed in order to be the best scholar I can be. My advice to the second cohort of UMES STEM STARS Scholars is only you can limit yourself, never doubt yourself, and strive for greatness.

Makai Martin: Mechanical Engineering Major

I applied to the UMES STEM STARS program because it gave me an opportunity to build new connections in my desired field of interest without the burden of financial stress. I decided to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering because I aspire to improve humanities quality of life through innovations in robotics and artificial intelligence. Being a scholar in the UMES STEM STARS program has allowed me to with a mentor who has guided me in my interests and has allowed me to meet with like-minded individuals who take their education just as seriously as I do. My advice to the second cohort of UMES STEM STARS Scholars is to connect with your fellow cohort members, they are the people who will be by your side for the duration of your undergraduate college experience. In addition to participating in the UMES STEM STARS program, I am also participating in an entrepreneurship program and a tutoring program.

Gilbert Pinkett III: Mechanical Engineering Major

I applied to the UMES STEM STARS program because I was looking for a college experience that provided the support needed to be successful. When I first read the flyer, I knew that this was the opportunity that I was looking for. I decided to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering because I am a very hands-on person. I am always searching for projects to build and sharpen my skills. I enjoy mathematics and problem-solving, which allows me to excel in my major. By participating in the UMES STEM STARS program, I have been granted the opportunity to participate in a NASA project that allows me to work with upperclassman engineering students as a freshman. My advice to the second cohort of UMES STEM STARS Scholars is to always remember why you are here, no matter what anyone says or thinks you belong. In college, it is easy to get consumed by all the other elements of college life, but you must remember you are here for a great education.

Lena Spiller: Aviation Sciences Major

I applied to the UMES STEM STARS program because college is very expensive and being a scholar offers both a scholarship and research opportunities, which intrigued me. As a child, I was always placed in summer camps around my community. One camp specifically drove my interest in aviation. I have the opportunity to present in the Apple HBCU C2 App Design Challenge, which is a huge accomplishment as I am already building experiences as a freshman. My advice to the second cohort of UMES STEM STARS Scholars is to just be yourself and do what you love. Don’t overload yourself looking for things to put on a resume. In addition to being involved in the UMES STEM STARS program, I am also involved in Women in Aviation (WIA) and the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) which have allowed me to network and meet professionals in the aviation field.

Qureyin Wilkinson: General Agriculture Major

I applied to the UMES STEM STARS program because of my love of the STEM fields and the opportunities to learn more about these fields and gain hands-on experience. Additionally, I knew that participating in a program like UMES STEM STARS could help me build my skills and knowledge in STEM subjects, which could help me pursue careers in these areas. I picked my pre-vet major because I am passionate about animals and want to make a difference in their lives by providing medical care and treatment. So far, the UMES STEM STARS program has offered the experience of working in labs on campus, meeting new people, and learning how to be a good student. My advice to the second cohort of UMES STEM STARS Scholars is to stay committed and focused on your goals. Remember that the UMES STEM STARS program is a unique opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills and connect with peers and industry professionals. Currently, I am participating in the Pre-Vet program on campus, where their mission is to build up the next generation of Veterinarians.