Meet the Second Cohort of UMES STEM STARS Scholars!
Eniola Ajayi-Joseph Biology (Biomedical Sciences)
My name is Eniola Ajayi-Joseph, and my major is Biology (Biomedical Sciences). I applied for the UMES STEM STARS program because I wanted to join a STEM group, and I didn’t initially know we had scholarships. My experience in the program has been great so far. I have been allowed to get acclimated with the school and most of my peers and I made friends before school started. I also bonded with my roommate during the summer program. My advice to Cohort III is to make the best out of everything unless you will be miserable. In addition to the STEM STARS program, I am a member of the Board of the African Students Association.
Dajanell Diaz – Biochemistry
My name is Dajanell Diaz, and I am majoring in Biochemistry. I am currently not participating in any other programs in order to focus strictly on school work. I applied for the STEM STARS program because it supports everything STEM. It is a place for stem students to come together, and it gives opportunities to those students. I have loved the program thus far. It gave me a jump start into the college experience over the summer and a new group of friends. My advice for Cohort III is to pay attention in classes and always be open-minded.
Taurie Grant – General Agriculture (Pre-Vet)
My name is Taurie Grant and I’m an Animal Science major with a Pre-Veterinary track. I applied for the UMES STEM STARS program because of the opportunities that are offered, such as mentoring by faculty fellows and being part of a living-learning community with other students who aspire to achieve higher degrees in STEM. As a STEM STARS scholar, I’ve been granted the experience of team building with my cohort and taking summer classes to acclimate me to the rigor of higher education. I’ve also formed relationships with doctors and professors in STEM disciplines who are helping guide me in my career development. The advice I have for Cohort lll is SHOW UP. Show up in the quality of your work. Show up in your approach to your education. Show up because people believe in you and because you believe in yourself. In addition to STEM STARS, I am also an 1890 Land Grant Scholar and a member of the Pre-vet Club, Biology Society, Environmental Science Association, and MANRRS.
Adrian Harrison – Aviation Science
My name is Adrian Harrison, and I am an aviation science major. I applied to the UMES STEM STARS program because I wanted the opportunity to pursue my passion for aviation at a school surrounded by peers who look just like me and to be a part of a unique group of individuals pursuing new heights in STEM. Thus far, the program has granted me the opportunity to embark on a month-long discovery program in STEM, where I learned how to program and code Arduino boards to do some pretty cool stuff! I also want to pursue my major in aviation, where I do flight training and connect with companies partnered with UMES in the aviation industry. The best advice I can give to Cohort III is to be yourself, have passion for what you do, and not let anything stop you from pursuing your dreams. In addition to connecting with the companies partnered with UMES, I am also involved with an organization called (OBAP) the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, which has greatly inspired me to be where I am today.
Jayla Lee – Biology
My name is Jayla Lee, and my major is Biology. I applied to the UMES STEM STARS program because of my strong passion for science and the opportunity to learn with like-minded peers. To be surrounded by people who are as passionate and motivated as me is something I value very much. The program has provided me with many opportunities to learn, and I am excited to expand my learning, my opportunity for growth in STEM, and to become a contributor in my area of focus. My advice to Cohort III is to be willing to step out of your comfort zone and be open to learning new things from your peers and authority. In addition to STEM STARS, I am in the Honors Program and will join the track team. I have also done an interview to participate in the Street Team Club on campus.
Aquila-Pelcy Maimo – Biology (Pre-Dental)
Hello, my name is Aquila-Pelcy Maimo, and my major is Biology (Pre-dental). I applied for the UMES STEM STARS program because it would allow me to meet some of my fellow class 2028’ before the school year, get familiar with the campus building, and learn more about my professors on campus. The experience this program has granted me so far is the experience to work with Arduino Boards, program different commands, develop new math skills, and face anxiety. For Cohort III, I advise them to show up and be themselves, take their Math tutoring seriously for the placement test, get as close as possible to the instructors they will meet, and, most importantly, communicate with other Cohorts. So far in my UMES college career, I’m participating in volunteering clubs like the Human Ecology Club and being part of WORTH. I am also looking into sports, including playing Lacrosse and getting club roles in social campus groups like Treasurer and Secretary in the Biology club and African American Society here at UMES. As time passed and the end of 1st semester approached, I wanted to grab all the skills I could get, so I joined the skateboard club. I always try to remind myself that skills get sculpted over time, so don’t rush things and be patient. I am grateful for my position in Cohort II and wish the Cohorts before and after me the best of luck!
Niyana Ruffin – Biomedical Engineering
My name is Niyana Ruffin, and I am a Biomedical Engineering major. I applied to the UMES STEM STARS program with the encouragement of my mother. One of the highlights of participating in the program was meeting the President of the University, Dr. Anderson. The advice that I have for Cohort III is to appreciate the summer program. In addition to participating in the STEM STARS program, I am a member of WORTH.
Alexi Schoolfield – Electrical Engineering Technology
My name is Alexi Schoolfield. I am a first-year student at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and a second-cohort scholar of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore STEM STARS program. My major is Electrical Engineering and Technology. I am also in the Honors program and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). I applied to the STEM Stars program to continue my STEM career. I have been in STEM classes all my life, from middle school in the Innovators STEM program to Project Lead the Way (PLTW) in high school, with a focus on Engineering of all kinds. This program has caused me to step out of my comfort zone and learn to be proud of the skills I gained. My advice to Cohort III is to be open. There are going to be scary opportunities. Step out of your comfort zone. It will build your character as well as open new paths for you to go.
Morgan Talbert – General Agriculture (Pre-Vet)
My name is Morgan Talbert, and I am a General Agriculture major with a concentration in Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary Medicine. I applied to the UMES STEM STARS program to gain a support system and a community to guide and assist me through my college journey. The program has given me the experience of being on campus before the start of freshman week, allowing me to acclimate early while also getting a head start on my academic preparations. My advice for Cohort III is to use opportunities wisely and stay on top of what’s happening in the community. I am involved in the Pre-Veterinary organization and MANNRS, but I plan to involve myself more on campus.
