As a biology major with a pre-med concentration and a minor in anthropology, Nneka’s journey began with a thirst for research opportunities, starting in high school with the Empower Stem Program at Georgia State University. Reflecting on her experiences, she shared, “through this program I learned many scientific techniques ranging from aseptic techniques to colorimetric assay analysis.” Transitioning to university, her hunger for more led her to explore the MARC-Program under the NIH, focusing on neuroimmunology research under Dr. Jessica Bolton’s guidance.

The pivotal moment came when Nneka discovered the Black Doctoral Network Conference but faced a financial hurdle. However, through the Emeriti Just-In-Time grant, Nneka found a way to attend the conference, kickstarting a series of transformative experiences. “Receiving the award changed things tremendously,” Nneka emphasized recounting her journey from local conferences to national ones. The award boosted her confidence to apply to national conferences like the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists in Phoenix, where she not only got the opportunity to present but won an award as well.

Looking ahead Nneka’s next steps include attending Vanderbilt University Medical Scientist Training Program – Summer Research Program where it will, “help set me on the path for my post-graduation goals of being a physician-scientist that helps underrepresented communities through the acquired knowledge I obtain from my academics, experiences, and opportunities,” and eventually put her in a position where she will be able to, ” provide similar aid and mentorship to others in a similar manner that has been done to me thus far by many amazing individuals and associations, like the Emeriti Association.”

Makayla Johnson, a junior at the Robinson College of Business, shared her story of the enduring power of faith, resilience and timely support thanks to the profound impact of the Just-In-Time grant. “Embarking on my academic journey within the Honors College has been transformative,” Makayla remarked, highlighting the challenges she faced as a high school valedictorian from a low-income background.

The Just-In-Time grant was introduced to Makayla by Dean Cook whom Makayla remarks as having, “transcended her administrative role to become a mentor, a confidante, and a beacon of light during my darkest times”. To Makayla, the Just-In-Time grant symbolized far more than financial assistance. “It represented a lifeline, faith in my potential, and divine timing aligning with my transformative journey,” Makayla emphasized.

With the support of the Just-In-Time grant, Makayla embarked on a strategic expedition to San Francisco. “In San Francisco, I had the extraordinary opportunity to engage directly with leading companies such as LinkedIn, Amazon, and may others” which proved to be a pivotal step in her career progression, forging valuable connections, and immersing herself in workshops and competitions.
As Makayla looks toward the future in government agencies and law, her message resonates as a celebration of perseverance, determination, and the transformative power of support. She closed with a summation of her own experience with the Emeriti Association and the Just-In-Time grant as a story that, “underscores the enduring value of your contributions. Your efforts have laid the foundations upon which others build their dreams, and your legacies continue to inspire beyond the bounds of retirement. May we all hold onto the principles of perseverance, hope, and trust in the significance of our life’s work.”

Chinedu Odedo, a pre-medical student at Georgia State University, recently shared his gratitude for the life-changing opportunity provided by the Emeriti Just-In-Time grant. “It is both an honor and a privilege,” he began, “to sit and before you today with a heart overflowing with gratitude.”

Born with a congenital heart condition that required early surgery, Chinedu’s curiosity about medical interventions sparked during his high school years. His path took a meaningful turn when he, “finally got the opportunity to explore surgeries as a volunteer with the VOOM Foundation, an organization that provides heart surgeries to underserved communities in Nigeria,” his home country where he once was unable to get the lifesaving surgeries he was now providing. This opportunity allowed him to witness firsthand the vital role of organizations in providing critical healthcare to underserved communities.

Reflecting on his experience, Chinedu expressed, “This grant has not only enabled me to pursue my educational and career dreams but has also empowered me to be a part of something much greater than myself—the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of those who need it most.” Concluding his speech with his heartfelt gratitude, “to everyone in this room, your foundation’s belief in the potential of us students has been a driving force behind our journeys.”

To the Emeriti Association,

The Emeriti Association supported a trip to Boston, Massachusetts to present my research at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting. At the meeting, I learned from scientific leaders in my field and developed new connections that led to my pursuit of an exciting leadership role. I met the chair of the American Society for Nutrition Student Interest Group (SIG) at the conference and was invited to apply for a leadership role within their interest group. Now, I serve as the undergraduate representative for the SIG and have co-hosted a webinar geared toward assisting graduate students identify and successfully apply for predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowships.

I have also had the chance to speak with current graduate students at different universities around the country regarding their experience and motivations behind pursuing a doctoral degree. Thanks to your support, I was granted the chance to present my science to students and experts at a national conference. My passion for pursuing graduate school and a career in academia was strengthened as a result of your donation, and I am infinitely grateful for your support.

Thank you,

Wesley Grace

SOPHIE YOUNT IS THE FIRST Honors College student to receive funding from the Emeriti Association’s Just in Time Fund. She is a sophomore from Canton, Georgia, majoring in biochemistry. The JIT funding made it possible for Sophie to take her very first trip on a plane to attend the 2017 Experimental Biology Conference in Chicago, where she presented a poster with her departmental co-author and faculty sponsor Dr. Huanbiao Mo, Chair of the Nutrition Department. Sophie chose to major in biochemistry because she is fascinated with the mechanisms and building blocks of everyday life. “Going into college, I knew I had an affinity for the sciences and that one day I would want to pursue a post-baccalaureate degree. For my undergraduate degree, I chose the best of both worlds: biochemistry.

By majoring in chemistry and concentrating in biology, I felt that I would be equipped for any career that I may choose later,” Sophie says. Sophie chose to attend Georgia State “because of the unparalleled opportunities offered to its undergraduate students. From the impeccable programs within the Honors College, to the plethora of academic clubs, the support and learning experiences offered at Georgia State are unrivaled for enhancing one’s undergraduate education.” Sophie believes that what distinguishes Georgia State from other universities are “the opportunities offered to undergraduates to conduct hands-on work in fields of interest.” Sophie notes that these opportunities have enhanced her application to graduate schools and helped narrow her focus on career options. At the conference, Sophie heard top research professionals from around the world speaking in-depth about cutting-edge studies. She emphasizes that she “never would have learned about these studies without this funding.” After having the opportunity to discuss her own research with professionals attending the conference, she feels “more confident that the work I’m participating in can impact many people in the future. After a long and hard semester, it was the most gratifying thing to see my hard work finally pay off.” Sophie says that she “cannot thank the Emeriti Association enough” for the opportunity to attend the conference, adding that “it has truly been one of her greatest college experiences.”

EmeriTies, Fall 2017 – Kim Clifford and Mary Whitehead