ECSU professors’ summer session prepares freshmen for fall semester

Kesha Williams
July 23, 2015

Eleven incoming freshmen just completed a four-week program, the Applications of Lessons from Model Institutions of Excellence (ALEMIE), which is designed to enhance the retention and graduation of minority students in biological sciences. The students were expected to complete two introductory courses, review related books, develop personal career outlines, and conduct laboratory experiments. Faculty mentors and ECSU professors Dr. Eyualem Abebe and Dr. Tesfaye Serbessa, a graduate student, and two undergraduate mentors assisted the students.Dr. Abebe, the program director, said ALEMIE helps students learn the expectations of college. &quotOur program helps students discuss difficult course content. They get one-on-one attention and learn to use online instructional materials.&quot Once enrolled at the university, the students will continue to work with their undergraduate mentors and score higher grades than students who did not participate in this summer program. &quotWe say this because [past] participants maintained a higher grade point average than other students who did not participate in the program. Furthermore, our program focuses on confidence building and critical thinking skills, two important components required for a successful first year college experience.&quot This program is financially supported by the HBCU Undergraduate Program of the National Science Foundation. photo caption:seated Chancellor Stacey Franklin Jones Standing left to right, First Row: Tanquez Willis (Greensboro, NC) Nautika Powell (Scotland Neck, NC) Semijah Smith (Philadelphia, PA) Tiana Mosley (Henderson, NC) Megan Bridges (Battleboro, NC) Moesha Dickens (Tarboro, NC) Kahlilia Randolph (Colerain, NC) Standing left to right Second Row: Tumi Blossom (Rocky Mount, NC) Shanavia Hooker (Rocky Mount, NC) A’Shanti Johnson (Edenton, NC) Dr. Eyualem Abebe Ryan Wilmot (undergraduate mentor, ECSU senior) Brianna Morris (Undergraduate mentor, ECSU junior) Dakayla Stokes (Charlotte, NC)