2023 Graduate Spotlights (F-L)

Celebrating Drew Scholars Class of 2023!  

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*Featured profile includes photo(s) and written spotlight.

Taylor Fairley

Psychology, Bachelor of Science Youth & Society, Minor College of Social Science

Emma Force

Zoology, Bachelor of Science American Indian & Indigenous Studies, Minor College of Natural Science

Karen Gutierrez Chavez

Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Bachelor of Science College of Natural Science Honors College

Delaney Hamlin*

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Bachelor of Science College of Natural Science Honors College Romulus, MI

About

Delaney is from Romulus, MI, and has aspired to become a pharmacist since her youth. She saw how her father depended on pharmacists’ advice and wanted to make her own impact to help patients. Her goals are to encourage patients to be proactive, educate them on medications, and show them that she is a resource at their disposal.

While at MSU, she helped found the ALJ Minority Pre-Pharmacy Organization, whose mission is to support and highlight minority students pursuing careers in pharmaceutical sciences. Delaney was also a part of the TRiO program and she served as an Undergraduate Research Assistant for the United States Department of Agriculture- Agriculture Research Service, and was selected as Alpha Phi Alpha’s 2022 Miss Gold and Miss Talent.

Delaney is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology! She hopes to encourage patients to be proactive with their health and educate them about their medications.  She aims to do this as a practicing clinical pharmacist working in urban communities. Following graduation, Delaney will begin a Doctorate of Pharmacy degree program at the University of Illinois at Chicago!

Meaning of this Momentous Occasion

“I have been blessed to attend MSU and meet some of the most amazing people and make meaningful connections that will help me from now until forever. Graduating college is a big accomplishment that I am very proud of and hope sharing my experience can encourage others to continue and persevere.”

Significance of Drew Scholars

“Drew has helped me make my best friends for life. I have managed to keep the same friend group since move-in week Freshman year! Throughout my time at MSU, I have been able to connect with at least one other person in my courses through the help of Drew.”

To My Peers and Successors

“Do what you have to do, so you can do what you want to do. That is what got me through these last 4 years and I have managed to have academic success and socially engage with others. Finding that balance is what is most important and knowing when and where to make sacrifices.”

Shannon Havlik

Neuroscience, Bachelor of Science College of Natural Science Honors College

Caleb Haywood

Neuroscience, Bachelor of Science College of Natural Science

Nick Heelan

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Bachelor of Science Genomics & Molecular Genetics, Bachelor of Science Anthropology, Minor College of Natural Science Honors College

Saniya Henderson*

Human Biology, Bachelor of Science College of Natural Science Detroit, MI

 About

Saniya’s hometown is Detroit, MI, where she lived with her parents and four siblings. hBeing the fourth child of five children and the first girl, has taught her understanding and patience. She has also gained the special skill of reading and adapting to changing situations quickly after taking on the role of third parent. Being able to look at a set of circumstances and slowly pick the situation apart gives her a distinctive outlook on the world and motivates her to continuously grow and overcome her challenges. She is grateful for the trust that her parents bestowed upon her as she now feels like she can handle almost anything. 

It is also rewarding for her to know that her siblings look to her for support and guidance when they need help and reassurance. Being this type of support for her siblings has significantly influenced her decision to work with young Black girls to cultivate their sense of safety and belonging in the world of STEM. 

As an undergraduate, Saniya carried out research in the Quintanilla lab in the Department of Entomology.  As she gained proficiency as an undergraduate researcher, she became more familiar with the work of Dr. Henry Chung’s on the evolution of insect physiology which reinforced her decision to obtain a PhD.

Significance of Drew Scholars

Saniya has shared what it means to be a Drew scholar:

“Being in the Charles Drew Scholars program as an alumni will allow me access to dozens of black and brown students in the STEM field who are working towards a graduate degree. As an alumni of this program. I have developed confidence and leadership skills while working with my peers to help them find experiences in their undergraduate journey.” 

To My Peers and Successors

Saniya shares advice with peers and successors:

“Give back to the community who has supported you in your journey to success.” 

Additional Thoughts from Saniya

“If young students are excited about science, it is important to keep them excited about science because the world is always looking for passionate individuals who can work through trial and error repeatedly. I want to be able to be a voice for black and brown students and be a revolving door to all students who would like to ask questions about furthering their career.”

Amber Hickey

Human Biology, Bachelor of Science College of Natural Science Honors College Detroit, MI

Christopher Infante

Human Biology, Bachelor of Science College of Natural Science

Charla Jackson

Biomedical Laboratory Science, Bachelor of Science College of Natural Science

Morgan Jones

Microbiology, Bachelor of Science College of Natural Science

Pam Jones

Microbiology, Bachelor of Science College of Natural Science Honors College

Fernanda Lopez Bermejo*

Genomics and Molecular Genetics, Bachelor of Science German, Minor College of Natural Science Honors College Rochester Hills, MI

About

Fernanda moved to Michigan from Mexico 10 years ago. She attended high school in Rochester Hill before continuing her education at MSU. After completing her education at MSU, she will continue on to Physician Assistant school at Midwestern University in Illinois. 

During her time at MSU, she was a Research Assistant in the Eisthen Lab, and held an E-Board position for a student club prior to COVID.

Fernanda is graduating from the College of Natural Science and Honors College with a Bachelor of Science in Genomics and Molecular Genetics, and a minor In German. Her next chapter will begin as a student in the Midwestern University Physician Assistant Program!

Meaning of this Momentous Achievement

“I had a great time at MSU, and I met a lot of my best friends in the Drew program. Graduating is a step closer towards my goals with the support of my friends and family.”

Significance of Drew Scholars

I met most of my friends from the Drew program because from the beginning of college, we were all able to connect through the program. It also helped me become more professional.

Advice for Peers and Successors

“Try to meet as many people as you can in Drew because everyone is great and you’ll find amazing friends.”

Destyni Luna

Human Biology, Bachelor of Science Anthropology, Minor College of Natural Science Honors College