May 1, 2013 -- Dr. Michael Johnson majored in Music as an undergraduate at Duke and only discovered his love for mentoring and research while in graduate school at UNC.    He is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  He credits his graduate and postdoctoral mentors for helping him finding his true calling in life.  His advice for young scientists are to be bold, take risks and believing in yourself.  Learn more about Dr. Michael Johnson.  

April 1, 2013 -- Lydia Contreras was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and immigrated to New York City as a young girl.  She participated in science camps in middle school and credits her high school biology and chemistry teachers for giving her to confidence to pursue science in college. Contreras has received several academic, teaching and service awards including a New York City’s Mayor Award for community service... More about Lydia Contreras.   

March 1, 2013 -- Jerome Nwachukwu is a Research Associate at the Scripps Research Institute in Florida.  He is a graduate of the MARC/USTAR scholarship program which game him the opportunity to conduct research as an undergraduate.  He credits his mentors throughout college and graduate school for his success as a scientist.  Learn more about Jerome Nwachukwu.