Introducing the 2018 Class of the Young Scholars Summer Research Institute! This program hosted by the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity, in collaboration with Durham Public Schools, offers high school and middle school students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of academic research while exploring complex social issues and equity topics.
Meet Our Scholars
Each Scholar has completed a rigorous curriculum and culminated their experience by presenting a group presentation (Cohort 1), research poster (Cohort 2), and research paper (Cohort 3) on pressing social issues. Their projects, ranging from gender roles to beauty standards, are highlighted below. To learn more about our Scholars, view their individual profiles which showcase their project topics and the schools they attend.
Scholars in each cohort hail from various high schools and middle schools across Durham, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the program.
Cohort 1
Alex McAlmon
Project:
The Effects of Social Media Representation on Racial Identity, Perception, and Housing
Education:
Northern Durham High School
Amelie Novio
Project:
Policy Implications on Immigration
Education:
Charles E. Jordan High School
DeeAysia Albritton
Project:
The Effects of Social Media Representation on Racial Identity, Perception, and Housing
Education:
Northern Durham High School
Farleyson Tarley
Project:
Policy Implications on Immigration
Education:
Durham School of Technology
Israfil Brandon
Project:
Financial Literacy: A Stepping Stone to Prosperity
Education:
Middle College High School at Durham Technical Community College
Jacqueline Rice
Project:
Financial Literacy: A Stepping Stone to Prosperity
Education:
Charles E. Jordan High School
Jaden Henderson
Project:
Modern Slavery: Why Does It Still Exist In Us Prisons?
Education:
Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College High School
Jazmin Rawls (Visiting Scholar)
Project:
The Impact of Racial Bias In Advanced Academia
Education:
The Institute for the Development of Young Leaders
Cohort 2
Oyinkansola Ajasa
Project:
Desirable Homes, Undesirable Schools: Gentrification and Education
Education:
Durham School of the Arts
Samuel Dixon
Project:
Black Versus Blue: Violence and Racial Inequities in the Police Force
Education:
Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College High School
Syniaa Pace
Project:
Stolen Role Models, Lost Childhood
Education:
Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College High School
Thomas Bennett
Tyreek Lloyd
Project:
Poison in the School System
Education:
Southern Durham High School of Energy and Sustainability
Cohort 3
Ákánké Mason-Hogans
Project:
The Achievement Gradient: The Effects of Colorism on Student Achievement in K-12 Schools
Education:
Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College High School
Ayden Lawrence (Visiting Scholar)
Project:
The Struggle to Find Healthy Food: The Creation of Food Deserts
Education:
Voyager Academy
Jenny Uba
Project:
Examining the Fast Food Industry and its Effects on Food Swamps
Education:
City of Medicine Academy
Kollin Brown
Project:
The African “American Dream”: The Destruction of the Black Wall Street
Education:
Hillside High School
Oluwatobi Adio
Project:
Taking A Look Into The Embedded Trap: Examining The Sexual Assault at Fraternity Parties
Education:
City of Medicine Academy
Samuel Philpott
Project:
The Depths of Our Racial Divide: A War Against Drugs and Subliminal Discrimination
Education:
Hillside High School
Sandra Santillan
Project:
Today and Tomorrow Beyond Bars: Mental Health in American Prisons and Jails
Education:
Hillside High School
Meet Our Team
The Young Scholars Summer Research Institute is driven by a dedicated team of staff, administrators, instructors, interns, teaching assistants, mentors, and volunteers who support the growth and success of our Scholars. Their collective expertise, passion, and commitment provide invaluable guidance throughout the program, fostering a nurturing environment for students to excel.
Below, you can explore the profiles of our team members to learn more about the people who help bring this program to life.
Institute Personnel
Alexandria Miller
Role:
Program Coordinator
Institution:
Cook Center, Duke University
Alison Edwards
Role:
Cohort 1 Instructor
Institution:
Durham Public Schools
Amazende Adi
Role:
Research Intern
Institution:
Hillside High School
Boluwatife Ajasa
Role:
Research Intern
Institution:
Durham School of Arts
Cheyenne Solorio
Role:
Cohort 2 Instructor
Institution:
John W. Neal Middle School
Daniel Bullock
Role:
Durham Public Schools Program Liaison
Institution:
Executive Director for Equity Affairs at Durham Public Schools
Elijah King
Role:
Research Intern
Institution:
Riverside High School
2018 Hank and Billye Suber Aaron Young Scholars Capstone Conference
On Monday, July 30, 2018, student participants of the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity's Young Scholars Summer Research Institute presented their research before institute peers, university scholars, and Durham community members at the Nasher Museum of Art. Esteemed guests included keynote speaker Mrs. Billye S. Aaron of the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation and members of the Cook family including Mrs. Sylvia Cook, Mr. Samuel DuBois Cook Jr. and his two children.
Capstone
Explore images from the Institute and Capstone Project Showcase.
