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FMC Students Earn Awards for Science, Computer Research

Posted on: Monday, 29 March 2004, 06:00 CST

MIAMI, March 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Five students from Florida Memorial College earned recognition for their research in physics, chemistry and computer science at a regional competition among top universities and colleges.

Earning awards in half of the six categories, FMC students competed and placed at the Florida Georgia Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (FGLSAMP) Project: Paulette Cazoe, first place in the oral physics category; Dionne Cozier, first place in oral chemistry; Kern Wilson, second place in oral physics; Tricia Alexander, second place in oral chemistry; and Julian Dawkins, second place in computer science.

"We have a number of students who are focused on conducting research," said Karl Wright, Ph.D., executive vice president and provost of Florida Memorial College. "This competition serves as an outlet for our students to earn recognition for their research and compete among peers from other institutions."

Paulette Cazoe, 23, a senior in Engineering, has held on to the first place award in the oral physic category for the past three years. She impressed the judges with her research into electric and magnetic fields. Using longstanding theories she delved into the physics equations known as the Quantum Boltzmann equation and derived a revised version. "My work allows scientists to understand properties that impact power supply. If you understand how your power supply works, then you are able to develop machinery that's more efficient," said Cazoe.

Dionne Cozier, 22, a senior in Pre-Med/Biology, won first place in the oral chemistry award for her research. Cozier, who studied a genetic enzyme linked to diabetes, said, "If we understand how the enzymes works, then treatments can be developed."

Kern Wilson, 23, a junior in Engineering, took second place in the oral physics category. He took an equation and looked at how noise impacts small minute quantities. "Noise limits the performance of any electrical devise," Wilson said. "Static noise is a major problem in the telecommunications industry as it hinders the ability to send clear signals over long distances."

Tricia Alexander, 23, a freshman in Chemistry, placed second in the oral chemistry category. She took an in-depth look at how a genetic enzyme linked to diabetes functions under different conditions that mimicked a lab on the computer. "I wanted to provide background research on information that could help find a cure for diabetes," said Alexander. "All things considered, the competition was an opportunity that I could not refuse."

Julian Dawkins, 25, sophomore in Management Information Systems, placed second in the computer science category. Dawkins designed a kiosk that offers a tour of the Florida Memorial College campus and information on academic degree program. "It's a tool to showcase the campus and ultimately it will allow guests to visit us from anywhere in the world."

The National Science Foundation funds the FGLSAMP Project. The focus of the competition is to increase the number of minorities graduating in and entering graduate programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics -- called STEM fields.

"In order to maintain its position as the best in the world in STEM fields, America has to fully develop the talent of all its citizens," said Dr. A James Hicks, program director of LSAMP. "There is a report that contends that there is a rapid growing imbalance between supply and demand of technically skilled workers here."

For more information on the winning students or Florida Memorial College, call the Office of Public Affairs at (305) 626-3624. Florida Memorial College offers 41 undergraduate, three graduate degree programs and serves some 2,200 students. The College, South Florida's only historically Black college, has provided educational opportunity to young men and women since 1879.

Florida Memorial College

CONTACT: Lynnelle Mays, Florida Memorial College, +1-305-626-3624, orcell, +1-305-606-5706

Web site: http://www.fmc.edu/

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