NCC Students Awarded State Space Grant Scholarship
“I was always interested in astronomy as a child, and spent much of my time stargazing and watching celestial events like meteor showers and lunar eclipses with my family.” “Learning about science has been an activity I have enjoyed since early childhood. I always want to learn more.” As foretold in these statements, Kayla Gomez and Ismael Gomez, Nash Community College Biology students were destined for the field of science since adolescence. It is fitting that they have been awarded the 2015-2016 North Carolina Space Grant Community College Scholarship. Based on academic merit, the $5000 grant is provided through a partnership with the North Carolina Community College System to benefit college students majoring in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) disciplines. Rocky Mount native, Kayla says, “It is critical for me to continually build upon what I know and be informed enough so I can be an effective science communicator. My academic goals are to acquire more research experience, greatly expand my knowledge in at least one scientific subject, and ultimately acquire an advanced degree such as a Masters or Ph.D.” Bailey native, Ismael relates to Kayla’s pursuit of higher education, “Personally this award will serve as a motivator. My ultimate education goal is to obtain a Doctorate in Biology and Pharmacology.”
Kayla and Ismael are both active members in College and community related clubs and organizations. Kayla is currently a member of the National Technical Honors Society, Iota Zeta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, Beta Upsilon Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, Math and Science Club at Nash Community College and Association of Southeastern Biologists. A freshman at NCC, Kayla’s main interests are microbiology, molecular biology, astrobiology and the use of technology in education and research. Ismael is president of the Nash Community College Math and Science Club and is a tutor and recruiter for the Nash-Rocky Mount Schools Migrant Education Program. He has plans to attend science symposiums and meetings to present phylogenetic research later in the year.
“Inspiring people to look in awe at the universe they are a part of is very important to me. I am passionate about educating the public, especially children, about science and I want to introduce more people to the many pleasures of being curious, thinking critically, and exploring the universe,” states Kayla. Ismael’s drive for involvement and a continued pursuit of knowledge in the field of science come from some of his own curiosities, “Why is my hair black? What were my ancestors like? Those types of questions have caused me to learn the way genes shape characteristic or organisms with great fervor.”
In keeping with the NC Space Grant Community College STEM Scholarship receipt guidelines, Kayla and Ismael will attend the 2015 North Carolina Space Grant (NCSG) Student Symposium at High Point University in November and will be featured in a brief video on the NCSG website detailing their interest and passion for STEM education and career pathways. In reference to his career pathway, Ismael said, “I want to find ways to combine my knowledge of pharmaceuticals and genetics in order to discover more effective treatments of disease.” Kayla expressed, “I want to become both a scientist and a teacher. I wish, more than anything, to inspire the next generation of scientists. As someone who aspires to be a science educator, this is my main career goal.”
