“The Arc of Scientific Progress”

We live in a changing world that is increasingly impacted by a myriad of human activities. From climate change to the development of artificial intelligence, from the development of clean energy to the advent of social media and life-saving medical treatments. Our work as scientists drives these changes. As members of the scientific community, it is one’s responsibility, one’s duty, to ensure that we bring forth the change we want to see in the world. It is our responsibility to ensure that the innovations we dream up and turn into a reality have a net positive impact in humanity. It is our duty, both as scientists and as humans, to use our voices and ensure that the arc of scientific progress always “bends towards justice.” Our scientific calling, that desire to search for truth that leads to discovery, must go beyond the bench, the workstation, or the office; it must imbue our whole selves.

 

As John Jay College celebrates its 60^th anniversary, the impact that our institution has had on the progress of scientific discovery is clear. To date, and including this year’s class, 361 PRISM Undergraduate Researchers have completed their studies at John Jay. Almost half have been accepted to post-graduate programs in STEM, healthcare, and other fields and 71 have been accepted to doctoral programs. John Jay and PRISM continue to prepare a significant portion of the scientific workforce of America. In addition, our faculty mentors continue to push the boundaries of science, developing anti-cancer drugs, increasing our understanding of human evolution, and creating novel ways to enhance cybersecurity using artificial intelligence.

 

And our PRISM students and scholars continue to shine despite the headwinds that they have faced. Our Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Ashley Kaswer and her classmate Sarah Marks will begin doctoral studies at Michigan State University in Toxicology and Pharmacology. Both completed internships last year at the US Food & Drug Administration. Andrew Vargas will begin his doctoral studies at the John Hopkins School of Public Health, and Aliesha Hetnarine will continue her training in forensic science by pursuing a Master’s degree at Pace University. Marcellino Rau and Isabella Raneri will spend the summer conducting research at Weill Cornell Medical Center and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, coming back to John Jay to begin their Junior year next fall. Samantha Davis will continue her participation in MSK Engage, completing a year of post-baccalaureate research before applying to doctoral programs. And Avani Seelall, Brian De Los Santos, Brooke Fontaine, Christopher McGrowder, Maria Yagual, and Steven Bermejo will begin their last year of the combined BS/MS programs at John Jay in Forensic or Computer Science. Our alumni Pete Ayala, Julian Torres, and Marc Louis will soon begin Master’s programs in computer science, public health, and physician assistant studies, respectively.

 

Our commitment to support you on your journey to becoming professionals in science and technology remains steadfast. We are and continue to be exceedingly proud of you and your accomplishments as you become FIERCE ADVOCATES FOR DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, AND JUSTICE IN SCIENCE!

 

Anthony Carpi, PhD

Program Director, Vice-Provost, and Dean of Research

 

Edgardo Sanabria-Valentín, PhD

Associate Program Director

 

 

PRISM is supported by external grants, and by the philanthropic support of generous individuals. To support and partner with PRISM, visit : http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/support-prism