CSTEP & HEOP Scholars
Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP)
Increases the number of historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students pursuing careers in STEM or licensed professions.
Eligibility: New York State resident. Underrepresented minority student who is in a STEM major or intends to enter a licensed profession.
Funding: NYS Department of Education and Clarkson University
Niyogushima Nuru - Using Bovine Serum Albumin For Proteomics Training in Breast Cancer Research
Niyogushima Nuru was born in Tanzania and came to the United States in 2007, living in Syracuse NY. She came to Potsdam, NY to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biomolecular Science and is currently a Junior.
Niyogushima is working with Clarkson Biochemistry and Proteomics Laboratories under the supervision of Dr. Costel C, Darie. She is working on proteomic analysis of hormone-negative breast cancer in comparison to controls to identify possible biomarkers.
Niyogushima wants to pursue a PhD in Biochemistry and Biomedical Science. Her ultimate dream school is Johns Hopkins University.
She loves to sing, cook, play soccer and volleyball, and spend time with friends and family.
HEOP Scholars
Nas Nfaoui was born in Italy and raised in Morocco before moving to the US shortly after the COVID pandemic to continue his studies.
He is currently a sophomore at Clarkson University, majoring in Electrical Engineering. This summer, he worked in Dr. Chen Liu’s lab, developing an autonomous navigation robot using LiDAR sensors to navigate and avoid obstacles. Nas is undecided about pursuing a Master's or PhD but is committed to further education.
Outside of academics, he enjoys reading, watching funny videos, swimming, and playing volleyball. He is also passionate about underwater robotics and serves as the Director of Memberships for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.
Alisha is from Brooklyn, NY. She is a sophomore at Clarkson University studying Environmental Science and Sustainability. Alisha has been working with Dr. Andrea Ferro on low-cost air quality sensors that will be deployed in the Saint Regis Mohawk Reservation.
Alisha is interested in pursuing her PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering and has a dream goal of doing research in Antarctica.