Last Thursday, July 25, the Office of Engaged Learning hosted a Three Minute “Thesis” competition. 25 presentations in under 2 hours! This was the culminating event of the Summer Research Intensive and Data Science for Social Good programs.
Along with their research and other activities, students in the programs participated in a 7-week professional development workshop series with Dr. Adam Scott Neal (Program Manager, OEL). They worked through various ways of presenting their research, their experience, and their stories (e.g., presentations, resumes, and elevator pitches).
Students in these programs are all working on faculty research projects, so their presentations needed to give an overview of the project as well as their individual role—and why the research matters.
Another exciting month of celebrating our Mustang Champions! This month we are highlighting four Mustangs who continue to work hard in the summer months while preparing for the upcoming 2024-2025 competition season and academic year. We are happy to highlight the student-athletes that embody the S.P.I.R.I.T of what it takes to be successful on and off the field.
Chance Puryear (MBB)
Chance is a Freshman Forward from Dallas. He is a three-star signee who is ranked as high as No. 12 overall in Texas and 34th nationally at his position. During his first semester on the Hilltop, he is a highly motivated and responsible college student. He possesses valuable knowledge and is committed to long-term goals. Through hard work and discipline, he is confident in achieving success as a Mustang!
Romello (Mello) Brinson (FB)
Mello is a Junior from Miami, Florida that has dedicated himself to his academic performance this summer and is making huge strides! We are so proud of his commitment to the team and his academics. He is leading by example and continues to have a positive influence on his teammates.
TK Pitts (WBB)
TK continues to be a leader both on and off the court. She supports her teammates, encouraging them to push harder and believe in themselves by creating a welcoming and connected environment. Her presence on BSAAC is another way she leads off the court. Her BSAAC involvement gives her the opportunity to spread her good influence even further!
Aubrey Brown (WSOC)
Aubrey Brown is a Dallas native, coming from Irving, Texas. She plans on majoring in Political Science and Data science during her time as a Mustang. Aubrey is an excellent student and an excellent teammate. Her attendance and participation in class are consistent and insightful, always asking great questions. Aubrey is an engaged student and a dedicated player, representing the best of SMU at every step. She is active on campus, besides being a valued member of our soccer team, she is a pre-law scholar, member of the Association of Black Students, and BSAAC.
The Office of General Education will move from Suite 100 within the Laura Lee Blanton Student Services Building (6185 Airline Road) upstairs to Suite 338.
The Office of Student Success and Retention will move from Suite 301 of the Perkins Administration Building to Laura Lee Blanton Student Services Building (6185 Airline Road) to Suite 102.
Our departmental emails, phone, and booking links will remain the same, but we look forward to welcoming you to our new spaces on August 1, 2024. Please update any websites and printed materials that may have included our former physical locations.
Ritney presenting weekly updates of human trafficking research to the team during teh Summer Research Intensive.
Ritney Coleman is a rising senior pursuing a B.S. in Economics with Financial Applications. A military veteran, he initially aimed to major in accounting and become a CPA, but decided on a different career path where he felt he could make more of a societal impact. Ritney found the Non-Profit Organization and Concept Primer course (offered through the Economics department) to be “one of the most impactful courses and added to my understanding of non-profits and how they are managed.” This course provided the theoretical concepts needed to thrive in the non-profit sector, while Ritney’s internships and volunteering brought classroom concepts to life.
Ritney credits SMU’s vast resources with helping him focus on his passion for research and non-profit leadership. During his junior year, Dr. Wendelin Donahue, SMU Director of Community Engagement, helped Ritney gain practical experience by collaborating with local non-profits through community events. Ritney’s goal is to develop a non-profit that serves disadvantaged youth by providing various opportunities through field trips, seminars, sports programs, and college access support.
Ritney emphasizes the importance of networking and engaged actively with professors to uncover learning opportunities. This summer, he is a research assistant for Dr. Elizabeth Wheaton-Páramo, Research Associate Professor in Economics through the Office of Engaged Learning’s Summer Research Intensive. In his work with Dr. Wheaton-Páramo, Ritney is using the SMU human trafficking data warehouse to gather data on organized crime groups transition between smuggling and human trafficking. Sometimes it’s difficult to relate the theoretical course work to practical experiences, but Ritney noted that the knowledge obtained in his Introductory Econometrics class has helped him “feel confident analyzing data” in his summer research project.
When asked about his advice for incoming first-year students, Ritney said, “the opportunities are available, but students need to be active, not passive, in their networking pursuits. I was able to get an internship by simply asking my professor.” Ritney recommends first and second year undergraduate students schedule an appointment with the Hegi Family Career Development Center early for resume prep and to build their LinkedIn profile. He also credits his peers in the Economics department for providing him with useful resources.
For students interested in data analysis and practical skills development, Ritney suggests exploring the Bloomberg Terminals in the Business Library, where he is currently pursuing the Bloomberg Market Concepts Certificate.
We are thrilled to welcome Neha Husein as the 2024-2025 Entrepreneurship Fellow in the Office of Engaged Learning. Neha’s journey as a Big iDeas alumna to successful entrepreneur and mentor embodies the spirit of innovation and social impact that we strive to cultivate in our community.
Neha graduated from SMU in 2019 with degrees in Human Rights and Marketing. Her academic background laid the foundation for her commitment to making a positive difference in the world. Recognizing the growing issue of distracted driving after being rear-ended by a distracted driver, Neha channeled her passion for social entrepreneurship into creating Just Drive, an app dedicated to rewarding undistracted drivers with coupons good for local businesses.
Today, Neha serves as the Senior Event Producer for Vegandale, an international festival that celebrates vegan food, music, and art. In addition to her professional achievements, Neha is deeply passionate about mentoring and supporting collegiate entrepreneurs. As a former student herself, she understands the unique challenges that come with starting and growing a venture in college and is dedicated to helping students navigate these hurdles. Neha’s mentorship provides invaluable guidance, inspiration, and practical advice, empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs to achieve their goals.
As the new Entrepreneurship Fellow, Neha will play a pivotal role in enhancing our programs and initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and increasing women entrepreneurs. We believe that her experience and insights will undoubtedly inspire and encourage more women to develop their entrepreneurial skills.
We are excited to have Neha Husein join the Office of Engaged Learning team and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our Big iDeas community. Please join us in welcoming Neha!
SMU junior biochemistry major Shriya Siddhartha’s white lab coat glows with spots of hot pink and orange fluorescent dye, evidence of her research on a new fluorescent tool biologists can use to study lung cancer cells.
Article reprinted from SMU news. Original can be found here.
DALLAS (SMU) – SMU junior biochemistry major Shriya Siddhartha’s white lab coat glows with spots of hot pink and orange fluorescent dye, evidence of her research on a new fluorescent tool biologists can use to study lung cancer cells. Siddhartha has worked in chemistry professor Alex Lippert’s lab since the beginning of her first year at SMU, volunteers in other professors’ labs to learn new techniques and has collaborated with researchers in New York.
She is one of six students selected nationwide to receive the 2024 Goldwater U Award, one of the most prestigious national science awards presented to undergraduate students pursuing a medical research career. Winners are selected for the caliber of their research and aspirations for a future research career.
The scholarship, which honors former Sen. Barry Goldwater, encourages outstanding students to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, engineering and mathematics and provides up to $7,500 toward tuition, fees, books and room and board.
Siddhartha has known she wanted to be a scientist since she was in fourth grade and later chose to attend SMU because of its undergraduate research opportunities. Her inspiration comes from her paternal grandparents, who were scientists, and particularly her paternal grandmother, who was accepted to a prestigious medical school in India but forbidden to attend by her parents, who considered a female doctor less marriageable.
“I’d like to carry on my grandmother’s plan,” Siddhartha said.
She is well on her way.
After exploring the work of various SMU researchers on the University web site, Shriya contacted Professor Lippert the summer before she came to SMU, expressing particular interest in his work with chemiluminescence molecules.
“It is very rare for a student to start in the laboratory so early and excel right at the start, which speaks to Shriya’s remarkable aptitude to perform high quality research,” Lippert said.
In addition to her work with Professor Lippert, she co-authored a manuscript with a separate collaboration with researchers at Georgetown University, conducted a research internship at UT Southwestern and is learning molecular biology techniques for cloning, protein expression and purification, said Brian Zoltowski, professor of chemistry and Shriya’s organic chemistry professor.
Shriya Siddhartha is one of six students selected nationwide to receive the 2024 Goldwater U Award, one of the most prestigious national science awards presented to undergraduate students pursuing a medical research career. Photo by Hillsman S. Jackson, SMU
Siddhartha is carefully planning her steps to reach her long-term goal, to become an ophthalmology surgeon, optic nerve researcher and medical school professor, at least ten years of additional education after graduating from SMU. In the meantime, she is an active undergraduate member of several campus honors groups – a Dedman Scholar, a Hamilton Research Scholar, a Tower Scholar and a Richter Scholar. She’s also vice president of the SMU Asian Council and a volunteer with Mustang Heroes, a campus community service organization. She is determined to promote the importance of health equity throughout her career.
This busy student relaxes with music. She performs classical South Indian music with her sister and mentors younger musicians. Siddhartha also plays the guitar with a rock band made up of high school friends. The band, “Vacuum,” is releasing a new song later this summer.
Student Academic Engagement and Success is thrilled to welcome Dr. Whitney Jones, Assistant Provost for Student Advising and Academic Success Programs! She will begin her new role on Monday, August 19.
Dr. Jones is joining SAES from Baylor University, where she is currently the Senior Director for the Center for Academic Success and Engagement. In this role, she oversees a comprehensive range of student success initiatives, including tutoring services and support for special populations such as veterans, military dependents, transfer students, low-income students, and first-generation college students. She also assists students on academic probation and provides strategic oversight to institutional retention and graduation goals. Additionally, Dr. Jones aids students in developing the executive functioning skills necessary for collegiate success.
Prior to her current position, Dr. Jones led orientation and extended orientation programs, as well as Parent and Family Programs, at both Baylor University and the University of Arkansas. Her extensive experience in higher education administration is rooted in her academic background and passion to see all students succeed. Originally from Arkansas, she graduated with a B.S. in Biochemistry and an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Arkansas, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Tarleton State University.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Jones enjoys spending time with her energetic and curious son, watching college football, and actively serving her community.
We look forward to welcoming Dr. Jones to campus in August.
Logan Swafford (They/Them) is the coordinator for both the Hilltop Scholars Program and Honors & Scholars. Originally from San Antonio, Logan moved up to Denton to attend the University of North Texas as a first-generation student where they received a bachelor’s in both Communication Studies and History, with a minor in LGBTQ & Women Studies. While there Logan became a member of the service-focused fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, where they completed over 200 volunteer hours and servant leadership became their guiding philosophy and frame for their personal and professional path. After graduating in 2020, Logan continued to hold a variety of positions within the non-profit and education world, often focusing on their passion of community engagement and leadership development.
Outside of the office, Logan enjoys spending time playing a variety of video games, reading/listening to fiction books, and playing with their 3 dogs (Charles the Corgi, Nirvana the GSD, Thunderstorm the Great Dane) and Wednesday the tortoiseshell cat.
Let’s Hear it for the Black Women in Sports Who Make the ADSA Shine!
This past Sunday, July 7th, was National Black Women in Sports Day, and the Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate the incredible Black women who power our department and the entire sports industry.
We’re especially grateful for the dedication and expertise of our very own Black women on staff:
Dr. Teiana Jones, our visionary leader who guides ADSA with her commitment to student-athlete success.
Associate Director: Keyana Smith, who brings her expertise to ensure our programs run smoothly.
Senior Counselors: Jordon Smith and Alana Owens, who provide invaluable support and guidance to our student-athletes.
Interventionist Kelly Franklin, whose dedication helps student-athletes overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
Their passion for student-athlete success is truly inspiring, and they each play a vital role in shaping the future of SMU athletics.
The Future is Bright!
National Black Women in Sports Day isn’t just about looking back; it’s a celebration of the incredible potential that lies ahead. Black women are changing the game in sports, and we at ADSA are excited to see what the future holds!
Join ADSA in Celebrating!
Let’s keep the momentum going! Here’s how you can be a part of the movement:
#blackwomeninsports: Share your favorite Black sports moments or athletes on social media using this hashtag.
Support the Cause: Organizations like Diverse Representation are working for more equity in sports. Consider getting involved!
Learn & Be Inspired: Research the achievements of Black athletes, coaches, and leaders in sports. You’ll be amazed!
By celebrating Black women and advocating for their continued success, we can create a future where sports are truly inclusive and everyone can thrive.
Tess Balentine Tutoring Student-Athletes this summer
Do you have a passion for helping others meet their academic goals?Do you have professional aspirations to be an educator? Are you trying to get experience for a future graduate teaching position (TA)?
If you said yes to any of the above questions, then the Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) wants YOU! The ADSA directly reports to the office of the Provost and is seeking enthusiastic and knowledgeable tutors to join our team. The main purpose of our tutors is to help student-athletes better understand specific course content through 1:1 or small group sessions. This is a paid opportunity to get valuable teaching experience working with peers, in a fast-paced D1 athletic environment. Our tutors play a vital role in supporting student-athletes by providing subject-specific tutoring in a variety of undergraduate courses.
Why Tutor with ADSA?
Make a Difference: You’ll have a direct impact on the academic success of SMU’s student-athletes, helping them excel in the classroom; clearing up concepts, and answering questions. An opportunity to give back to the University!
Flexible Schedule: Tutoring sessions are offered throughout the week (Monday through Friday), and you can choose the hours that work best for you, accommodating your class schedule and other commitments.
Positive Work Environment: Join a team dedicated to student success in a supportive and collaborative environment.
What We’re Looking For:
Strong academic background (minimum of B+ in relevant coursework)
Minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise manner
Passion for helping others learn
Able to be professional and maintain confidentiality
Current enrolled SMU undergraduates, graduates, TA’s, or Faculty are all encouraged to apply. Pay is based on experience.
We are currently recruiting tutors for all subjects in the Fall but especially for APSM, MATH, STAT, HIST subjects.
