Howard University Dow SURE Scholars Tour Dow Research Facilities

Howard University Dow Scholars Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Program participants from the departments of biology, chemistry, computer science, and chemical engineering visited the Dow Chemical Company’s Bristol, Pennsylvania facilities at the end of the Fall semester. Accompanied by Patrick Ymele-Leki, Ph.D., chemical engineering department chair and Steven Cummings, assistant professor of chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences, SURE program directors, the scholars had the opportunity to engage in a variety of enriching activities. 

Juan Callejas, Ph.D., R&D leader, and Sylvia Hanna, Ph.D., Senior Research Specialist, serve as Dow corporate liaisons for the program, and hosted the tour for the Howard scholars. The scholars attended presentations by industry-leading scientists, participated in a plenary session with a panel of professionals offering career advice, and met one-on-one with their corporate mentors. Additionally, the students toured specialized industrial labs, gaining firsthand experience in the diverse areas of materials science research. The visit culminated in the students presenting their own research projects and strengthening their connections with industry professionals who are helping to shape the future of materials science.

"Our collaboration with Howard University on the SURE program is incredibly rewarding,” said Hanna. “Through mentorship, we provide undergraduate STEM students the opportunity to experience industrial research and see how their studies translate into real-world impact. Dow is committed to fostering innovation and excellence together with Howard University.”

 

The Dow SURE program provides opportunities to Howard University students from multiple disciplines to participate in research, foster innovation, and prepare for successful careers in science and engineering. For further information about the program, please contact Patrick Ymele-Leki at patrick.ymeleleki@howard.edu or Steven Cummings at steven.cummings@howard.edu.