Full Biographies of Du Bois Scholars

Tomisin Adebari, a rising senior studying Biological Sciences at Morgan State University is passionate about exploring the intersection of healthcare and technology. Through cancer research experiences at Johns Hopkins Medicine, she discovered a keen interest in leveraging AI for healthcare advancements. Beyond academics, Tomisin is a self-taught guitarist and her passion for music provides a creative outlet amidst her scientific pursuits. She also owns a blog titled “Inspire,” where she delves into self-confidence, helping others embrace their strengths and achieve personal growth. Committed to addressing public health equity issues, she believes everyone should have equal access to quality healthcare. Additionally, her interests extend to the field of cardio-oncology, where she hopes to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives through medical innovations. Inspired by the Ubuntu philosophy, Tomisin believes in the interconnectedness of humanity and seeks to make a positive impact by fostering a community where everyone thrives. 

Kohl Crawford is a driven third-year student at Texas Southern University, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Finance. Recognized as a Tomas F. Freeman Honors student, he consistently excels academically, earning a coveted spot on the President’s List. Kohl actively contributes to campus life as the External Affairs Senator for the Student Government Association and is a valued member of both Collegiate 100 and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Beyond his university commitments, Kohl serves as a Legal Assistant for Attorney Glen Austin, leveraging his passion for law and advocacy. He previously interned at Lowe Law LLC, gaining invaluable experience in the legal domain. With a strong foundation in political science and finance, Kohl aspires to attend law school upon completing his undergraduate studies, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in the legal profession.

Esohe Edomwandagbon is a senior at Prairie View A&M University where she is majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry. After completing her undergraduate degree at Prairie View, she plans to enroll in a dual degree program for her MD/PhD. Her research interests lie within biomedical engineering specializing in stem cell research and regenerative medicine. Inspired by her family, Esohe has a mission to push for more diverse spaces in scientific communities. Esohe aspires to pursue a career as a physician-scientist in hopes of working for the National Institute of Health. Outside of her lab coat, Esohe enjoys being within her Christian ministry and serving her community with the organizations she is in at her home institution. 

Jacquelle Joseph-Lainez is a rising junior at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, pursuing a degree in Biology. Under the direction of Dr. Misty Thomas, she delves into microbiology research, focusing on two-component systems. Her dedication to biology stems from a desire to tackle health disparities. Jacquelle embarked on her microbiology journey as a Scholar in the NC A&T Summer Research Preparatory Program last summer. Post-graduation, she intends to apply to medical school, aspiring to pursue a dual career as a physician and researcher. 

Manuela Niamke is an international student finishing her second year at Xavier University of Louisiana. She is pursuing a degree in Biology pre-med with a minor in Chemistry. Having seen a very close family member struggle with illness for months at a time when doctors could not understand encouraged her to pursue medicine so that she could help her family in times of need and many other families. It is an honorable act to be able to help people. Also, chemistry is an impressive science; it allows us to understand how the world works and make beautiful discoveries. She left her country, Côte d’Ivoire, to come to the United States to get a high-quality education with the best instruments, learn a new language, and meet new people. It was not easy, but it was a challenge that taught her many lessons. Manuela enjoys playing sports or reading in her spare time to improve her vocabulary. 

Ellison Richardson is from Chicago, IL, and a junior honors student at Howard University, double majoring in Political Science and Afro-American Studies. As an Eagle Scout, he has pursued service through the political system to focus all of his efforts toward racial equity, with a particular focus on the Black community. Formerly interning at the White House, Supreme Court of the United States, and in Congress he refined his knowledge of the political system in the spaces where minorities often do not have a single seat at the table. These efforts are not limited to the domestic sphere, as he continued this ambition in South Africa as a Fulbright Scholar. In spreading this ambition, Mr. Richardson has presented his research at the National Conference of Black Political Scientists. After completion of his undergraduate studies, he intends on enrolling in graduate school to continue his study of the intersecting fields of race and politics. 

Jayden Seay is a rising fourth-year student and inaugural February One Scholar at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, studying Secondary History Education. He is a researcher, advocate, and educator with a passion for educational equity and advancing justice. He has shared this passion on platforms including Good Morning America, the Washington Post, Uninterrupted’s “HBCUs Rising”, and many other state and local publications. He holds various leadership roles, such as Vice President of Campus Outreach for the University of North Carolina Association of Student Governments, Community Service Co-Chair for the NCA&T Honors College Ambassador Program, and incoming Vice President of the Honors Student Advisory Board. Through these roles, he has worked to advocate for educational equity, student civic engagement, and social change in his community and beyond. He is a strong communicator and leader and is dedicated to helping others recognize their potential and be able to communicate it effectively. 

Karmen Smith is a junior Chemistry major at Spelman College. The Atlanta native actively engages in diverse research spanning from organic chemistry to cellular and molecular immunology. Their research on the inflammatory response of human lung epithelial cells has been presented at prestigious conferences, including NOBCChE and ABRCMS. On campus, she serves in executive board positions as treasurer of the Chemistry Club and secretary of the Transfer Student Association (TSA), alongside her involvement in the Ethel Waddell Githii Honors Program. Karmen is dedicated to tutoring Calculus I & II students and volunteers with organizations such as the Atlanta Science Festival (ASF). She also participates in additional scholar programs, including the LINCS Scholars and UHSA at Morehouse School of Medicine, both groups emphasizing a commitment to STEM fields and providing space for minoritized individuals. Post-graduation, she aims to pursue a PharmD to contribute to healthcare as a licensed pharmacist. 

Landen Thompson is a rising junior, double majoring in Biology and Sociology from Bay St. Louis, MS, attending Morehouse College. His passion lies in the intersection of biology, medicine, and social determinants of health. Landen’s career aspiration is to become a clinical research physician after obtaining an MD/PhD. He aims to bridge science and its social implications within the field of healthcare to curate institutionalized changes. Landen is actively involved in various organizations — Morehouse’s Student Ambassador Program, Morehouse College’s McNair Program, Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity, and Emory Hotspotters. His interests in the field were sparked while participating in a summer research immersion program at the University of Michigan where he researched the pharmaceutical development of an antimalarial drug. The experience strengthened his dedication to contributing to the field of medicine and improving healthcare outcomes for underserved communities. 

Nichele Olivia-Lanett Washington is a third-year Political Science major, and Philosophy minor at Spelman College. Her passion for rectifying Black maternal health inequities has led her to participate in fellowships such as the YWCA Georgia Women’s Policy Institute and The Century Foundation as a Health Care Scholar. During her time at The Century Foundation, Nichele published a commentary that hypothesizes that the social epidemiology of hypertension contributes to a disproportionate Black maternal mortality rate within the United States. This school year, Nichele was able to present her Black maternal health research at the Georgia Collegiate Honors Conference and is eager to analyze a broader range of environmental health disparities this summer as a Du Bois Scholar at Harvard College. It is her hope that by further researching the causes and manifestations of health inequities, she will be in a better position to one day pen progressive healthcare legislation.