ANNUAL GRADUATE SCHOOL HOOD PRESENTATION ...

PROFILES OF THE
DOCTORAL CANDIDATES 2012-2013
Shimelis Tesfaye Hailu, Ph.D., Chemistry. B.S., Addis Ababa University, 1992; M.S., Addis Ababa University, 2002. Honors
and Awards: Best Teaching Assistant, 2012; Best Overall Graduate Student, 2010. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Paul Hudrlik.
Dissertation Title: “Synthesis of Bridged Calix[4]arenes by Selective Functionalization at the Lower Rim and Synthesis of
Block Copolymers Containing Poly(3-hexylthiophene)”. Research Specialization: Organic Chemistry. Present Position:
Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Chemistry, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Caroline M. Harper, Ph.D., Political Science. B.S., Lamar University, 1999; M.A., University of Houston, 2003. Honors
and Awards: Exemplary Diversity Scholar,National Center for Institutional Diversity, University of Michigan, 2013; Predoctoral
Fellowship, Texas State University, San Marcos, 2012. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Richard Seltzer. Dissertation Title:
“Nature and Uses of Collective Action: A Case Study of Empowerment of Black Public Housing Residents in Baltimore and
Washington, D.C.” Research Specialization: Black Politics and International Relations.
Yvette Joy Harris, Ph.D., Communication and Culture. B.A., Hobert & William Smith Colleges, 1999; M.S.Ed., St. John
University, 2006; M.Div., Princeton Theological Seminary, 2010. Honors and Awards: Teaching Assistantship, 2011-2013;
Frederick Douglass Summer Teaching Fellowship, Clarion University, 2012; New York City Teaching Fellowship, St. John’s
University, 2004-2006. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Melbourne Cummings. Dissertation Title: “Spiritual Health Identity: A
Thematic Analysis of Experiences of Black Women in the Black Church”. Research Specialization: Rhetoric, Sociolinguistics,
Nonverbal and Health Communication. Present Position: Teaching Assistant and Instructor, Department of Communication
and Culture, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Belinda Raynée Hauser, Ph.D., Genetics and Human Genetics. B.S., University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, 2006; M.S.,
Howard University, 2008. Honors and Awards: Golden Key International Honour Society, 2013; Member, Sigma Xi
Scientific Research Society, 2012-2013; Member, Preparing Future Faculty Program, 2008-2013; Alliance for Graduate
Education and the Professoriate Fellowship, 2008-2011. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Xinbin Gu. Dissertation Title: “Studies
on MicroRNA-128 Mediated Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) Growth in vitro and in vivo”. Research
Specialization: Genetics.
Angela Shenell Henderson, Ph.D., Social Work. B.S.W., North Carolina A&T State University, 2003; M.S.W., Howard
University, 2004. Honors and Awards: Executive Director and Founder, Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and
Policy (CRISP), 2012-2013. Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Jacqueline Smith. Dissertation Title: “The Impact of Ecological Risk
and Ethnic Identity on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in African-American Adolescents”. Research Specialization:
Human Behavior and the Social Environment. Present Position: Research Assistant, Alcohol and Drug Study Area, Westat,
Rockville, Maryland; Executive Director/Founder, Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy, Washington,
D.C.
22 Annual Hood Presentation Ceremony - Howard University Graduate School