This year, the success of The Annual Research and Innovation Symposium and Exhibition (RISE) from April 4 through April 7, 2022, has only continued to grow and bring in stronger talent with each successive year, and this year was no different. RISE gives Norfolk State University students the opportunity to showcase their work, how to work as part of a team, how to present their knowledge and findings clearly and confidently, and generally be a part of a professional conference style program.
“As Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, I applaud our students, faculty, and staff on their enterprising efforts and encourage us all to persist to demonstrate the excellence in academics at NSU,”;
said Dr. DoVeanna Fulton. “These presentations demonstrate just a fraction on the concepts, practices, experiments, discussions and research our students, led by their faculty mentors, have been able to execute in the midst of a global pandemic!”
While this year’s RISE exhibition was held hybrid-style, with some events taking place on the University’s campus and some taking place online, there was still an amazing turn-out, enthusiastic speakers, and informative presentations.
In addition to student submissions of videos and posters, the RISE committee was able to bring several professionals in a variety of fields to this year’s RISE. Many of the distinguished guests are Norfolk State University alumni, which helps the students to see where they can be if they continue to follow their dreams.
Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett, a prominent scientist, whose research in the fields of immunology and microbiology were instrumental in finding a vaccine for COVID-19 2021, provided the keynote address for RISE. Dr. Corbett is the Time Magazine Scientist of the Year and the New Lead Scientist at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health where she continues her valuable research into vaccine development.
Other speakers included Dr. Howard G. Adams “Making the Case for Graduate School.” Dr. Adams is an NSU Biology alumnus and Founder & President of HG Adams & Associates.
Ms. Courtney Jones presented “Young, Gifted, & Black: How to Navigate Your Career as a ‘Gen Z’ in Corporate America and the 21st Century.” Ms. Jones is an NSU Business alumna and the Information Security Manager for JP Morgan Chase.
Dr. George Parker, III presented “More to the Game,” a presentation featuring NSU’s 2022 HBCU Battle of the Brains Team Captain Aniya Brown and team members Okuwatobi Olagoke-Bello, Jordan Moody, TeMarsya Moultrie, Gabrielle Pippen Arkasia Wyatt, and Aiad Williams. Dr. Parker is an NSU alumnus and the Superintendent of Newport News Public Schools.
Mr. Monty McGhee presented “21st Century Research.” Mr. McGhee is also an NSU alumnus and is the Associate Director of the Cyber Readiness Institute.
Dr. Mamie Evelyn Locke also spoke at RISE. She has been a Virginia State Senator since 2004, where she has represented District 2 serving parts of Hampton, Newport News, York County and Portsmouth. She has also served as Hampton City Councilwoman, Vice Mayor, and Mayor in Hampton, VA. In addition, she is a political science professor and dean in the School of Liberal Arts at Hampton University.