Meet the 2012 Student Development Assistants

Student Development Assistants (SDAs) are current medical and dental school students at the University of Louisville Schools of Medicine and Dentistry.  For six weeks, these professional students serve as positive role models to guide our scholars as we enhance their academic, personal, and professional development during this state-of-the-art science education endeavor.  We are pleased to have them join our TEAM as we serve the 2012 scholars. 

Terri Mason – SDA Coordinator

My name is Terri Mason and I am from Dayton, Ohio. I graduated with a B.S. in Biology from Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. I am currently a rising 2nd year at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering, going to the movies, traveling, spending time with family/friends, trying new restaurants and my most favorite....sleeping haha. I stood in your footsteps 5 years ago as a participant in University of Louisville SMDEP 2007. This is my 3rd summer working for the program and absolutely love it!! I have a particular interest in Women's Health and am considering specializing in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

 Tiffani Dean – Medical SDA

Hey Everyone! My name is Tiffani Dean and I am originally from Radcliff, KY. As an undergraduate, I attended the University of Louisville which is where I both participated in SMDEP and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Biology with a minor in Spanish. I will also be starting my first year of medical school at UofL this fall with the class of 2016! Some of my interests include being outdoors, spending time with my friends and family, and trying out new things including new foods, new stores, or new adventures to places I have never been!  

Togara Dinga – Dental SDA

Hi my name is Togara Dinga.  I am originally from Zimbabwe, from city called Harare. I have a Bachelors' and Masters' in Computer Science. I worked for a number of years in the computer field as a programmer/IT Specialist. I am a Dental School Sophomore. My interests are movie going, travelling and a multitude of sports, and these are in no particular order.

Amanda Korzep – Medical SDA

I am from Russell, Kentucky and went to school at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and obtained a BS in Biology and a minor in psychology. I am a first medical student. I enjoy physical activities and watching/playing sports. I hold a second degree black belt in martial arts. 

Jonathan Marner – Medical SDA

Hi, my name is Jonathan Marner and I grew up in the small town of Oakland right outside of Memphis, Tn. I attended Tennessee State University where I received a Bachelors of Science in Biology and minored in Chemistry. I am an outdoors guy and love experiencing nature, partly due to the area I was raised in. I am always up for going on a hiking or canoeing trip and hope to tackle white water rafting really soon.  Outside of being outdoors, you can most likely catch me cracking jokes and enjoying a good laugh. I will be entering the Medical Education Development (M.E.D.) program this upcoming fall.

Trisha Patel – Medical SDA

Hi, my name is Trisha Patel and I am from Owensboro, KY. I went to the University of Louisville for undergrad and majored in Biology. I will be a first year medical student and I attended SMDEP back in 2008. I enjoy cooking, dancing, and traveling. I have traveled to India, Canada, London, Paris, Egypt, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Zanzibar and would like to venture to China next. I look forward to meeting each and everyone of you and look forward to making lots of memories through a fun-filled summer!

Monique Trice – Dental SDA

Hi, my name is Monique Trice.  I’m currently a 2^nd year dental student. I’m from Enterprise, Alabama and attended Troy University for undergrad.  I majored in Biomedical Sciences

I participated in SMDEP in 2008.  My interests are volunteer work, traveling, music, SEC football, and scrapbooking

SMDEP Alumni Graduate Celebration of Success

The first University of Louisville SMDEP alumni will be graduating from Medical School and Dental School this spring.  There were four graduates from the UofL School of Medicine and four graduates from the UofL School of Dentistry.  To honor these alumni a celebration of their achievement was held Friday, April 27, 2012 at the Abell Administration Center.  Faculty, staff, and SMDEP alumni at UofL were present to help congratulate the graduates. 


School of Dentistry Graduates
·         Emma Arterburn

SMDEP Year: 2006

Hometown: Scottsville, KY

Undergraduate Institution: Western Kentucky University

Specialty: AEGD Residency, Medical College of South Carolina-Charleston, SC

·         Devin Hall

SMDEP Year: 2006

Hometown: Calvert City, KY

Undergraduate Institution: Freed-Hardeman University

Specialty: General Dentistry-Bowling Green, KY

·         Tiffany Garrison-Jeter

SMDEP Year: 2006

Hometown: Nashville, TN

Undergraduate Institution: Tennessee State University

Specialty: General Dentistry-Captain U.S. Army

·         Laura Spragens

SMDEP Year: 2006

Hometown: Lebanon, KY

Undergraduate Institution: Campbellsville University

Specialty: General Dentistry-Columbia, SC

School of Medicine Graduates

·         Reaford Blackburn, Jr.

SMDEP Year: 2006

Hometown: Pikeville, KY

Undergraduate Institution: Alice Lloyd College

Specialty: Internal Medicine, University of Alabama Medical Center-Birmingham, AL

·         Tiya Johnson

SMDEP Year: 2006

Hometown: Louisville, KY

Undergraduate Institution: University of Louisville

Specialty: Psychiatry, Jackson Memorial Hospital-Miami, Florida

·         Osarumen Nicole Nomamiukor

SMDEP Year: 2006

Hometown: Arlington, TX

Undergraduate Institution: Prairie View A & M University

Specialty: Psychiatry, Harvard Longwood-Boston, MA   

·         Carmen Young

SMDEP Year: 2006

Hometown: Augusta, GA

Undergraduate Institution: Spelman College

Specialty: OB/GYN, St. Louis University SOM-St. Louis, MO

Testimonials

 Below are a few testimonials from our young scholars who benefited from SMDEP.

 “Through SMDEP I have learned to persevere and I have also come to the realization that my dreams are within reach!  I have gained so much self confidence and I know that I have the drive, motivation, and skill to enter into the dental profession.  I absolutely love SMDEP!”

n  Dustin Clevidence, Western Kentucky University, Hometown: Uniontown, KY, SMDEP 2007

“I am extremely happy that I selected U of L as my program site.  Never have I been given the attention and motivation to know that I can accomplish anything.”

n  Kaisha Thomas, Montgomery College, Hometown: Rockville, MD, SMDEP 2007

“This summer program was a rigorous session that opened my eyes to what the future holds as I strive to become a physician.  I was challenged to raise my knowledge to a higher level, but also provided with the opportunity to network with peers I will later depend on in the medical setting.”

n  Brittany Muench, Northern Kentucky University, Hometown: Cold Springs, KY, SMDEP 2007

“This program is a blessing for everyone in it.  I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in medicine or dentistry.  It was fun and educational to the fullest.  I sincerely thank everyone who made it possible”

n  Paul Ciero, SUNY at Buffalo, Hometown: Rochester, NY, SMDEP 2007

“U of L SMDEP has been amazing.  Initially, I was somewhat hesitant about my career choice, but after the program, I am sure that I want to go to dental school and I feel as though it is achievable.”

n  Briana Taylor, North Carolina State University, Hometown: Mt. Airy, NC, SMDEP 2008           

“SMDEP gave me the confidence to think I can get into medical school.  Beforehand, I imagined medical school as a mystical being whose walls were closed to me.  Now I believe my dream can become a reality…I feel valued as an individual.”

n  James Philip, Texas A & M University – College Station, Hometown: College Station, TX, SMDEP 2008

“You are a parcel from God to me.  You opened a door for me, so I could walk through and become your doctor someday.”

n  Immaculate Foy, University of Kentucky, Hometown: Lexington, KY, SMDEP 2008

“Smart – Motivated – Determined – Educated – People coming together through a summer program to increase their science, chemistry backgrounds…This program has been the BEST six weeks I have had away from home – thanks to all who made it possible!”

n  Lindsay S. Hines, Eastern Kentucky University,  Hometown: Somerset, KY, SMDEP 2008

“SMDEP was wonderful. I would recommend the program to anyone who wants a future career in medicine or dentistry.  The faculty & staff were amazing and my experience will always be remembered.”

n  Mary Evans, Beloit College, Hometown: Beloit, Wisconsin, SMDEP 2009

“One of the best experiences of my life. Extremely life changing.  The motivation I have received has been incredible.  Now I no longer think I want to be a physician, I know and I also know my dream is very attainable.”

n  Stephanie Cabada, University of California, Berkley, Hometown: Los Angeles, California, SMDEP 2009

“It was a lot of work, but well worth it.  I experienced things I could have never done back home.  Coming out of this program I am more focused and determined than ever.”

n  Grant Pierre, Prairie View A & M University, Hometown: Hutto, Texas, SMDEP 2009

“In entering the program, I was a shy individual who thought I wanted to be a dentist.  However, coming out of the program walked a very confident young lady determined to become the dentist Small Town America needs!  I grew on a personal level, becoming a more comfortable with myself for being just who I am, but I also grew educationally…I don’t think that I will ever be able to forget about atherosclerosis! I enjoyed this program immensely and can’t thank SMDEP enough!”

n  Josie Meis, Carroll College, Hometown: Clancy, Montana, SMDEP 2010

“I have been GREATLY impacted by SMDEP.  This was the best experience in my life, and I am totally glad that I took this opportunity!  I know now that I can really reach my goals in life and I will become a great dentist one day!  The people and the program lighted my path.  Thank you God for giving me this opportunity and thank you SMDEP for allowing me to come and be a part of this program!”

n  Jymie Graham, Kansas State University, Hometown: Manhattan, Kansas, SMDEP 2010

“I have gained more confidence since coming to the program and I have been inspired by other students in the program with me. I have also been inspired by the professors, SDAs, coordinators, and director at the U of L site. I’m just ready to start this school year because SMDEP gave me an extra push to want to learn more about medicine. I really do appreciate being able to take the introductory Biomedical Sciences course which has provided me with confidence that I can make it this school year.”

n  Jordan Etters, Prairie View A & M University, Hometown: Clarksville, Texas, SMDEP 2010

“It has shown me that medical school is very achievable and in my future, but I will have to work on my study habits. It was great being around seventy-nine others that have the same goal as me, and it made me want to strive for it even more. It was an experience I will never forget, and definitely a positive impact in my dream of being a physician.”

n  Wayne Cox, Berea College, Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee, SMDEP 2010

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity.  Thank you for giving me hope and faith in myself.  Thank you for believing in me, a small town girl.  Becoming a dentist is more in my reach because of you and I will forever be grateful.

n  Holly Grice, Louisiana Tech University, Hometown: Strong, Arkansas, SMDEP 2010

“The U of L SMDEP has provided me with a wonderful and enriching summer.  The faculty and my peers have been encouraging and supportive in my goal to become a physician.  SMDEP has given me the tools to successfully accomplish my career aspirations.”

n  Caitlin Flynn, University of Louisville, Hometown: Somerset, Kentucky, SMDEP 2011

"I cannot picture SMDEP at any site other than University of Louisville. This has been an amazing positive experience and I am so thankful to have been able to share it with everyone.  The reason U of L has made such an awesome impact on me is because I feel support from every single person here…I feel that we are truly are all a family and I think that because of SMDEP at U of L we will all succeed in medical/dental school.”

n  Camille Corral, Arizona State University, Hometown: Oracle, Arizona, SMDEP 2011

“During this program I have experienced a great deal of diversity that has greatly broadened my horizons.  Dr. Babbage was a great help in making my goal of becoming a dentist stronger.”

n  Emily Agee, High Point University, Hometown: Farmville, Virginia, SMDEP 2011

“I would like to thank you so much for this opportunity.  I will owe a lot of my future accomplishments and success to this program.  This program is another reason why giving back to my community is so important.”

n  Fitz Brooks, Bethune-Cookman University, Hometown: Orlando, Florida, SMDEP 2011

“SMDEP has given me an amazing experience both academically and professionally. Through attending classes, interacting with my peers, and networking with professionals I have really learned a lot about myself, my peers, and dentistry.  Thank you so much for this priceless experience. I am very grateful for your generous donation.”

n  Sunny (Sunjoo) Paik, Wellesley College, Hometown: Ramsey, New Jersey, SMDEP 2011

What is SMDEP?

 SMDEP is a FREE 6-week summer enrichment program.  The program is for freshmen and sophomores in college who are interested in medicine or dentistry.  There are 12 sites around the country offering

·         Academic enrichment in the sciences and math

·         Career development

·         Learning skills

·         Clinical exposure

·         Financial planning workshops, etc

Who is eligible?

·         College freshmen & sophomore

·         Overall GPA of 2.5

·         US citizen or hold a permanent resident visa

Other factors that are considered

·         Identifies with a group that is racially/ethnically underrepresented in medicine or dentistry

·         Comes from an economically or educationally disadvantaged background

·         Has demonstrated an interest in issues affecting underserved populations

How & when to apply?

·         The application cycle begins November 1^st and the deadline is March 1^st.

·         The application can be found at www.smdep.org

How many students do you take?
Each site takes a total of 80 students from across the country.  At the University of Louisville we take 60 pre-medical students and 20 pre-dental students.

What is SMDEP at U of L?
This innovative six-week summer academic program is focused on integrated problem solving in the basic sciences and math, centered on medical and dental applications.  Integrated coursework and clinical application guaranteed to catapult student to a higher level of comprehension and competency.  Undergraduate students receive three academic credit hours with free tuition.

Scholars will experience:

·         Science enrichment(free 3 hour course for credit0

·         Free housing & meals plus stipend

·         Clinical exposure & clinical correlations

·         Team based learning modules

·         Exciting written/oral presentation

·         Financial planning workshop

·         Individual career planning

·         Health disparities symposium

·         Chance to meet and interact with current medical & dental school students and SMDEP alumni

·         Get to know faculty and staff from the School of Medicine and School of Dentistry

·         TEAMWORK! Not only will you walk away with academic enrichment, but new friends and future colleagues.