Celebrating Nvolve Alumni
Nvolve Newsletter Issue 8
February 2025
Our newsletter is a compilation of the rich stories shared by the Nvolve community.
In this edition, we celebrate the wonderful recent graduates of the program, highlighting their impressive growth and the bright futures ahead of them.
How Nvolve Shaped My Journey from College to Medicine
By Keona Banks, B.S.
Graduating from Howard University in Spring 2024, I’ve embarked on a path toward becoming a physician, with plans to take two gap years before medical school. As a first-generation college student, my passion for STEM and my desire to increase minority representation in the field have driven my academic and career goals.
Joining Nvolve in August 2022 marked a pivotal moment in my journey. The program has given me the opportunity to deepen my love for science, develop valuable skills, and create a network that has opened doors to exciting opportunities.
Throughout my time with Nvolve, I’ve gained knowledge and experience that have provided the foundation for my success in the biomedical field. From creating a podcast on epigenetics to working on data visualization projects using Tableau, analyzing life expectancy in Maryland and chronic disease indicators in the U.S. from the CDC, I’ve had the chance to explore a variety of scientific topics. These projects have not only helped me hone my skills but also deepened my understanding of key health issues.
Nvolve’s weekly cohort sessions have been instrumental in shaping my experience. Connecting with fellow scholars, hearing from guest speakers, and learning how to navigate a male-dominated industry have been invaluable. One of the highlights of my journey has been developing a close mentoring relationship with Izumi Hinkinson, who has offered guidance, inspiration, and professional advice throughout my time in the program.
As I graduate from Nvolve, I’m eager to remain involved through the Alumnae Club and contribute through volunteer work. To all my fellow scholars and women in STEM, I leave you with this message: “Courage begins with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”
Engineering a New Path: A Story of Growth Through Nvolve
By Najmah Abdur-Rahman, B.S.
In May 2024, I proudly graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. As I step into the next chapter of my professional life, I’m enjoying a well-deserved break, indulging in travel and pursuing my hobbies. However, come August, I’m excited to dive headfirst into the world of data analytics while pursuing an MBA to prepare for leadership roles in the tech industry.
My journey with Nvolve began over three years ago when I became drawn to its vibrant community of women in STEM and its promise to enhance skills through technical projects and workshops. Since January 2021, I’ve learned so much and gained moments I’ll cherish forever.
A memory that stands out for me is the interview preparation sessions I had with Faye. With limited exposure to interviews, I sought her help, and she personally coached me on the essential tools to navigate the intimidating world of job interviews. She introduced me to the STAR method and challenged me with thought-provoking questions that helped me think critically, laying the groundwork for my success in subsequent interviews.
In addition to interview preparation, my involvement in Nvolve’s technical projects gave me hands-on experience and the opportunity to hone my skill set. Of the many incredible projects I worked on, my favorites were the STEM Podcast and the Tableau Project. I also had the privilege of being mentored by Diana Bauer, whose guidance has been invaluable. From offering career advice and helping me evaluate job offers to providing feedback on my resume, Dr. Bauer played a significant role in preparing me for the professional world.
As I graduate from Nvolve, I’m excited to stay connected with this incredible community through the Alumni Club and look forward to the opportunity to mentor future scholars. I encourage fellow women in STEM to stay strong in the face of challenges, seek out a network that supports and inspires you, and remain unwavering in the pursuit of your goals—the rewards are limitless.
Building a Career in Healthcare with Nvolve’s Support
By Nora Bui, B.S.
I graduated cum laude in May 2024 from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience, concentrating in Molecular, Cellular, and Physiological Sciences, and a minor in Health, Humanities, and Medicine. As I work toward my goal of a career in healthcare, I’m currently navigating the application process for graduate school.
I joined Nvolve in May 2022 with a desire to immerse myself in STEM projects related to neuroscience and health sciences. As an international student, the opportunity to be part of a diverse, supportive community of STEM professionals, particularly women, has been incredibly valuable. The passion and dedication of everyone I’ve encountered at Nvolve have inspired me to take my journey to new heights.
Through Nvolve, I’ve had access to a wealth of knowledge from dynamic mentors, coaches, and guest speakers who introduced me to career paths I had never considered. Weekly huddles have been instrumental in helping me build a well-rounded skill set, from negotiation and assertiveness to problem-solving, resilience, and interviewing—skills that are crucial for success in any STEM field. I’ve also had the privilege of taking on technical projects in biomedicine and public health. I contributed to a podcast on the intersection of medicine and neurotechnology for Alzheimer’s treatment, conducted statistical analysis on breast cancer biomarkers, applied advanced quantitative methods to analyze essential tremor biomarkers, and developed a Tableau dashboard to track COVID-19 cases by race and ethnicity. One of my proudest accomplishments was leading the creation of a survey assessing competencies required for entry-level STEM workers.
Throughout my time in Nvolve, my mentor Elizabeth Ray has played an essential role in my growth. She’s been an incredible source of support, offering both practical advice and emotional encouragement as I plan my next steps.
Concluding my time as an Nvolve scholar, I look forward to staying involved with the alumni community and contributing to future scholars' journeys. My advice to college students is simple: focus on making progress, even when faced with uncertainties and setbacks. Perfection is not the goal; taking one step at a time with the resources at hand is what truly matters.
Empowering My Education as an Immigrant Woman in STEM
By Klea Coli, B.S.
Upon graduating with a degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Maryland, College Park, in May 2024, I’ve been volunteering at Shady Grove Hospital and shadowing doctors to enhance my application for medical school. I plan to start medical school in the Fall of 2026, and in the meantime, I’m actively seeking a medical assistance job to gain more patient experience.
I learned about Nvolve in 2021 through an info session led by Faye at Montgomery College. I was immediately intrigued by the welcoming energy and the program’s focus on supporting women in STEM, and knew I had to apply. From that moment forward, Nvolve has provided unmatched support during my transition to the U.S. and college life, especially as an immigrant who had been in the country for only five years. Monthly huddles on real-world topics like negotiation, resume writing, and job networking helped me adapt to both academic and professional environments. These skills were instrumental in making me feel more confident and prepared for my college experience.
In addition to the huddles, I participated in semester projects that allowed me to connect with fellow scholars and improve my skills. Some highlights include the “Women in STEM” podcast on gender inequity and a data visualization project on alcohol use among young women and men. Most recently, I worked on a biomarker project, which further strengthened my research capabilities.
My mentor, Maryam Zaringhalam, has been incredibly supportive throughout my time at Nvolve, providing guidance on everything from huddles and school to life in general. I’m grateful for the connection we built and the wisdom she shared with me. Looking back, I would advise As I look forward to joining the Nvolve Alumni Club, my advice to new scholars is to never give up. It’s a challenging journey, but the rewards are worth it. Keep pushing forward, and the results will be even more fulfilling. I look forward to maintaining my connection with Nvolve by joining the Alumni Club.
