Wheeler, Todd Awarded Prestigious UNCF/Merck Scholarships
Ashton Wheeler and Anthony Todd, juniors at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, have been selected to receive the UNCF/Merck Science Initiative scholarship. The prestigious award is given only to 15 undergraduate students nationally each year.
“Words cannot describe my excitement,” said Wheeler, who will become her family’s first college graduate when she finishes receives her degree in May 2013. “I feel absolutely blessed that I have been given a rare opportunity, and I know that this internship will expand my appreciation of research by challenging me academically and offering me hands-on experience with research."
“It is such an honor to be one of only 15 people chosen for this award, and I can't wait to get to Merck to show them what I can do,” Todd said. “I know that I will further my interests in pharmacology and better foster my preparation for my career in clinical pharmacy.”
Todd, a chemistry major, and Wheeler, a neurology major, are members of the UAB Science and Technology Honors Program. They have been inseparable since meeting in high school both academically and personally.
“Anthony and I attended Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School in Montgomery and have been dating since 10th grade,” Wheeler said. “We know what we are both capable of achieving and we have pushed each other to ensure that we are always doing the best we can.”
Isolation can Increase Bad Behavior in Kids with ADHD
Kids with ADHD who are rejected by peers suffer from anxiety and are more prone to substance use and delinquency during adolescence, according to University of Alabama at Birmingham-led research published online Feb. 16, 2012, in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology. Finding a social environment in which they can succeed is critical to long-term success.
It is difficult to improve a child’s acceptance, even with treatment, after they have been rejected by peers because peers may not notice behavioral changes or continue to reject the child based on their reputation, said Sylvie Mrug, Ph.D., associate professor in the UAB Department of Psychology and lead author.
Mrug’s study followed 300 kids diagnosed with ADHD, which means they are both inattentive and hyperactive, from the Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD conducted in six locations across the United States and Canada for eight years. The children were divided into four groups, each receiving a different treatment for 14 months: medication, behavioral treatment, medication plus behavioral treatment and non-guided care from their regular pediatrician. They were assessed at the end of treatment, then again at six years and eight years after treatment began.
UAB President Honors Leaders in Diversity
University of Alabama at Birmingham President Carol Z. Garrison, Ph.D., recently honored seven outstanding UAB community leaders during the 2012 President’s Awards for Diversity. Members of the College of Arts and Sciences and School of Education took home three out of the five awards presented. Awards for contributions to inclusion on campus and beyond were received by College members in three of the five categories, this included:
Undergraduate student – Elizabeth Casswell
Casswell, a senior with an individually designed major in non-profit management, is noted for her innovative contributions in advancing the cause of justice and equality on campus. The Denver, Co. native is dedicated to the pursuit of fairness and has served to strengthen UAB as an institution.
Staff – Michael “Josh” Carter
Carter, director of the UAB Office for Study Away, has been described as a master of cultural competence. His passion for educating students about international culture has given them a greater appreciation and sensitivity to their global neighbors and makes the UAB environment more diverse, friendly and open for all.
Faculty – Kay Emfinger, Ph.D.
Emfinger, an associate professor in the UAB School of Education, has facilitated a number of diversity projects that include work with the LBGTQ student organization, preschoolers and homeless children, the School of Education’s diversity committee and more. She is committed to research in the area of diversity, writing and presenting on under-represented groups.
Faculty – Marilyn Kurata, Ph.D.
Kurata, director of core curriculum enhancement, is noted for her work on the One Great Community Executive Committee, UAB Diversity and Equity Council and the Commission on the Status of Women Planning. She has been heralded for demonstrating an exceptional commitment to educational excellence and enrichment to the UAB campus.
Congratulations to to each of our Diversity Award Winners, we are so proud of the work you do and your dedication to the importance of diversity.
UAB Mock Trial Team Update
UAB’s Mock Trial Team earned third place at the “Ramblin’ Wreck” Mock Trial Tournament hosted by Georgia Tech in Atlanta, January 28th-29th. In a field of over 20 teams almost exclusively comprised of schools consistently earning bids to American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) national tournament venues including Emory University, the University of Pittsburgh, Miami University of Ohio, and Middle Tennessee State University, UAB’s overall competitive record was 7-1. Team members included Brian Price, Kimberly Jeter, Ali Massoud, Ariel Smith, Yamini Bhat, and Thor Christianson.
Team honors included being awarded the Spirit of AMTA Award given to the team voted by its opponents as best exemplifying professionalism and sportsmanship. Individual honors went to Grady Lowman and Valencia Jackson for Best Attorney and Best Witness, respectively.
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