Student attends research experience
Diana Hernandez, a recent Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) graduate and Wesley Chapel native, attended a summer educational opportunity at Boston University.
Hernandez’s journey started with involvement in the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Leadership and Academic Enhancement Program (LSAMP) through PHSC.
The LSAMP program, named in honor of former congressman Louis Stokes, is a National Science Foundation funded program intended to support historically underrepresented students in the science, technology, engineering and math fields.
The program fosters student growth and gives opportunities for participation in a
variety of programs, such as Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), which are highly competitive and prestigious programs having an acceptance rate of approximately 3%.
“Through the program, students have experienced valuable opportunities to expand their perspectives through travel experiences both in and out of state. They have attended conferences, participated in professional development workshops, taken part in college tours at the University of South Florida (USF), conducted water testing at the Crystal Springs Preserve, and explored the possibilities of humanoid robots at The Institute for Human & Machine Cognition,” said Courtney Dominique, pre-collegiate and LSAMP advisor at PHSC, in a news release.
Hernandez’s four-month summer REU at Boston University focused on The Fundamental Research in Chemistry Addressing Problems in Biology.
“I read many articles regarding my research consisting of the discovery and development of medicinally important compounds for the leishmaniasis parasite and worked under the supervision of Dr. Scott Schaus,” said Hernandez in the release.
Hernandez started her junior year at USF this fall where she plans to continue her
studies using her newly acquired experience to aid in her academic and professional journey.
During her time at Boston University, she also assisted graduate students in their research for their thesis. This consisted of creating imine reactions, running NMRs, using column chromatography, and many other incredible procedures that one doesn’t get to do during their undergraduate years.
Students interested in the program can apply at Equity-services.phsc.edu/students/student/lsamp.
Reading Challenge
Pasco County Schools has introduced R.A.C.E. to Read, Pasco! This is a district-wide, pre-K through 12th grade reading challenge for the 2023-2024 school year. All students and staff can participate to collectively read 15 million minutes from Aug. 10 to May 24. Minutes will be logged via Beanstack and celebrations will be school-based. Check out https://zoobean.wistia.com/medias/qcrwyjtjs1?wtime=0 for details.
College Prep & Readiness
The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host a College Prep and Readiness session on Sept. 2 at 3 p.m. Are you preparing to go to college? Do you require help navigating the application process? A guest speaker will talk about first-hand experience from working in college admissions and discuss the best practices and tips to writing the best application essay during this hour-long session. For information, call 813-929-1214.
Teen Republican Club
The Teen Age Republican Club of Trinity is inviting students from all local high schools to join this active, growing, national club. Members of the club volunteer and fundraise for Tunnel 2 Towers, veterans groups, and more. The club meets once a month. The next welcome/informational meeting is on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m., at Havana Dreamers Café, 3104 Town Ave., in Trinity (Longleaf).
Dues includes a T-shirt. Adult advisors are available to assist the club. For information, call 727-316-5476 or 727-774-9327.
Early Release Days
Pasco County Schools will have eight early release days for students, according to its Pasco Post newsletter. Schools will be released two hours earlier than usual on these dates: Sept. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 1, Dec. 6, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, March 13 and April 10.
Saint Leo welcomes students
Saint Leo University welcomed new, transfer and returning students to its residential campus in Pasco County to begin the fall 2023 semester and new academic year. More than 800 new students — local and transfers from countries throughout the world — arrived at the campus in St. Leo. Classes began on Aug. 28.
A Family Respite Area was provided in the Student Activities Building lobby where families and students could have refreshments, ask questions, meet other students and family members, and interact with support staff. The university also hosted a Parent and Family Association Meeting to provide information on ways to get involved and how to stay connected, as well as a Q&A session.
In addition, international students participated in a parade of countries, there were student performances, and sharing of the university’s history and traditions.
Saint Leo’s Welcome Week, which runs through Sept. 2, includes First Day of School Pictures, Puppy Play, Rec the Night games, We’ve Got Your Six, Popsicle Pursuit, and more.
Homeschool Morning
The Tarpon Springs Aquarium, 1722 N. Pinellas Ave., in Tarpon Springs, will host a Homeschool Morning: Backyard Florida Adventure on Sept. 7 and Sept. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., for kindergarten through fifth grade. The event will feature hands-on activities and live animals. The cost is $10 per person (ages 2 and older); $5 per annual passholder (includes day pass admission). For information, visit Tarpon Springs Aquarium on Facebook.
