Rust College STEM Leaders Spotlighted on WVON iHeartRadio

On Tuesday, September 24, Rust College proudly showcased its commitment to advancing STEM education during a live interview on WVON iHeartRadio with Chicago talk radio host Perri Small. Dr. Cadavious Jones, Dean of the Division of Science and Mathematics, was joined by two outstanding students, Ms. Savannah Thomas and Ms. Taliyah Smith, to discuss a new grant-funded program designed to enhance STEM opportunities for underrepresented minority female students.

Dr. Jones provided an overview of the program, emphasizing its focus on equipping students with the tools and support necessary to succeed in STEM fields. With a long-standing dedication to social equity in education, Dr. Jones highlighted the transformative potential of this initiative to build capacity at Rust College and inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators.

Savannah Thomas, a sophomore Chemistry major with a perfect 4.0 GPA, has already made significant strides in her academic career. She recently completed an intensive research program in Cell and Molecular Biology, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and honing her laboratory skills. Savannah's commitment to forensic science and her early research accomplishments position her as a rising star in the STEM field.

Freshman Biology major Taliyah Smith, a recipient of the Rust College Presidential Scholarship and a member of the EA Smith Honors Program, also shared her aspirations through the interview. Hailing from Chicago's Southside, Taliyah is beginning her research journey with a clear goal: to work with neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients. Her passion for science and drive to make a difference exemplify the potential this program seeks to nurture.

This new program at Rust College aims to ensure that every student, regardless of background, can pursue excellence in STEM. By fostering talent like Savannah's and Taliyah's, the initiative is poised to have a lasting impact on the college, the students, and the broader STEM community.

Rust College is excited to embark on this journey and looks forward to the program's continued growth and success.