St. Philips students visit top Science Lab in Tenn.

L-R: SPC President Dr. Adena Williams Loston, Trefyn Gallard, Joe Schneider, Ricky Wynne, Santiago Baltazar, Thomas Anguiano, Frances Morales, Georgianna Hernandez, Allen McAfee, Alex Ruiz-Velasco, Freddy Franco, Shannon Stanley, Herbert Pennick, Joseph Whitson, and Joannis Flatley, photo by Patrick Evans

Matari Jones-Gunter
Director of Community and Public Relations

St. Philips College Students visit top Science Lab in Tennesse

St. Philip's College sent their first-ever team of 17 students and faculty to network with scientists near the prestigious Oak Ridge National Lab outside Knoxville, Tenn. The team trip---believed to be the first of its type in the Alamo Community College District---was part of the Department of Energy's Day of Science event.

“It was exciting to learn about the internships,” SPC biology student Trefyn Gallard said upon return from Tennessee. “I also heard about a scholarship I can use to get a masters or a doctorate, and how I can apply online. I hope to get in to one of those science programs.”

The Day of Science is an annual event that encourages participation by minorities in the elite lab’s highly respected undergraduate research programs. Scientists from the Department of Energy showed students and faculty members how to network and set up personal paths to work within the national research environment. The visit bridged the gap between the classroom and workforce, participants noted.

The team represented St. Philip’s College well, the college’s President, Dr. Adena Williams Loston, told the returning students. “I also understand you are each applying for 10-week paid fellowships,” Dr. Loston said. “Keep going. You are going to do great work.”

The event supported college goals to ensure student and faculty success. It also supported national goals to increase the pool of scientists in America to include minorities.

“We’re excited,” SPC educational support services dean Joannis K. Flatley explained to the team. “We want to send 50 students next year, and get some scientists trained.”