Panther Researcher of the Week

Paola Urbaez

Panther Researcher of the Week

October 9, 2017

Ella Fitzgerald once said, “It isn’t where you come from, it’s where you’re going that counts.” This quote speaks volume to thisweeks Panther Researcher of the Week. Paola Urbaez is a graduating Senior Biology major and is a first generation college student. Being the first in her family to go college was not an easy process, but Miss Urbaez stood up to the challenge and made the most of her college experience. Urbaez is a Dean’s scholar and is apart of the Isabella T. Jenkins Honors program. Through hard work and determinationUrbaez excelled in scholarly endeavors. This dedication to excellence afforded her scholarship to the great institution that is Clark Atlanta University but also a plethora of awards and accolades; including, but not limited to, Ronald McDonald House scholarship, Discover PayDay Scholarship Award, and Dean’s Scholar Scholarship Award. Our selection for Panther Researcher of the week embodies the school motto of a culture for service by using her intellectual gifts for the advancement of the community. Miss Urbaez was inspired to become a doctor by being introduced to the Eight Millennium Developmental Goals; one of which was to combat the spread of malaria and other serious diseases. She has worked with Computational Bionanoscience in the National Science

Foundation HBCU-UP Research for the data analysis and creation of biosensors that

could be used to detect diseases such as Alzheimer’s and diabetes. In addition, she played a role in prostate cancer research through The University of Nebraska Medical Center department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. These, along with other research Urbaez is associated with, will have a lasting impact on medicine and overall health of society at large.

With all of the work being done by Miss Urbaez she still makes time to actively serve the community. As a mentor in the HBCU Rising STEM Mentoring Program she works with at-risk middle school students. She also serves as a member of the Urban Alliance Alumni Advisory Board, serving as the voice of the under-represented high school scholars. Her activities on campus also include: the RISE program, The Living Green Club, Toastmasters, and a part of the M.A.P.P.S program.

Paola Urbaez was one of the surest candidates for Panther Researcher of the week because of her involvement in research events on campus but also because of her devotion to health in all areas. When asked about what stimulated this drive she had this to say: “I know that as each day passes and I step into the lab I know that I am closer to making an impact on the health of our world.”

Congratulations Panther! We, at the Center for Undergraduate Research and Creativity, applaud you and you have our continued support.