S8 Scholars
Dhakir Haskins
Dhakir Haskins is an S8 Scholar at Fayetteville State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with a concentration in Pre-Health. Originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina, Dhakir developed an interest in chemistry and the sciences through his academic experiences and growing passion for medicine and healthcare.
As an S8 Scholar, Dhakir is committed to taking advantage of academic enrichment, professional development, research, and mentoring opportunities that will prepare him for a future in the medical field. The S8 Program has provided him with valuable support as he continues to pursue his academic goals while navigating the financial challenges of higher education.
Dhakir’s academic and career interests are centered around medicine, with anesthesiology being one of the fields he is currently considering. His future goal is to continue building a strong foundation in the sciences and eventually pursue a career where he can apply his knowledge to help others.
Outside of academics, Dhakir enjoys playing electric guitar, practicing MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, playing video games, and playing chess. He also enjoys exploring new interests and challenging himself to learn new skills.
Zianne Purdie
Zianne Purdie is a Chemistry major at Fayetteville State University with a concentration in Pre-Pharmacy. Originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Zianne chose chemistry because of her interest in medicine and her desire to learn more about how science can help people. Her passion for the medical field has motivated her to pursue a career in pharmacy.
Zianne joined the S8 Program to be part of a supportive community and take advantage of the many academic and career opportunities the program provides. Through S8, she hopes to grow academically, meet new people, and gain experiences that will help prepare her for her future career.
Her academic and career interests are focused on chemistry, medicine, and pharmacy. After graduating from Fayetteville State University, Zianne’s goal is to become a pharmacist and use her knowledge to help others.
Outside of academics, Zianne enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to music, and making memories with the people around her.
Azaliah Wittmeyer-Balthazar (Former Scholar)
- Major: Associate of Science (FTCC)
- Plans After Graduation: I plan to go to graduate school, and continue research into environmental issues.
- Career Goals: I’ll be focusing on environmental sciences.
Are’yana Marsh (Former Scholar)
- Major: My major will be Chemistry at FSU in the Fall Semester.
- Plans After Graduation: My plans to become an astronomer, get a car and get my own apartment!
- Career Goals: To earn a degree in Astrophysics. To have a career that lets me enjoy it! To have a secure job that pays well enough.
Sofia Estrada Florez (Former Scholar)
- Major: Associate of Science (FTCC)
- Plans After Graduation: I intend to transfer to a four‑year university to complete my pre‑veterinary requirements.
- Career Goals: I plan to pursue a career in Veterinary Science.
Kristina Anderson
Kristina Anderson is an S8 Scholar at Fayetteville State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry and Forensic Science. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, she discovered her passion for science by learning how things are made and how living organisms survive and function. This curiosity sparked an interest in using science to help others and make a positive impact on her community.
Kristina chose to study chemistry at Fayetteville State University because of her interest in understanding the biological and chemical processes that shape the world around us. She joined the S8 Program to take advantage of the academic support, professional development opportunities, and hands-on experiences available to STEM students. As an S8 Scholar, she has participated in undergraduate research opportunities, professional development workshops, peer mentoring, and the Summer Bridge Program, all of which have helped her grow as both a student and future professional.
Kristina’s academic interests include human anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, and forensic science. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career as a forensic biologist or DNA analyst, using science to contribute to criminal investigations and help others.
Outside of academics, Kristina works as a pharmacy technician. In her free time, she enjoys reading, volunteering in her community, and learning new skills that support her personal and professional growth.
Jamie Nicholson
Jamie Pendarvas Nicholson Jr. is an S8 Scholar at Fayetteville State University working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, and having moved to Fayetteville during middle school, Jamie Jr. has always had an interest in science, long before his first science class. As early as third grade, he spent time "inventing" and "experimenting," building large contraptions and putting things together. High school chemistry and biology courses continued to deepen his love for engineering and chemistry, where hands-on laboratory activities demonstrated how scientific innovations can change lives.
As an S8 Scholar, Jamie Jr. actively participates in academic enrichment activities, professional development workshops, undergraduate research, and mentoring opportunities designed to support student success in STEM fields. Through the Summer Bridge Program and ongoing S8 activities, he has strengthened his skills in critical thinking, scientific communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Jamie Jr. enjoys mathematics, experimental research, and general chemistry. After graduation, he plans to earn his medical degree and reimagine the medical field through excellence, expertise, and dedication.
Outside of academics, Jamie Jr. enjoys reading, playing video games, watching television, biking, swimming, playing music, baseball, and learning something new while helping others.
Shaima Alsaidi
Shaima Alsaidi is an S8 Scholar at Fayetteville State University, where she majors in Chemistry (Pre-Pharmacy). She was born in Sana'a, Yemen, and grew up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she took rigorous courses at an early college and discovered her interest in chemistry. She was fascinated by how relevant chemistry is in everyday life and wanted to further understand these processes.
The S8 Program was a special opportunity for Shaima, as it allowed her to have more practical involvement in her studies. The combination of research and professional seminars gave her the information and experiences needed to thrive during her undergraduate studies. Participating in research has allowed Shaima to enrich her learning outside the classroom. The S8 Program also provided the catalyst for her to develop a variety of soft and technical skills, including effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Academics have always been important to Shaima. After assessing her strengths and interests, she chose to pursue chemistry. She is particularly interested in pharmaceutical, pigment, and food chemistry. After graduation, she plans to apply to pharmacy school and develop expertise in pharmaceutical sciences, where she can conduct research and contribute to the field of pharmacology.
In her downtime, Shaima loves to draw and paint. She enjoys exploring new places, taking on new experiences, and meeting new people. In all aspects of her life, she loves to learn!
Prince-Be'Johan A. Ragas
Prince-Be'Johan A. Ragas is a freshman undergraduate student at Fayetteville State University and a proud member of the S8 Program. He is majoring in Chemistry and plans to pursue a career in chemical engineering. Born and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Prince-Be'Johan developed an interest in engineering because of the impact it can have on people's lives and the possibilities it offers for solving real-world problems.
One of the main reasons Prince-Be'Johan joined the S8 Program was to gain the support and opportunities needed to reach his academic and career goals. He also believes the professors and mentors in the program will help make his time at Fayetteville State University as successful as possible.
Prince-Be'Johan is interested in a career involving food development and the pharmaceutical industry. He hopes to make food more sustainable through improved long-term packaging and the development of bio-organic materials that reduce pollution. He also wants to create affordable, cost-effective alternatives to expensive long-term medications so that families with financial constraints have access to quality medicine without sacrificing effectiveness.
In his free time, Prince-Be'Johan enjoys relaxing, playing video games, and finding music that helps him study. He also enjoys watching horror films, binge-watching YouTube, trying different foods, and working with his hands.
Corinne Brown
Corinne Brown is an S8 Scholar at Fayetteville State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with a concentration in General Chemistry. From Fayetteville, North Carolina, Corinne developed an interest in chemistry by taking high school chemistry, which she loved. She then took General Chemistry I as a college course. During these classes, the hands-on laboratory activities piqued her curiosity about how applying chemical equations can help people make safer decisions in their everyday lives.
As an S8 Scholar, Corinne participated in the Summer Bridge Program, professional development workshops, and S8 summer activities. Through these programs, workshops, and activities, Corinne has enhanced her skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and computational thinking.
Corinne’s academic interests include chemical engineering, analytical chemistry, and cheminformatics. After graduation, she plans to find a career that contributes to using algorithms and data analysis to solve chemical problems in everyday life.
Outside of academics, Corinne enjoys playing soccer, spending quality time with friends and family, and trying new things.
Hannah Miller
Hannah Miller is a freshman at Fayetteville State University, majoring in Pre-Chemistry. They aspire to concentrate their major in Biochemistry. Born and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Hannah acquired an aptitude for science starting as early as elementary school and carried that interest throughout the rest of their years in public school. In high school, they participated in many STEM-related activities and enrichment opportunities and found a passion for pursuing a benevolent career in science.
Now in the S8 Program in college, Hannah continues their participation in science enrichment activities offered by the program, such as professional development workshops, laboratory activities, and mentoring opportunities created to support students aspiring to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Hannah’s academic interests are general chemistry, biochemical research, and molecular biology. After graduation, Hannah intends to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry and plans to become a researcher for the Chemours chemical spill recovery team. This topic is particularly relevant to them because they grew up near the site of this event in Fayetteville and want to contribute to a solution.
When not in class or doing schoolwork or studying at home, Hannah enjoys writing and reading poetry, observing and creating various forms of art, music, and taking pictures of natural features on campus during long walks around the classrooms and buildings.
Avery Walker
Avery Walker is an S8 Scholar at Fayetteville State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a minor in Forensic Science. Originally from Prince George’s County, Maryland, Avery developed an early interest in science through educational television shows such as The Magic School Bus, Sid the Science Kid, and Bill Nye the Science Guy.
As an S8 Scholar, Avery actively participates in Army ROTC, Chess Club, and STEM-related organizations. Through the Summer Bridge Program and ongoing S8 activities, Avery has strengthened skills in critical thinking, scientific communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.
Avery’s academic interests center on biochemistry and forensic science, with the goal of applying scientific knowledge to the legal field. After graduation, Avery plans to pursue a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and become a forensic attorney, using a background in science to analyze evidence and advocate for justice in the courtroom. Avery also aspires to serve as an officer in the United States Army through the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps.
Outside of academics, Avery enjoys spending time with fellow Army ROTC cadets, attending STEM fairs, watching crime shows, and studying the periodic table.