The Minority Opportunities in Research (MORE) programs held its annual Andreoli-Woods Lecture featuring guest speaker, Dr. Paul Henry Barber, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Los Angeles. The event honored the MORE and LSAMP BD graduating students who are pursuing graduate degrees (MS or PhD) at prestigious universities this coming fall.
Provost Lynn Mahoney welcomed attendees including special guests, Jeff Silverman and Amelia Perez-Silverman – both Cal State LA alumni - who established the Jeff and Amelia Silverman: MBRS-RISE Scholarship (Minority Biomedical Research Support – Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement) for students who participate in the program. Provost Mahoney also acknowledged the accomplishments of Dr. Geraldine Woods and Dr. Anthony Andreoli whom the annual lecture series is named after. Dr. Woods worked tirelessly to establish the MARC and MBRS programs (which are housed under the MORE Program) at the national level. She also acknowledged Dr. Anthony Andreoli who as a faculty member at Cal State LA increased the research opportunities and advancement of minority students as the director of the campus’ MBRS Program. The program grew to become one of the strongest and largest among such programs nationwide.
Dr. Barber, who earned his PhD from University of California, Berkeley, gave the keynote address aptly titled “Lessons in Probability from an Improbable Marine Scientist” which detailed his unusual path in earning his doctorate degree. He reminded students that like him, everyone has their own path to achieving their goals. He implored the students to “draw inspiration from others but realize they are following their passion.” He closed his lecture by asking the students to remember that they are a part of a rich legacy left to them by Dr. Woods and Dr. Andreoli. Thus, they have an obligation to be a “transformative scientist.”
The dean of the College of Natural and Social Sciences, Dr. Pamela Scott-Johnson, thanked the faculty and staff of the MORE Program for their work on behalf of the students and congratulated them on the students’ successes. As a beneficiary of the MARC Program herself, Dr. Scott-Johnson reminded the students of the MORE community in which they can rely on in times of difficulty as they pursue higher education. In closing, the dean wished a happy retirement to Dr. Margaret Jefferson, an emeriti professor who has been instrumental in the continued success of the program. She recognized her service and commitment to the program and acknowledged the hundreds of students who have benefitted directly from her years of dedication.
For more photos from the 2018 Andreoli-Woods Lecture, visit our flickr page.