CSTEP Scholars

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Sadia Abakar Khatir Adam is a senior
Biology major on the pre-med track
from Utica, New York.

She is currently conducting
developmental biology research using
zebrafish as a model organism,
focusing on how intestinal cells,
particularly best4 cells develop and
change before metamorphosis. Her
research aims to contribute to a
deeper understanding of gut
development and its relevance to
human health and disease.

Outside of academics, Sadia enjoys
hiking, knitting, and crocheting with
family and friends. She is also the
founder of a nonprofit organization,
where she helps organize events and
lead missions to support displaced
communities. 

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Born in NYC and raised in Pakistan,

Zainab is a Junior at Clarkson
University double majoring in
Business Administration and
Psychology with a Marketing minor.

In her time at Clarkson, she has
launched two startups, manages the
Psychology Department’s social
media, and is active in several
professional societies. Zainab works
with Professor Lauren Petley in the
Hearing and Attention Lab, this
summer she studied the brain’s three
attention networks using auditory
ANT and EEG.

She is also a passionate member of
The Theatre Company. She plans to
pursue an MBA and PsyD after
graduation. 

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Glori Yeboah is a senior at Clarkson
University majoring in Aerospace
Engineering with a minor in
Mathematics. She is originally from
Accra, Ghana.

This summer, she conducted research
in the Multidisciplinary Design
Optimization (MDO) Lab under
Professor Brian Helenbrook. Her work
focused on optimizing ducted wind
turbine blade geometry using CFD
simulations to reduce power losses
caused by the hub.

Glori plans to pursue a Master of
Engineering Management after
graduation, with the University of
Toronto as one of her top choices.
Outside of academics, she enjoys
traveling, planning, and crocheting. 

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Alisha is from Brooklyn, NY. She is a

junior at Clarkson University studying
Mechanical Engineering. She is
conducting Luge simulation research
with Dr. Brian Helenbrook.

Using CFD software, she’ll be looking
to optimize aerodynamic performance
by observing the angle of attack on a
Luge sled. Alisha is interested in
pursuing a PhD in Mechanical
Engineering or related fields in the
future. 

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Yohansel Garcia Polanco lives in the Bronx and is currently a rising sophomore majoring in Computer Science at Clarkson University.

This summer he had the opportunity to work under Dr. Kwadwo AppiahKubi, where he focused on testing balance and gait using a Virtual Reality headset that simulates realworld environments. He also integrated Electroencephalogram (EEG) technology to monitor brain activity during these VR conditions. 

After graduating he plans to pursue his Master’s in Computer Science. Outside of school, he likes spending time with his family and playing basketball.

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Hayden Ide is from a small town in the
capital region called Cobleskill, New
York. He’s currently a junior at
Clarkson University studying
environmental science & sustainability
with minors in biology and legal
studies.

This summer he's working along with
two other Clarkson students under Dr.
Stefanie Kring and Dr. Diana White to
collect environmental data on how
Eurasian Water Milfoil grows in Goose
Bay, New York.

When not working in the lab or in the
field Hayden enjoys hiking and
backpacking around the Adirondacks.

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Nas Nfaoui was born in Italy and raised in Morocco before moving to the US shortly after the COVID pandemic to continue his studies. 
He is currently a sophomore at Clarkson University, majoring in Electrical Engineering. This summer, he worked in Dr. Chen Liu’s lab, developing an autonomous navigation robot using LiDAR sensors to navigate and avoid obstacles. Nas is undecided about pursuing a Master's or PhD but is committed to further education.
Outside of academics, he enjoys reading, watching funny videos, swimming, and playing volleyball. He is also passionate about underwater robotics and serves as the Director of Memberships for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.
 

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Alisha is from Brooklyn, NY. She is a sophomore at Clarkson University studying Environmental Science and Sustainability. Alisha has been working with Dr. Andrea Ferro on low-cost air quality sensors that will be deployed in the Saint Regis Mohawk Reservation. 
Alisha is interested in pursuing her PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering and has a dream goal of doing research in Antarctica. 
 

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Niyogushima Nuru was born in Tanzania and came to the United States in 2007, living in Syracuse NY. She came to Potsdam, NY to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biomolecular Science and is currently a Junior. 
Niyogushima is working with Clarkson Biochemistry and Proteomics Laboratories under the supervision of Dr. Costel C, Darie. She is working on proteomic analysis of hormone-negative breast cancer in comparison to controls to identify possible biomarkers.
Niyogushima wants to pursue a PhD in Biochemistry and Biomedical Science. Her ultimate dream school is Johns Hopkins University.
She loves to sing, cook, play soccer and volleyball, and spend time with friends and family.