Brandon Ellis Will Use Johnson & Johnson Scholarship at University of Memphis

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Johnson & Johnson awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to nine (9) students. One of those students is Brandon Ellis from Memphis, TN who will use the scholarship to support his study of computer science at University of Memphis.

We asked Brandon to share his thoughts on his education and BDPA:

JnJ Scholar * Brandon Ellis

"I am a past Computational Chemistry research assistant, and currently develop for iOS and the Microsoft Hololens. I served as the vice president of BDPA Memphis, and currently work with the Memphis Orange Mound App Committee. My goal for the year is to receive grant funding for thermography and artificial intelligence (AI) integration for the Hololens, as well as prepare for my upcoming summer internship at Johnson & Johnson as a Software Engineer. After graduating, I plan on attending graduate school to further my understanding of AI and its applications to real world situations.

BDPA has given me an experience like no other. A passionate BDPA evangelist and great friend of mine, as well as our advisor, gave me the opportunity to help bring BDPA back to Memphis. Over the past year, we’ve had the pleasure of introducing BDPA to members of our community ranging from elementary students to professionals across multiple fields. BDPA gave me the foundation I needed to discover what I was meant to do. From having the opportunity to compete and place in the BDPA Mobile Application Showcase, to landing me my first internship opportunity, BDPA has been there for me the entire way. Here’s to bringing that joy and opportunity to many others."

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student as a winner of the Johnson & Johnson Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Brandon's career as he seeks to start career in technology!

Asha Chen-Phang Will Use Johnson & Johnson Scholarship at Northeastern University

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Johnson & Johnson awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to nine (9) students. One of those students is Asha Chen-Phang from Hartford CT, who will use the scholarship to support her study of electrical engineering at Northeastern University.

We asked Asha to share her background info with BDPA members:

Asha Chen-Phang, JnJ Scholar (2017)

"I am currently enrolled in a five-year program at Northeastern University. As a student at Northeastern, I'm pursuing my Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering and my Master's in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Throughout the last three years, I have actively participated in Northeastern's chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, serving as our Technical Outreach & Community Help (TORCH) Chair, External Vice President, and currently as President.

Moreover, I have been involved in multiple research endeavors thus far. One conducted in the Northeastern University Computer Architecture Laboratory, assessing the reliability of Graphics Processing Units through simulation. Another through the LSAMP COSEE-TEK Ocean Science & Technology Challenge a competition in which my team developed a device designed to identify elevation levels of the benthic layer of the Long Island Sound using ultrasonic transduction technology. And finally, a National Science Foundation sponsored Research Experience for Undergraduates developing a website for underrepresented minorities seeking job opportunities.

Furthermore, I have participated in two co-op/internship experiences, one in IT/DevOps at MedTouch and another in Networking Solutions Engineering at Dell EMC. Ultimately, once I obtain my degree, I hope to utilize my engineering capabilities to develop breakthrough technological innovations that improve the quality of living world-wide. However, on a smaller scale, I would love the opportunity to find a way to support and advocate the pursuit of STEM careers among the many children of the middle to lower-class families in my hometown of Hartford, Connecticut."

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student as a winner of the Johnson & Johnson Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Asha's career as she seeks to start career in technology! 

Alexia Arthur Uses her Johnson & Johnson Scholarship at Purdue University

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Johnson & Johnson awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to nine (9) students. One of those students is Alexia Arthur, from Detroit, who will use the scholarship to support her study of computer information & technology at Purdue University.

Alexia Arthur

Alexia Arthur is currently a sophomore at Purdue University and a part of the university's Honors College. She is double majoring in Cybersecurity and Computer Information Technology. Alexia serves as a BoilerMENTOR who helps the transition to Purdue for freshmen within the school’s Polytechnic Institute. She recently completed an Internship at Yazaki North America serving as a Software Engineer. At Yazaki, Alexia programmed and tested clusters for GM’s Chevy Malibu and Chevy Cruze. As an android application developer, Alexia hopes to release one of her applications on the Play Store. Once Alexia graduates from Purdue she wants to have a career involving application security. After she is settled within her career Alexia plans on starting a scholarship fund for girls that want to major in a STEM field.

We asked Alexia to share her thoughts on BDPA:

"I had the opportunity to become a member of BDPA this year and I am truly grateful. BDPA has served as an avenue for networking and scholarships, which I appreciate. The highlight of my experience so far has been interviewing for an IT summer internship position with Johnson and Johnson. J&J is a company that takes pride in making the everyday lives of people easier, so to have the opportunity to possibly receive a position there is amazing. Ultimately, the interview itself would never have happened if I did not receive the Johnson and Johnson scholarship through BDPA. Not only did BDPA pave the way for a possible internship, but the organization made receiving a scholarship to help pay for my tuition possible."

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student as a winner of the Johnson & Johnson Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Alexia's career as she seeks to start career in technology!

Oumar Ly Uses Johnson & Johnson Scholarship at University of Cincinnati

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Johnson & Johnson awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to nine (9) students. Oumar Ly is a student at the University of Cincinnati majoring in Information Technology in the Cybersecurity track with expected graduation date in the fall of 2018. He maintained a grade point average of 3.771 and has made both the Dean’s list and merit’s list. He considers himself to be a professional, dependable, considerate and hard-working. Also, Oumar is fluent in both English and French languages qualifies him for international matters.

We asked Oumar to share his bio and his thoughts on the JnJ scholarship:

Oumar Ly * Johnson & Johnson Scholar

This Scholarship means a lot to me and my family. It is a very helpful income that will allow me to reach my educational goal. I am originally from Senegal, a country in West Africa, and was naturalized US citizen on December 16, 2016. I am a full time student, full time worker, with a family of seven. This situation is one more motivation to keep going to school and succeed. I am 48 years old, already made sacrifices to be at school, and the only goal in my life right now is to earn degrees. With 4 young kids going to school too and a baby, it is very challenging to keep a balanced budget between my kids’ education, and mine. Therefore, any help is welcome.

I am also a responsible student that chooses to return to school not by compliance, but by conviction that only education is the way to succeed and provide a better life for people that are willing to do it. Beside the academic gain, knowledge of things that surround us is very important. Technology is growing and developing fast, and technicians are needed to fill the gaps. I believe that the cybersecurity program offers the most complete experience a student needs and can get, in order to be ready for higher and international responsibilities, in the cyber security field. I hope to join our national Security Intelligence team one day, and have the opportunity to serve my country and my community. The hardest part is to be financially able to support the studies. That is why scholarship is very important to student, especially to those that are willing, ready and sure to reach the finish line.

At my work place, I am part of the safety committee team that help prevent accidents and injuries at work. We work to help workers to better understand the concept of safety, and to cultivate better behaviors that will allow them to work safely, and return to their family without any damage. Meanwhile, in my community, I am a member of the Senegalese Association of Cincinnati that help naturalized citizens from Africa generally, and Senegal mainly, to learn English, read it and write it, and be able to socialize and fill out legal paper work in their own. Generally, they end up being interested to register for college studies that we highly suggest and recommend.

Oumar (2nd-left) with other JnJ Scholars

At the beginning of the year 2016, Dr. Hazem Said, the Director of School of Information technology, suggested that I join BDPA Cincinnati in order to enrich, improve and accelerate my insertion into the professional IT community, but also to find help and support to pay my school tuition and fees. That was the best day of my life, and I made the best decision to join BDPA.

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student as a winner of the Johnson & Johnson Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Oumar's career as he seeks to advance his career in the technology industry!

Daniel Powell Uses His Johnson & Johnson Scholarship at Jackson State University

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Johnson & Johnson awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to nine (9) students. One of those students is Daniel Powell from Jackson MS, who will use the scholarship to support his study of computer science at Jackson State University (JSU).

Daniel Powell * JnJ Scholar

Daniel Powell is a senior working towards his bachelor of science degree. He is currently employed as a Big Data researcher and has experience working in cyber security at the JSU e-center. His future plans include earning a masters in Computer Science and having a successful career as a game developer.

We asked Daniel to share his thoughts about BDPA:

"My most memorable moment with BDPA would have to be receiving the notice that I was selected to receive their Johnson & Johnson scholarship. It will definitely help my academic career and I am grateful I was able to be part of such an organization."

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student as a winner of the Johnson & Johnson Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Daniel's career as he seeks to advance his career in the technology industry! 

Pierre Cireus Uses His Johnson & Johnson Scholarship at FAMU

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Johnson & Johnson awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to nine (9) students. One of those students is Pierre Cireus from Tallahassee, Florida, who will use the scholarship to support his study of computer science at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU).

Pierre Cireus was born in Haiti in 1998, but he moved to the USA with his parents in 2007. He graduated high school with Honors in 2016 while I was enrolled in dual enrollment at Polk State College, a local community college.

Pierre Cireus * JnJ Scholar

Over the summer of 2017, Pierre interned at Ion Media in Clearwater, FL. Later that summer Pierre was in a study abroad program in Brazil, Sao Paulo. He is a growing linguist with fluency in four languages (English, Creole, Spanish, and Portuguese). He plans to graduate in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, and then study abroad in pursuit of a masters in international business and interpretations.

We asked Pierre to share his thoughts on BDPA:

"My involvement in BDPA chapter is not very extensive. My University does not have a chapter of its own (hence I could not participate in all the activities), therefore I was simply adopted by BDPA Orlando a few months ago. Although, I have to say, the BDPA chapter offers a lot of opportunities for young African American men and women to learn and pursue an education, and that is how the BDPA chapter has impacted me."

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student as a winner of the Johnson & Johnson Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Pierre's career as he seeks to advance his career in the technology industry!

Priyanka Jain Uses Her Johnson & Johnson Scholarship at Notre Dame

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Johnson & Johnson awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to nine (9) students. One of those students is Priyanka Jain from Albuquerque, New Mexico, who will use the scholarship to support her study of chemical engineering at the University of Notre Dame.

Priyanka Jain

Priyanka’s high school accolades include founding a science bowl club to spread STEM awareness, captaining a Model UN team and several Science Olympiad events, serving as an ambassador to the National Society of High School Scholars, and being a member of several national honor societies. She is a Class of 2020 Hesburgh-Yusko Scholar and a National Merit scholar. She was a finalist for AXA Achievement Scholarships and was the only finalist from the state of New Mexico for the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. She has a Minor Planet 33580 named after her by LINEAR Program of MIT Lincoln Lab. Priyanka has also been the JV Tennis team co-captain and loves to play piano and violin.

Priyanka has over 5 years of research experience in the field of Biomedical Engineering. She hopes to develop the next generation of cancer treatment and has been honored for her work at several national science fairs. Her recent project, focused on developing a novel cancer treatment, placed second in the Biomedical and Health category at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

At Notre Dame, Priyanka is a rising sophomore with a hope to startup a Biotechnology company. She continues to do her research during the school year and volunteering work to make a lasting impact on her community. For summer of 2017, she volunteered for 9 weeks in clinical medicine and public health in remote areas of Peru, at an elevation of 8000 feet and areas impacted by recent massive flooding. She was involved in different surgeries, general patient care and checkups, as well as medical campaigns in remote areas to bring supplies and care to highly impoverished areas.

We asked Priyanka to share her thoughts about BDPA:

"Last year, I participate at BioGENEius competition and was honored by Ms. Seema Kumar, Vice President of Innovation, Global Health and Policy Communication, Johnson & Johnson, when I placed 2nd for my project on Cancer research. She had a quite an influence on me. Winning BDPA scholarship moment was really special when I found out the morning I was supposed to go to deliver medical supplies to a remote area in Peru. Winning BDPA has motivated me to do a summer internship at Johnson & Johnson and to double my research efforts in the field of medicine and community work to make world a better place."

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student as a winner of the Johnson & Johnson Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Priyanka's career as she seeks to start a Biotechnology company!

College Students Create Music Streaming Application

Meet Omose Ogala & Daniel Nfodjo​, creators of Vizzi Music! Frustrated with the cost of music, Omose worked with his brother, Idia Ogala to get Vizzi Music off the ground. Later adding Daniel to the team, these college students are giving one of the best music experiences, but completely FREE. Now they are competing with the big dogs like Apple Music, Spotify and Pandora!

Vizzi Music can be found on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.   We are proud to report that Daniel is a BDPA college student member. He attends University of Cincinnati and was a recipient of the Johnson & Johnson scholarship.

Let's find a way to feature this company and product at the upcoming 2017 National BDPA​ Technology Conference on July 26-29 at the Duke Energy Center!

Johnson & Johnson Scholarship (Deadline: 6/2/2017)

Johnson & Johnson is a Gold-Level Sponsor of BDPA. We are proud to offer the Johnson & Johnson Scholarship to any eligible college student!

The Johnson & Johnson Scholarship seeks to provide financial assistance to any rising sophomore or higher student at a 4-year college or university. The objective of this scholarship is to support students who are committed to their academic studies and demonstrate evidence of being a good citizen as stated in the Johnson & Johnson Credo. The criteria and eligibility for the award are detailed in the application.

Johnson & Johnson Scholarship from Entrepreneurial Engagement Ohio

The Johnson & Johnson Scholarship provides up to seven (7) $2,500 one-time only scholarships for a college student with a STEM major, strong community involvement and a minimum GPA of 3.0.  The next step is yours! Do you know anyone in your chapter who might be interested in this $2,500 college scholarship? The completed application, typed essay, two letters of recommendation, official transcript and resume must be received on or before Friday, June 2, 2017.

Ryan Dale Uses His Johnson & Johnson Scholarship at University of Louisiana

Ryan Dale * JnJ Scholar

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Johnson & Johnson awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to ten (10) students. One of those students is Ryan Dale of University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He will use the scholarship funding to support his education in Informatics.

Ryan's concentration is in Systems Administration and he has a minor in Business. Ryan has been training in martial arts (mainly TaeKwonDo) since he was six years old. He started working at my martial arts school at age fifteen and have been working at multiple martial arts schools ever since. He also owns a small business that is a social venture based on spreading the power of positivity through martial arts tricking: an acrobatic form of movement including aspects from martial arts, gymnastics, dance and other disciplines.

After completing his second summer internship with GE, he signed on to start with their Digital Technology Leadership Program. Ryan looks forward to the rotational and leadership opportunities this program presents to him. He plans on taking on both technical and project management-­type assignments. After graduating from the program, he plans on finding a location to settle down in and become a project manager and eventually work my way up to a CIO position or something like it.

When asked to share his thoughts on BDPA,

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Organizations like BDPA are key in a fast-paced field such as technology because they bring together bright minds from all over for one cause. In a world filled with globalization around every corner, organizations that support ideas and innovations are the glue that helps hold the industry together. Education and networking are so important throughout a person’s career and being a part of BDPA provides opportunities to grow and develop through so many outlets.

My favorite memory could perhaps be characterized as being quite recursive. This scholarship that was awarded to me with Johnson & Johnson shows me the incredible opportunities available to those who get out there and shoot for them. Not only are the opportunities important, but the companies and organizations that back those opportunities, such as Johnson & Johnson and BDPA, are so important when it comes to recruitment and retention in the technology field. I find it inspiring and I plan on giving back as well when I am settled into my career. This vote of confidence has made that much of an impact on me and I am extremely grateful for it.

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BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student on board as BDPA student member and a winner of the Johnson & Johnson Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Ryan's career as he seeks to advance in the technology industry!

LaRae Adams Uses Her Johnson & Johnson Scholarship at Tuskegee University

LaRae Adams * Tuskegee University

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Johnson & Johnson awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to ten (10) students. One of those students is LaRae Adams of Tuskegee University. She will use the scholarship funding to support her education in Computer Science Information Systems.

As a college freshman, LaRae was named to the Tuskegee University Dean's List & Honor Roll. During her educational years, She was employed part-time on campus as an Administrative Assistant in the Office of the Registrar. This past summer, she worked at Archer Daniels Midland Company as a Project Management Services Intern.

For the last three years, LaRae held memberships and leadership positions on campus in Association for Computer Machinery, National Society of Black Engineers, California Club Public Relations Committee, Tuskegee University Events Committee and Heavenly Heels, an organization that donates lightly worn high heel shoes to middle and high schools for graduation and proms. This past December, LaRae became a member of the Tuskegee Chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success, an organization that recognizes academic excellence and leadership.

When asked to share his thoughts on being a Johnson & Johnson scholar, LaRae wrote,

"In June 2015, I joined the Greater Birmingham chapter of the Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) through Tuskegee University. The organization is heavily involved in student mentoring, academic support through scholarships, and providing internship and valuable networking opportunities. My participation with BDPA has enabled me to establish a relationship with a mentor, who has offered information about career options. BDPA has also had an impact by introducing me to scholarship availability. Upon submitting applications, I was awarded scholarships from Oracle Corporation and Johnson & Johnson. My association with BDPA enabled me to receive much-needed financial assistance to support the continuance of my studies.

Following graduation, I plan to be a Business Analyst or Project Manager for an established and successful company whose corporate governance provides for outreach that supports offering a helping hand that contributes to the advancement of the community and world."

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student on board as BDPA student member and a winner of the Johnson & Johnson Scholarship. We look forward to supporting LaRae's career as she seeks to advance in the technology industry!

Zinquarn Wright Uses JnJ Scholarship at Capitol Technology University

Zinquarn Wright * Capitol Technology University

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Johnson & Johnson awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to winners of the BDPA IT Showcase.  One of those students is Zinquarn Wright of Capitol Technology University.

Zinquarn Wright lives in Washington DC and is a graduate of McKinley Technology High School. He has participated in the UPO Providing Opportunities With Educational Readiness (POWER) program for the past five years. Zinquarn has distinguished himself with his participation with the Joint Educational Facilities (JEF) program led by Dr. Jesse Bemley.  Zinquarn won first place in the BDPA High School IT Showcase in Indianapolis. He was also a member of the Digital Media Arts Club sponsored by WHUT and American University Graduate Film School, where I helped produce two PSAs dealing with suspension from school and teen pregnancy. In his sophomore year of high school he was a part of the WPFW live teen radio show, '2K Nation', where he was frequently a host and part of the panel. He not only attended the National Science and Engineering Festival in Washington DC, he was also tapped by Lockheed and 4H to present Legos Robotics to youth attendees. For the last two years he has been a part of the music club at his school, where students are taught how mix beats, engineer using Logic music software.

When asked to share his thoughts on being a Johnson & Johnson scholar, Zinquarn wrote,

"Participating in BDPA through the JEF program with Dr. Bemley absolutely changed my life. I learned about aspects of technology that stretched beyond just my interests in music and music technology. Because Dr. Bemley prepared me to participate in two high school showcases at the BDPA Conference in DC and Indianapolis, I learned how to prepare professional papers, how to give informed presentations and improved my leadership skills by working in a team.

BDPA definitely improved my chances of getting into CapTech U, especially when the dean saw my paper in the BDPA proceedings from Indianapolis. The folks at CapTech U knew about the great work of BDPA and Dr. Bemley and Mr. Perry Carter. Not only was I accepted by three other students from POWER who participated with JEF and BDPA. The opportunities provided by BDPA broadened my academic interests and helped with my post-secondary matriculation. I’m thankful for the great opportunities."

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student on board as winner of the Johnson & Johnson Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Zinquarn's career as he seeks to advance in the technology industry!

Alston Clark Uses His JnJ Scholarship at Howard University

Alston Clark * Howard University

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Johnson & Johnson awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to ten (10) students. One of those students is Alston Clark of Howard University.

Alston loves working on difficult problems and relating abstract concepts into realistic solutions. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Alston developed a love for science and technology at an early age. Currently a computer science major at Howard University, Alston enjoys finding ways to use technology to help positive social causes. During his free time, Alston can be found playing guitar or exploring the city with this brothers and sister. After college, Alston plans on working in industry for a number of years as a software engineer.

When asked to share his thoughts on being a Johnson & Johnson scholar, Alston wrote,

"During my freshman year in high school, I participated in BDPA High School Computer Competition. This was my first experience with coding and it opened my eyes to new possibilities. My instructor challenged myself and my teammates to be greater. I will never forget his class nor his advice. Being a member of the BDPA has benefited me in high school, and continues to help me reach my goals in college. I am extremely grateful for this organization."

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student on board as winner of the Johnson & Johnson Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Alston's career as he seeks to advance in the technology industry!

Déja Lindsey Uses her JnJ Scholarship to Attend Georgetown University

Déja Lindsey * Georgetown University

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Johnson & Johnson awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to ten (10) students. One of those students is Déja Lindsey of Georgetown University.

Déja is a junior at Georgetown University with a double major in Computer Science and Sociology. On campus, she is a member of the Georgetown Cheerleading Team and works as a technology support specialist. She spent her first two summers of college interning with top-40 Fortune 500 companies. She worked as an IT Intern for Johnson & Johnson during the summer of 2015 in Raritan, NJ, and as a Software Developer for JPMorgan Chase during the summer of 2016 in Houston, TX.  Besides technology, she is extremely passionate about giving back to her community and spends most of her free time volunteering and working with Girls Got IT!, a program she founded, that works to introduce young, underprivileged girls to technology. She aspires to work as a technologist that creates or improves applications to better the lives of humans around the world.

Déja is a member of our BDPA Chicago chapter. When asked to share her thoughts on being a Johnson & Johnson scholar, Déja wrote,

"Being a BDPA member has had a great impact on my career development. From membership in the BDPA I was able to network and make connections with employees from Johnson & Johnson and JPMorgan Chase, both of which I have spent summers interning. I found out about the program, Launching Leaders, in which I interviewed for my internship with JPMorgan Chase from contacts that I made through BDPA. I was also invited to participate in the Eli Lilly IT Career Planning Conference after meeting other BDPA members. I attended a local event in Washington, DC where I was also able to meet with working professionals in the Washington, DC area.

By attending the National BDPA Technology conferences in 2015 and 2016, I got the opportunity to attend seminars such as the Women in Technology Panel, Big Data session, Millennials in the Workforce, and How to Be Successful in Corporate America, which were all great learning experiences. Along with the networking aspect, BDPA has exposed me to more Black IT professionals, empowering me to continue my path into the information technology career field. My most memorable moment in BDPA was attending the PINKTech luncheon, because I was able to meet many African American women who have been in the tech industry for decades, which was very inspirational."

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student on board as winner of the Johnson & Johnson Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Déja's career as she seeks to advance in the technology industry!