Chioma Umeh: U*STAR Scholar Receives
Howell-CSUPERB Student Research Fellow Award

Senior Chioma Umeh (Biology) has been selected for the Howell-California State University Program of Education and Research in Biotechnology (CSUPERB) Student Research Fellow Award. The $2,500 award is jointly funded for 11 undergraduate students by the CSU and the Doris A. Howell Foundation for Women’s Health Research. The Undergraduate Student Training in Academic Research (U*STAR) scholar is working with Dr. Monica Ferrini at The Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, investigating the sexual dysfunction due to the relationship between diabetes mellitus and fibrosis in female rats.

“Before I started U*STAR, all I knew about Dominguez Hills was going to school and going home,” Umeh recalls. “But with U*STAR, I found out what research opportunities were available. Working with Dr. Ferrini has helped me with my higher science classes, like my BIO 300 and 400 level courses.”

Umeh was nominated based on her GPA and research by Thomas Landefeld, professor of biology and U*STAR director.

“Chioma represents the consummate young developing scientist,” says Landefeld. “She is focused on her educational future and is taking advantage of all opportunities provided to the students that I mentor. The Howell-CSUPERB is such an opportunity and I can think of no one who better represents student research achievement.”

Umeh plans to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) after graduation while deciding on her choice of medical schools, including UCLA, UCI, Stanford, and UC San Francisco. After completing her studies, she hopes to become a cardiac or plastic surgeon.

“My education at Dominguez Hills has strengthened my knowledge in the science fields and has created many opportunities for me in the field of research,” she notes. “The teachers are very attentive to the students and are there every step of the way to give support with the many programs offered, such as research and conferences to learn more about career options. I am very glad I got my education at Dominguez Hills, because I was able to learn more than I would have elsewhere.”

-Joanie Harmon