Each Semester the Thomas F. Freeman Honors College features an outstanding scholar, and helps them share their story with the TSU community!
Next semester could be your turn!
Ms. Omokhuwele Umoru is one of the most outstanding Freeman Scholar seniors. Omo, as she is known to her friends and peers, is from Edo State, Nigeria, and is currently conducting research in the field of Computational Physics and Mathematics. She joined the Honors College as a 2nd-semester freshman and is graduating in December 2023. She hopes to someday be a data scientist and computational physicist. During the summer of 2023, Omo received an internship award at the Flatiron Institute’s Center for Computational Mathematics in New York. Below is the transcript of our short interview.
Omo standing outside the Flatiron Institute in New York City, July 2023
Can you tell us about your research?
My research at the Flatiron Institute’s Center for Computational Mathematics is based on Computer Vision. Computer vision research aims to develop algorithms and computer programs that enable computers to interpret and understand digital images and videos. This technology has a wide range of important applications in our lives, including but not limited to robotics, healthcare, surveillance and security, transportation, as well as augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR). Computer vision research has the potential to improve our lives in numerous ways by enabling us to process, analyze, and interpret visual information more effectively and efficiently.
Creating AR and VR-assisted simulations of physics experiments is actually one of the short-term goals of the research project that I am involved in this summer.
Omokhuwele Umoru (left) with fellow Freeman Scholar Mark Ddamulira (right), TSU Research Week Spring 2023
What has the Honors College done for your personal growth and development?
The Honors College has been a beacon of hope and support for me since becoming a Freeman Scholar. In addition to the generous financial support I receive, I have also been exposed to various research opportunities and scholarly programs that I would have otherwise never been privy to. I am able to work on becoming the best version of myself daily and carrying on Dr. Freeman’s lasting legacy. The College has been a home away from home at Texas Southern University with a wonderful community of like-minded individuals.
How do you feel about being one of the featured scholars of the Thomas F. Freeman Honors College?
I feel immensely grateful and I would also love to recognize the achievements of all the other
scholars in the honors college. I am proud to be a part of this program and to have the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in our field. I am excited to continue my academic and research pursuits and to make a positive impact on the world.
What are your plans for the future and how do you intend to get there?
I aspire to matriculate into a computational nuclear physics Ph.D. program. I am currently on the lookout for a master’s to Ph.D. bridge program with the hope of matriculating in Spring 2024.
Rising Star: Kristian Salas Named HBCU White House Scholar
In the realm of academic achievement and leadership, Vice President of the Honors College Ambassadors, Kristian Salas, has recently achieved a significant milestone. Selected as an HBCU White House Scholar for the 2023 Cohort, Mr. Salas's journey is not only a personal triumph but a testament to the culture of excellence in achievement.
As the Vice President of the Honors College Ambassadors, Mr. Salas is already at the forefront of leadership within his academic community. His recent recognition as an HBCU White House Scholar adds another layer to his commitment to excellence and a promising future.
Currently immersed in his pursuit of a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, Mr. Salas envisions a future where he actively engages in policy formulation within the field of pharmacy. His passion for shaping meaningful change in the industry underscores the profound impact individuals can have when driven by a sense of purpose.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona acknowledges the exceptional talent within the 2023 HBCU Scholars, stating, “Our 2023 HBCU Scholars are talented students who embody the culture of excellence and inclusion championed by our nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.” Secretary Cardona extends his congratulations to each scholar for this prestigious recognition and expresses gratitude for their commitment to serving their communities.
The Initiative believes that by recognizing and supporting HBCU Scholars, they contribute to forming the next generation of leaders who will champion HBCU excellence. This recognition program aligns with the broader goal of preparing students to compete for top opportunities that will uplift standards of living in their communities.
As we celebrate the achievements of Kristian Salas, we acknowledge the profound impact that HBCUs have in shaping not only individual futures but also the trajectory of communities and the nation as a whole. Kristian Salas's journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and leadership within the HBCU community.