Current Scholars

First Year Scholars

Magou Fofana

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Magou Fofana is a studious junior who majors in Forensic Psychology with minors in Counseling and Corrections. She is also pursuing a certificate in Dispute Resolution. In addition to her classes, she engages herself in numerous extracurricular roles and responsibilities that include modeling as a Peer Success Coach with the APPLE Corps team where she is actively engaged in helping her peers attain academic success as well as her leadership work with young children and adolescents in after school settings. Magou hopes to research the diagnosis and treatment of neurodivergent youth within clinical and correctional settings. She looks to make strides and increase representation within the field of developmental neuropsychology and psychopathology.

Gabriel E. Martinez Romero

Gabriel E. Martinez Romero is a Macaulay Honors student majoring in Forensic Science. As a first-generation college student, he has a strong interest in STEM fields and intends to pursue a graduate degree, aiming for a Ph.D. in chemistry and potentially an MD/Ph.D. Gabriel serves as a Forensic Science Peer Mentor and is a participant in the PRISM: STEM Scholar program, in addition to being a research assistant through the McNair Program. Last summer, Gabriel participated in the Early Identification Program at Brown University, where he worked under the mentorship of Dr. Yang Zhou. His research focused on characterizing type 2 innate lymphoid cells using enhanced green fluorescent proteins in mice. This experience was invaluable, providing him with insights into graduate school and connecting him with brilliant scientists across various fields. Gabriel presented his findings from Brown University at both the annual Leadership Alliance Symposium and the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists. Since his freshman year, Gabriel has been a member of Dr. Elise Champeil's lab, where research is conducted on derivatives of the chemotherapeutic drug mitomycin-C. They explore these derivatives using cell lines like MCF7 (breast cancer cells) to assess their cytotoxicity based on biochemical and cellular mechanisms. Gabriel plans to present his research at the National American Chemical Society Conference. With his research experience, Gabriel hopes to work with either the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help combat diseases and promote healthier lives.

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Mariely Morel

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Picture of Mariely Morel

Mariely Morel is a first-generation Honors student majoring in Forensic Psychology with a minor in History. Her family comes from the Dominican Republic, and she strives to make them all proud by obtaining a master's degree in Forensic Psychology, and then a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Her research interests align strongly with psychological assessments in correctional facilities, rehabilitative programs, and violence prevention. She was able to explore these research interests when she interned for a Drug Court that granted participants with drug treatment, counseling, and other services to help them recover from addiction. Mariely is looking to conduct further research on substance abuse stigmatization and treatment methods for reducing recidivism. Outside of McNair, Mariely is also a research assistant for her mentor Dr. Deborah Koetzle, a Math & Science Tutor, a Peer Advisor, and an Executive for the Campus Activity Board.

Second Year Scholars

Thishe Bennett

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Thishe Bennett is a first-generation college student from East Harlem, New York. She joined the John Jay’s Honors Program as a junior. She is a first-year McNair Scholar aspiring to pursue a PsyD. in Mental Health Counseling. Thishe majors in Forensic Psychology and minors in Gender Studies. For her potential research, Thishe hopes to research disclosure and systematic mental health through the lens of child sexual abuse under her mentor, Professor Jeglic. In her free time, she loves reading, skating (iced and roller), and watching Criminal Minds on a consistent basis.

Briana Moncayo-Campoverde

Briana Moncayo-Campoverde is a first generation Latina whose parents came from Ecuador. She is majoring in Anthropology with a double minor in Latin America/Latinx Studies and Digital Media and Journalism. She is a first-year McNair Scholar pursuing a doctoral degree in Socio-Cultural Anthropology. As a Brooklyn native, she’s experienced the shift in her neighborhood and wave of gentrification emerging and because of this, her research focuses on graffiti and its evolution and impacts it has on urban marginalized communities. The key aspect are the messages behind each type of tags the artists spray on buildings and inanimate objects to grab people’s attention. Her accomplishments include being a Chi Alpha Epsilon honoree as she has presented to be a woman who encourages other first-gen students to pursue a higher education. She believes in having to be the representation one doesn’t normally see in a classroom.

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Aliesha Hetnarine

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Picture of Aliesha Hetnarine

Aliesha Hetnarine is a dedicated undergraduate student majoring in Forensic Science with a double concentration in Molecular Biology and Toxicology along with a minor in English. Aliesha is incredibly proud to be the first in her family to pursue a STEM degree with the pursuit of doctoral studies in Forensic Science. Aliesha is the recipient of Sigma Tau Delta, The English Honor Society, and The National Honor Society of Leadership and Success. She is also the President of The Forensic Science Society, a Forensic Science Peer Mentor, a participant in PRISM: STEM Scholars, and a Research Assistant in collaboration with the McNair Program and PRISM: Undergraduate Research Program. Aliesha had the opportunity to be a part of The University at Albany Summer Research Program where she worked with her mentor, Dr. Jeremy Feldblyum, to separate conjugated polyelectrolytes utilizing the molecular biology technique of Gel Electrophoresis. She had an amazing experience that allowed her to participate in professional development workshops and network with extraordinary scientists. Aliesha presented at The 28th Annual University at Buffalo Undergraduate Research Conference and at The University at Albany Summer Research Program Symposium. Aliesha is currently under the mentorship of Dr. Yi He, where they conduct research to determine the chemical composition and cytotoxicity of flavorants present in e-cigarettes by developing an analytical method utilizing Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). She aims to present this research later this year. Aliesha hopes that all of the instrumentation and analytical techniques she has learned will be beneficial to her, her future, and problem-solving for the greater good of justice.

Nayelle Pace

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Nayelle Pace

Nayelle Pace is a McNair scholar from the Bronx, NY. Outside of McNair, Nayelle is the APPLE Corps Lead Peer Success Coach under the Student Academic Success Program. She majors in Forensic Psychology and minors in Counseling. Previously, was interested in obtaining her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, but she is first looking to pursue her Master's degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Nayelle is interested in researching the impact of mindfulness on college students. Lastly, she is an active research assistant in the Children and Law Lab.

Savannah Smith

Savannah Smith is a John Jay Honors student from Harlem, New York majoring in Forensic Psychology with a minor in Africana Studies. She is a first-year McNair Scholar aspiring to pursue a doctorate in Education/Educational Leadership & Policy. Savannah is a Spring 2024 initiate of the Alpha Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and recently presided as the Executive Treasurer for John Jay’s Student Council and Black Student Union. She is also an inductee of the Delta Alpha Pi International Honors Society. Savannah hopes to use her passion for education to research and produce strategies to combat injustices that marginalized students face within the education system varying from K-12 to Higher Education. 

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Savannah Smith

Andrew Vargas

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Andrew Vargas

Andrew Vargas is a Macaulay at John Jay student majoring in toxicology with a minor in environmental justice. His passion for science stems from his mother, a chemist at the FDA. Originally, Andrew came to John Jay to major in forensic science but soon became fascinated by environmental science, both in and outside the lab. As a fellow in the inaugural cohort of the Reducetarian Fellowship, Andrew explored the intersection of science and justice while learning about the global food system, industrial animal agriculture, animal welfare, climate change, and environmental justice. 

After completing the fellowship program, Andrew interned for a nonprofit organization, was accepted into the PRISM Undergraduate Research Program under Dr. Anthony Carpi’s environmental chemistry lab, became an Honors Peer Mentor, and continues to co-facilitate the Honors LGBTQ+ Honors Committee. Andrew hopes to explore an interest in social science research through the McNair program. His research interests surround environmental justice and racism, but he hopes to explore the topic of eco-anxiety under his McNair mentor. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree, Andrew seeks to pursue a Ph.D. in environmental studies so he can become a college professor and create environmental programs for college students. In his free time, you can find Andrew cooking a new vegetarian meal, playing video games with friends, reading a good thriller, or re-watching Modern Family.

Associate Scholar

Ashli Hamilton

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Ashli Hamilton

Ashli Hamilton is an accomplished undergraduate honors student at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice studying Forensic Psychology with a minor in Sociology. As she approaches her senior year, Ashli is gearing up to apply to Ph.D. programs in Clinical Psychology or Criminal Justice, driven by her passion for understanding, addressing, and solving societal issues. The Ronald E. McNair program has played a pivotal role in Ashli's journey, empowering her to pursue her dream of obtaining a Ph.D. She has been working on research relating to juvenile justice under the guidance of her mentor, Dr. Haney-Caron, within her Youth Law and Psychology Lab. Throughout college, she has focused her research on juvenile justice, criminal justice, the carceral system, recidivism, public policy, and social change. In addition to her McNair research, she is also revising her accepted research-based submission to the Annual Review of Criminal Justice Studies journal! This submission focuses on crime and media relations and she is excited to share this in the spring! Notably, Ashli has been awarded the New York Giants Touchdown Fellowship for the 2023-2024 school year. Through this prestigious fellowship, she is placed at a year-long internship at the Center for Justice Innovation at the Manhattan Justice Opportunities location. At MJO she is a resource coordinator intern and is grateful to hold a position that aligns with her future interests. At John Jay College, Ashli is actively involved in various leadership roles, including Founder and Co-chair of the Criminal Justice Honors Committee, Secretary of the Black Student Union, and a Center for Post-Graduate Opportunities Scholar. Ashli looks forward to the opportunities that lie ahead and the chance to affect meaningful change through her education and experiences.

Feel free to connect with Ashli on LinkedIn.

Jheyleinnies Guerrero

Jheyleinnies Guerrero (Jhey Jhey) is currently studying Criminology as her major and Psychology as her minor. Notably, she is the first individual in her family to seek both a bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. Presently, in her third year transitioning to her fourth year at John Jay, she has been highly engaged with the institution. Jhey Jhey is a recipient of the McNair Program, Excelsior, and Honors Program scholarships. In addition, she holds a part-time position as a Peer Mentor for the Honors program and serves as a Lead Peer and Peer Success Coach for Transfer Students in the Student Academic Success Program. Before her present position, she completed an internship at NYU's Graduate Center for the CUNY Justice Academy. Currently, she is under the guidance of Dr. Jana Arsovska as she conducts research on Minor Sex and Labor Trafficking inside the Foster care system. She has attended several conferences and received an award for her study last summer. She desires to pursue her research further and specialize in the field of transactional and organized crime for her Ph.D.

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Jheyleinnes Guerrero

Anjelika Soriano

Anjelika Soriano is a first-generation Latin, her parents come from the Dominican Republic. She is majoring in Forensic Psychology and intends to become a criminal profiler. Anjelika is striving to complete her Ph.D in Forensic Psychology. Anjelika was in John Jay’s Upward Bound program during high school, now she is in the ACE program, and the McNair program. Anjelika hopes to make a positive impact on people's lives.

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Anjelika Soriano

Sherley Tejada

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Sherley smiling at the camera

Sherley Tejada is a first-generation Afro Latina college student studying Forensic Science, specializing in molecular biology and criminalistics. As a McNair Scholar, Sherley aspires to earn a doctoral degree in Biological Sciences. Currently, she is working with Dr. Mechthild Prinz under the McNair Program, conducting secondary analysis research on DNA databases and wrongful convictions. Her research has been presented at the CUNY Graduate Center and The University at Buffalo. Her work with Dr. Prinz has been recognized by the Innocence Project, where she was offered an internship in the racial disparities department at their NY offices, working alongside Ngouzi Ndule. Sherley will continue her work with Dr. Prinz as a PRISM scholar. Additionally, she serves as a Lab Assistant in Dr. Guoqi Zhang's Organic Chemistry lab, where she examines catalysts that may reduce cancer cells. Outside of research, Sherley mentors underrepresented women in STEM at John Jay as a FEEMS Mentor and provides tutoring services in her free time.

Imani Thomas

Imani Thomas is a first-generation undergraduate honors student majoring in Forensic Asychology and minoring in Africana studies. Broadly speaking her research interests are centered in sexual abuse, sexual violence, trauma, psychopathology, and BIPOC and underrepresented individuals. Specifically, Imani wants to research how psychological issues and sexual abuse in sexual minorities can impact their overall mental health and well-being. Followed by understanding sexual offenders by exploring their motivations, behaviors, and the underlying psychological factors contributing to their actions. She aims to uncover nuanced insights into the intersectionality of identity and trauma within marginalized communities, with a focus on developing tailored interventions and support systems. As a McNair scholar, Imani is engaged in rigorous research examining childhood sexual abuse and psychological outcomes of LGBTQIA+ individuals.


Currently, she is a member of John Jay’s honor program, the Black Student Union, and serves on their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, in the Center for Post Graduate Opportunities program (CPO scholars), an associate board member for the New York Birth Control Access Project, and a student volunteer for the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault. In addition to this, Imani is a research assistant in Dr. Gabriel Camacho’s Stigma and Identity Lab (SAIL), and she is a research assistant for her mentor, Dr. Elizabeth Jeglic. Furthermore, she is a researcher in the Office for Student Research and Creativity (OSRC) where she is researching the prevalence of sexual grooming behaviors in sexual minorities. After earning her bachelor's degree in Forensic Psychology, Imani enthusiastically seeks to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, aiming to research and evaluate BIPOC and underrepresented individuals affected by psychological disorders and trauma resulting from experiencing sexual violence/abuse.

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Imani Thomas

Program Staff

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Dr. Jessica Gordon-Nembhard
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Dr. S. Ernest Lee Jr.