Harris inducted into the National Academy of Engineering earlier this year
(CHICAGO) – Chicago Pre-College Science and Engineering Program (ChiS&E) will host a special ZOOM event featuring Dr. Latonia M. Harris. this Saturday, December 19 at 10 a.m. Harris is Scientific Director CMC Leader Janssen R&D Portfolio Management, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies. One of ChiS&E’s goals is to expose Black and Latino students to those in the math, science and engineering fields, allowing them access to mentors who expand their views on STEM and ultimately their college and career choices.
Harris who was elected to the National Academy of Engineering earlier this year, one of the highest professional distinctions awarded to an engineer, was a participant in the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP), which ChiS&E founder Ken Hill started in 1976. In granting her the recognition the NEA cited Harris’ “leadership in biomanufacturing of a breakthrough immunotherapy biotherapeutic, and for outreach activities in STEM education.” The native Detroiter, who participated in the DAPCEP program in the 80s, received her BS in Chemical Engineering from University of Michigan and her Ph.D. From Northwestern University. Of the program she says, “ The DAPCEP Program started me on my way.” She will speak with the students and parents about her experiences and why program is so important. She will discuss her current projects, and she will share future opportunities in bioengineering.
“At its core, ChiS&E is about letting Black and brown students know it’s OK to like math and science, says Hill, a message he says they do not always receive from their peers. “Students need role models like Latonia to dispel the myth that career success in these subjects is only attainable for the majority population.”
WHO: Chicago Pre-College Science and Engineering (ChiS&E)
WHAT: Presentation by Latonia Harris
WHEN: Saturday, December 18th 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Via Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5496987529?pwd=UXBGcmpYbkN2TmMzT1lMV1NBWitrQT09
Meeting ID: 549 698 7529
Passcode: 210033
About Latonia Harris
Dr. Latonia M. Harris is Scientific Director, CMC Leader Janssen R&D Portfolio Management, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies. Harris has two decades of experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, and manufacturing sciences, including technical management, early state development, late stage development, process validation, and commercial launch. In her current role, she provides technical and strategic leadership to meet worldwide drug demand for a breakthrough oncology therapy.
About ChiS&E
The ChiS&E provides highly-engaging, age appropriate hands-on science and engineering activities and promotes careers in science and engineering. The program is a partnership between Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Colleges of Education and Engineering and Department of Mathematics. Other partners include the LBJ STEM and Research Center at Texas State University, Riverbend Mathematics and Center (South Bend Indiana), and the University of Chicago School of Molecular Engineering. This upcoming parent orientation is for students currently in grades 1 – 4, 5th – 9th and 10th -11th grades. The program is free to participants with the only requirement being that a parent must participate with their child. Students must share their most recent report card in order to participate. The mission of the Chicago Pre-College Science and Engineering Program (ChiS&E) is to increase the number of historically underrepresented African American and Latino students who are motivated and academically prepared to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). ChiS&E is a 501 ©3 tax exempt organization.
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