Graduates Spotlight
About 500 Bowie State graduates will receive their degrees in winter 2024 and be honored during the university’s commencement celebration. A few outstanding graduates share their next BOLD move.
Ashanti Boone '24
Hometown: Wichita Falls, Texas
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Next Steps: Graduate school then Law School
Ashanti Boone plans to specialize in AI and intellectual property law, fueling her ambition to leave a lasting impact on policy. She hopes to use computer science to address the legal and ethical challenges of AI development.
Boone’s interest in computer science began early. "I always enjoyed math and problem-solving in high school, so computer science felt like a natural fit," said Boone. She was initially unsure about choosing computer science as her major, however, she took her father’s advice and decided to give it a shot.
She explains that Bowie State University's curriculum has prepared her to face real-world challenges, and she credits the Computer Science Department with being crucial to her academic and personal growth. The faculty are very knowledgeable about what’s needed to land jobs at major companies. ““They perfectly prepared us to thrive in these internships,” said Boone.
Impact of the Bowie State Experience
The Computer Science Department’s support helped Boone secure a prestigious internship at Apple and compete in NASA's pitch competition.
Boone and her team used NASA’s intellectual property to design a baby onesie equipped with nano sensor technology that monitors breathing during sleep.
She is currently working on enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities by facilitating the use of smart devices without the need for prescription glasses.
Bowie State University’s relationships with companies, such as Apple, create ample opportunities for Boone and students like her. “We have like Microsoft, Adobe, like so many other big names,” said Boone.
After graduation, Boone plans to pursue a master’s degree in computer science with a specialization in artificial intelligence. Once she completes her graduate degree, she plans to attend law school and focus on intellectual property law and AI policy.
Chisom Divine Okongwu ‘24
Hometown: Anambra State, Nigeria
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Next Steps: Nurse in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at MedStar Health
On Dec. 19, 2024, Chisom Divine Okongwu will graduate from Bowie State University and in February 2025, she will begin her career as a nurse in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. “My grandma even told me before she died ‘I think nursing would be a great field for you,’” Okongwu said.
When Okongwu was 16 years old, she cared for her grandmother who suffered a stroke, and this experience sparked her passion for nursing, and her desire to advocate for people in their most vulnerable state.
The road to nursing was not an easy one, but when it was time to find a nursing program, Okongwu was immediately drawn to Bowie State University. “When I came across Bowie State, I saw the curriculum, mission and vision and it caught my attention. As a person of color, I believe so much in being a part of the next generation of nurses who can make a positive impact,” Okongwu said.
Since enrolling at Bowie State, Okongwu has had the privilege of serving as a student nurse extern at prestigious institutions, including MedStar Health, where she worked in perioperative services, and Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she gained invaluable experience in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. These experiences and her comprehensive education from Bowie State University's nursing program have prepared her with the essential skills and knowledge to excel as a Cardiac ICU nurse.
Okongwu took a leap of faith across the Pacific Ocean when she moved from Nigeria to the United States to live with her aunt and uncle. She credits her family and faith as major sources of support throughout her journey. “I had a lot of loved ones in my corner praying for me, encouraging me and wishing me well. My parents and siblings were my greatest source of strength, they called very often to pray and encourage me,” Okongwu said.
Okongwu will be the first person in her family to graduate from college and is eager to pass on the legacy. “I’m definitely going to tell my kids, grandkids and future generations that the first graduate in the family went to Bowie State,” she added.
Impact of Bowie State Experience
Despite having the support of her aunt and uncle, the transition from Nigeria to the US was difficult. Fortunately, she had the academic support of all her professors who would guide her along the way. She heavily relied on that support and has used it to achieve resounding success in her academic and professional goals.
Okongwu later volunteered her time and gave back to students at the university. She became involved in peer-to-peer tutoring and mentoring at the Nursing Student Success Center to make a positive impact and return the support she received.
Tanviban Patel ‘24
Hometown: Gujarat, India
Degree: Doctor of Science in Computer Science
Next Steps: Research Fellow with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Tanviban Patel’s academic journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Graduating this December with a Doctor of Science in Computer Science, Patel calls her time at Bowie State University a transformative period that prepared her for her next steps in research and development.
Patel’s passion for web development and artificial intelligence drives her aspirations to build software and websites that push technological boundaries. While she dreams of working for industry leaders like Google Research, Microsoft Research, or Nvidia, Patel has already secured a prestigious research fellowship with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, where she will continue advancing her research while they sponsor her education.
Patel says transitioning to Bowie State University was a smooth process and she immediately felt supported and connected. “There was no culture shock when I came to Bowie State,” Patel said. “It was a supportive environment from day one.”
As a mother to a four-year-old, Patel appreciated the flexibility and dedication of her professors, who ensured she could balance her family responsibilities and rigorous studies. She credits mentors like Dr. Hoda El-Sayed for supporting her research and Dr. Rosemary Shumba for connecting her with real-world opportunities through research institutes and companies.
“Bowie State plays an important role in my academic success,” said Patel. “When I came in January 2021 during COVID, it was challenging, but the professors were there every step of the way, guiding and supporting students like myself.”
Patel also found the Graduate Resource Center invaluable for improving her writing and academic skills. Her journey showcases the institution’s commitment to building talent and creating pathways for success.
Impact of the Bowie State Experience
In 2022, Bowie State University’s Department of Natural Sciences was awarded the NIH’s STEM Contract, which Patel has leveraged into an exciting fellowship opportunity at the National Institute of Health. As she begins the next chapter of her life, she continues a legacy of perseverance and excellence, reflecting the values of Bowie State University.
Lance Justin Nuique ‘24
Hometown: Philippines
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics
Next Steps: Texas A&M University Graduate Program
For Lance Justin Nuique, a native of the Philippines, the excitement of receiving his bachelor's degree in bioinformatics from Bowie State University on Dec. 19 is amplified by the opportunity to enter the Ph.D. program at Texas A&M University.
With the goal of contributing to impactful research, Nuique is also considering opportunities with the Genome Center in New York and the Broad Institute in Boston.
Nuique discovered bioinformatics after realizing that the hospital environment of nursing, his initial major, was not the right fit. With guidance from professors and exposure to the bioinformatics program, Nuique discovered a way to combine computer science and biology to enhance patient care. He learned that a career in bioinformatics would enable him to work with large biological datasets and manage massive projects like human genome analysis.
He had an opportunity to participate in a summer program at Texas A&M University, which influenced his decision to pursue a Ph.D.
Impact of the Bowie State Experience
During his time at Bowie State, Nuique learned to navigate setbacks in research and has contributed meaningful findings in bioinformatics. The program broadened his perspective on research and exposed him to diverse viewpoints and approaches to problem-solving. His experience strengthened his passion for the field and reinforced his commitment to a career in bioinformatics.
“Being part of the STEM program at Bowie State gave me a lot of research experience—like creating posters, doing presentations, and collaborating with professors,” said Nuique. “It’s been a net positive, and the diversity on campus brings perspectives I hadn’t considered before.”
Nuique is very grateful to supportive natural science professors like Konda Reddy Karnati and Jacqueline Smith, who provided the mentorship, lab guidance and recommendations he needed to develop his skills and confidence.
Kristina Clark ‘24
Hometown: Landover Hills, MD
Degree: Masters of Arts in Mental Health Counseling
Next Steps: Therapist at Washington Area Clinical Center
Kristina Clark recently completed an internship at the Washington Area Clinical Center in Bowie and has since been offered a full-time position as mental health therapist.
As Clark prepares to launch her counseling career, she carries the knowledge, confidence, and a pledge to make mental health accessible and transformative for the communities she serves. “I plan to begin my career as a counselor, focusing on providing accessible mental health care to underserved communities,” Clark said.
For as long as she could remember, Clark had been drawn to helping others. As a little girl, she dreamed of becoming a therapist and providing support to those in need. “I probably got the idea from watching TV,” Clark said. “But something about helping people always appealed to me.”
Over time, that dream transformed into a deep passion for addressing mental health issues. “I became more aware of the need for mental health support in the Black community,” Clark said. “I understand how vital mental wellness is, and I want to help erase the stigma surrounding it.”
Clark credits the Department of Counseling and Psychological Studies as being crucial to her success. “I faced challenges, including taking breaks for medical reasons,” Clark said. “My advisor, Dr. Cox, and the department chair, Dr. Williams, consistently encouraged and supported me.”
Impact of the Bowie State Experience
Clark said The African Psychology Student Association was instrumental in her academic and personal growth. They hosted seminars and events that deepened her understanding of culturally relevant approaches to mental health. “These programs expanded my understanding of indigenous practices and how they intersect with mental health,” said Clark. The events helped her develop a holistic approach to mental wellness.
Clark graduates from Bowie State University this fall, and the Washington Area Clinical Center has already offered her a position as a mental health therapist.
Tyvon McBride ‘24
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems
Next Steps: Start a Cyber Security Business
Tyvon McBride’s pursuit of knowledge and commitment to ethical AI use has fueled his entrepreneurial spirit. He has built several AI applications that offer practical solutions to contemporary problems. After graduation, he plans to start a cybersecurity company that focuses on segmentation, inspecting, and cleansing datasets that power AI.
McBride is originally from Los Angeles and moved to the DMV shortly before enrolling at Bowie State University. "I didn’t know a single person on campus. I wasn’t even used to being cold," McBride said. "I was homesick, and everything around me was new."
McBride initially decided to study business administration, but Professor Andrew Mangle guided him toward a concentration in business information systems. "Once I took his class, I started getting into AI, large language models, and building GPT applications," McBride said.
That guidance gave him the push he needed to bring his future into focus. He has quickly turned his attention to artificial intelligence technology and cybersecurity and is determined to make AI a force for good.
Impact of the Bowie State Experience
McBride leveraged Bowie State University’s collaboration with the Interledger Foundation and engaged in opportunities like the Interledger Club, which allowed him to participate in Hack on Rails—an experience that introduced him to the ethical side of hacking. Tyvon Mcbride continues to establish himself as a leader among emerging technologies as he prepares for his next big challenge.
Jahzmyn Copeland ‘24
Hometown: Landover, Maryland
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Next Steps: Graduate School
Jahzmyn Copeland plans to pursue a master’s degree in criminal justice, however, before she arrived at Bowie State University, she was unsure of her next step. "I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I didn’t know how things operated, who to talk to, or where to go," she said.
Copeland is a first-generation college student, and after experiencing the HBCU culture at Bowie State University, she knew she had found her alma mater. "Bowie State was the only school I applied to. I fell in love with the band," she said. "I knew [Bowie State] had a really great criminal justice program."
As a first-generation college student, without parental guidance, Copeland sought help from the Bulldog Scholars Academy, a program designed to prepare incoming freshmen for college life. The academy provided academic and personal support while teaching her valuable life skills. "It was very helpful. Without that program, I would have been super confused," Copeland said.
Impact of the Bowie State Experience
Copeland’s involvement in the Bulldog Scholars Academy and the criminal justice program helped her form meaningful relationships. She connected with mentors who guided her through various challenges. "Without my mentors, I would have gone in a totally different direction," Copeland said.
She then gave back by joining TRIO, a program that supports first-generation college students, students with disabilities, and those who meet income eligibility requirements.
Copeland is in the process of applying for graduate schools.
Aaron Johnson ‘24
Hometown: Accokeek, MD
Degree: Bachelor of Science, VCDMA – Advertising Design
Next Step: Creative marketing design with Disney +
When Aaron Johnson was applying for college, he looked at a range of art schools but found huge financial barriers. As he prepares to graduate from Bowie State University with a degree in visual communications and digital media arts, he’s on the pathway to a career in creative marketing design with Disney +.
“It was no way I was going to afford going to those art schools,” said Johnson. “I was like ‘I have to find somewhere to go.’ I found Bowie State had an animation program. And sure enough, I got in.”
What started as a detour became the road Johnson needed to travel to discover his potential.
Impact of the BSU experience
While he originally focused on animation, Johnson soon realized that he needed to make another pivot as he worked out his career path. Johnson’s course work in the VCDMA program presented him with another option: advertising design.
“I got into this online program called Breaking Media, and I learned about marketing,” said Johnson. “I was enjoying learning about it and realized marketing is pretty cool. That led me to graphics and advertising design. Once I tried it out, I never went back.”
After Johnson plotted his new career path, he capitalized on a partnership between Bowie State and HBCU LA, a recruiting initiative that places underrepresented students in internships with major studios, networks, talent agencies, and other global creative industry organizations. Johnson started working at NBCUniversal as an entertainment print design intern in the summer of 2023 and continued throughout the academic year. He leveraged that opportunity to land a marketing and graphic design internship with the Disney + Creative team once he crosses the commencement stage.
“I’m really excited for that,” said Johnson. “After that, I have two options. Come back to Maryland and work, or potentially get a full-time offer and work at Disney. We’ll see what happens.”
Chris Provido ‘24
Hometown: Upper Marlboro, MD
Degree: Bachelor of Science, Biology
Next Step: Graduate School – Stanford University, Doctorate, Immunology
When Chris Provido began attending Bowie State in the fall of 2020, he started without first celebrating a high school graduation ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so the Bowie State commencement on May 24 is all the more special to him.
Living through the uncertainties of the pandemic led Provido to a career path where he hopes to be on the forefront of finding answers to fight future infectious diseases. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, he has received a full scholarship to the Stanford University School of Medicine.
“I’m going to enter Stanford’s doctoral program in immunology where I want to appreciate biological mechanisms through computational analysis,” said Provido. “I want to try integrating data science into bioscience and learn how our immune system responds to infectious diseases.”
Impact of the BSU Experience
Before enrolling at Bowie State, Provido was unsure about what he wanted to do with all of the uncertainty surrounding the deadly pandemic.
“I didn’t know where the world was going because of COVID and all I could do was plan for the next day, not next week or next year, just the next day,” said Provido. “It was important for me to stay close to home and near to my family, so I decided to attend Bowie State.”
The university welcomed Provido into the honors program where he majored in biology, continuing an interest cultivated by a high school internship with the National Institutes of Health to explore biomedical careers.
Working with Bowie State faculty, Provido expanded his research experience and knowledge of bioinformatics which helped him get a summer internship with Harvard Medical School in 2023 to conduct immunology and genomics research on proteins involved in the body’s immune response.
“Ever since my freshman year, my research, entrepreneurship and scientific leadership has been supported by Dr. Ann Wiley, Dr. Supriyo Ray, Dr. Tyesha Burks and Dr. Alan Anderson,” said Provido. “My department and my network at BSU is a hub full of unique mentors who each prepared me for challenging yet foreseeable dreams.”
Medicine and health are not topics unfamiliar to Provido. George, his older brother, graduated from Bowie State in 2022 with a degree in nursing and now works with Medstar. “Bowie State has propelled both of our careers,” said Provido. “The guidance I received from my professors throughout my time at Bowe State was exceptional.”
Roxan Rockefeller ‘24
Hometown: Washington, DC
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Next Step: Graduate School, Bowie State University: Master of Science in Computer Science
Roxanne Rockefeller made bold moves to excel in computer science to join a growing number of women in technology. She graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with plans to continue her education next fall in the Master of Science in Computer Science program at Bowie State. This summer she will be interning with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and gaining some cyber-related skillsets.
After attending the Grace Hopper Conference, the largest gathering of women in technology, Rockefeller leveraged connections to land an internship with Eli Lilly, the largest pharmaceutical company in the nation. That experience sparked her interest in cybersecurity.
“Once I was introduced to WSI [an advanced approach to building an entire computer on a single silicon wafer] and lake formation [a centralized repository that allows you to store all your data] I knew that cybersecurity was where I belonged,” said Rockefeller. “I want to work in cybersecurity to leverage my passion for data and the knowledge surrounding how to protect that data. I have a huge passion for learning more about anything data-related such as database management, data security.” She eventually wants to pursue a CompTIA Security Plus certification and work for the government.
Impact of the BSU Experience
Rockefeller took advantage of many industry partnerships with the Bowie State computer science department that provided internships, scholarships and countless real-world learning opportunities. She noted the strong support of the Computer Science Department Chair, Rosemary Shumba, “always trying to find programs and conferences and internships for all of the computer science students.”
Rockefeller was guided to pursue the Scholarship for Service award, which covered tuition and provided a stipend. “The scholarship allowed me to stop working and put all of my focus into school” she said. “I’m also doing a research paper that I’m going to be publishing if not this upcoming summer, then the next.”
After completing her master’s degree Rockefeller says “I will be working full-time for the government or any government-related agencies in cybersecurity. And I do see myself staying with the government for a long time.”
Kristina Johns ‘24
Hometown: Millersville, MD
Degree: Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education
Next Step: Second grade teacher at Van Bokkelen Elementary School
Going back to school as a non-traditional student could seem like an imposing prospect for anyone, but Kristina Johns found a welcoming community that embraced her when she came to Bowie State University. At 37, she says walking across the commencement stage to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education is a dream come true. Completing the dream, she will start as a second-grade teacher at Van Bokkelen Elementary School in Anne Arundel County.
Johns wanted to become a teacher after learning how good she was at working with young people in various capacities while she worked for Anne Arundel County government. She hopes to be a beacon of light for the children that come to her classroom.
“I wanted to be that person for students, to be their encouragement,” said Johns. “When I worked for the county, some of the students I had come with a lot of baggage. To be able to be a bit of positivity in their life really means a lot to me.”
Impact of the BSU Experience
Being a few years older than her classmates wasn’t a barrier for Johns, who made strong connections with both her younger peers and other students, who like her, shared the experience of going back to school while raising a family of their own. She never felt out of place on campus.
“I was super excited,” said Johns. “It was really easy. felt totally included with them. It was like there was no age gap at all.”
John’s academic journey started when she first enrolled at Anne Arundel Community College in 2002. After becoming pregnant with her first child, her focus shifted towards supporting her family. It wasn’t until 2017 that the talk about going back to school took an earnest turn. Then during 2020, Johns, with the encouragement of her husband, Stephen, decided to make the leap back to the classroom.
“My husband was the one who was like, ‘Why don’t you go back?’, said Johns. “We had the time at that point with COVID, so that’s when I started finishing up my associate degree. I always wanted to go back and get my degree. I wanted to be able to leave my imprint on the world in some capacity.”
Blair Jefferson ‘24
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Degree: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
Next Step: Employment with Federal Government
An Air Force veteran, Blair Jefferson discovered her inner scholar at Bowie State University, and also awoke the sleeping entrepreneur within herself. Jefferson started BDivine Naturals, a line of hand-crafted, herbal skin and hair care products, in July 2021 and is poised to continue growing the business after graduation while also taking a position with the federal government.
“I have really curly hair and had to learn how to take care of it,” said Jefferson. “At the time, the natural hair movement was a really big thing, so I grew an affinity for natural hair and skin care products. Anytime I would go to the store to find natural products, they were really expensive. I started thinking, why am I spending a fortune on something I can create myself.”
Impact of the BSU Experience
Jefferson was able to balance her classes and operating her business while working at a dental office for a couple of years. But, two years in, the budding entrepreneur made some changes in her life to focus more on her personal care line. She scaled back to working part time and connected with Bowie State’s Entrepreneurship Innovation Center, which connected her with a wealth of information and resources to grow her business. Jefferson recently placed second overall & crowd favorite in the EIC’s Bulldog Pitch Competition, which netted her $4,750.
“The EIC helped me have more faith in what I was doing,” said Jefferson. “The EIC is this environment that helps cultivate positive energy. I’ve gained a lot of resources and connections through the EIC.”
For Jefferson, she’s embraced the idea that much is expected from someone who has been given a lot in life.
“It definitely taught me how blessed I am,” said Jefferson. “It was hard. I would have moments where I was like ‘Oh my goodness.’ But then I would be reminded that I’ve been blessed with so many opportunities for a reason.”