Jeneen Cherie Stewart

I was born in Philadelphia, PA where I attended the Philadelphia High School for Girls. I graduated meritoriously in 1993 at the age of 16. I entered Howard University that fall, participating in the Howard University Showtime Marching Band as a saxophonist for four years as well as becoming a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. I was on the Dean's list and a part of the science honor society during my undergraduate years, earning a scholarship to graduate school. In December 1997 I finished my undergraduate work and went directly into the Biology graduate program at Howard. My advisor was Dr. Mary McKenna. Our research focused on the effects of the essential oil produced from the herb Thymus serpyllum on the clover Trifolium repens. Currently I am teaching Biology at Paint Branch High School in Maryland. Additionally I coach track and Cross Country, sponsor the Diamond girls (an organization that promotes abstinence from drugs sex and alcohol for high school girls) and serve as the union representative for my school. This summer I participated in a research program for teachers at The University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute's Center of Marine Biotechnology in Baltimore. The focus of this pilot program was to increase the use of inquiry based learning in the classroom. It was a gentle reminder of the importance allowing student to do their own research as a part of the learning process.