Cheryl Seals, Auburn University
Dr. Cheryl Seals, associate professor in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering at Auburn University. Seals also studies human computer interaction with an emphasis in usability, visual and game programming. The researcher also works with recruiting and outreach initiatives to improve computer science education at all levels. One of these initiatives is the STARS Alliance a regional partnerships with over 500 members among academia, industry, K-12 and the community to strengthen local computing programs by focusing on K-12 outreach, community service, student leadership and computing diversity research. She is involved also in projects to increase the computing pipeline by motivating student-interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines and future technology careers (http://www.starsalliance.org or http://www.eng.auburn.edu/stars).
Dr. Seals is also a member of the A4RC alliance that works to increase the computing pipeline by creating opportunities for African American students to learn more about research and academic careers, through research experience and training (http://www.a4rc.org).
Franklin West, University of Georgia
Franklin West is a stem cell biologist and an assistant professor at the University of Georgia. He received a Bachelors of Science at Morehouse College in 2003 and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Georgia in 2008. He is nationally and internationally recognized for his stem cell research and has given invited talks and orchestrated stem cell workshops as far away as Karnal, India. He has been recognized by Georgia Trends magazine as a member of the 2010 “Top 40 Under 40: Georgia’s Best and Brightest” and has been selected by Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine as part of the “Emerging Scholars: Class of 2012.”
West's work has been featured on CNN and FOX news. West’s research has focused on the development and directed differentiation of stem cells for basic science, therapeutic, and agricultural applications for nearly a decade. His recent efforts have focused on the development of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by introducing reprogramming transcription factors into skin cells of human, chicken, quail, pig and even endangered species such as the Sumatran tiger and clouded leopard. These reprogramming transcription factors revert skin cells back to a primordial pluripotent iPSC state where they are capable of turning into any cell type of the body.
Biomedically, the researcher's lab focuses on transplanting iPSC derived neural cells into stroked pig models as a cell replacement therapy to regenerate lost and damaged brain tissue. Recovery of this lost tissue will likely lead to recovery of sensorimotor function and cognitive abilities. In addition, his group has focused on using iPSCs to produce transgenic animals that are disease resistant, higher producers and to preserve valuable genetics. Increasing survival and productivity of agriculturally important livestock in economically impoverished countries of Africa and Asia will directly lead to food and financial stability of poor farmers thus increasing their quality of life.
