Michaela Clarke
Michaela Clarke majors in Forensic Studies with a minor in chemistry. Michaela works with Dr. Paikoff on research dedicated to improving the economic needs of African women. Michaela is also involved with the Millennium Fellowship, Azul's Brewery, and Girls in Engineering, Mathematics and Science (GEMS). Michaela also serves an Instructional Assistant for General Chemistry. Michaela was awarded Funds for Education Abroad to the United Kingdom, where she will complete an internship on wrongful convictions.
Michaela has received admission to the Forensic Science PhD. Program at Florida International University.
How did your mentor(s) encourage and foster your research and academic trajectory?
Dr. Paikoff was very pivotal in my life and college career, she came at a time where I was experiencing a lot of self-doubt about what I wanted to do in life. Her invitation to join her research time really inspired me to look at my degree in a different light to achieve my dreams. In my research, she has encouraged me to explore all my ideas whether they succeed or not. My research is very important to me as someone of color because it is about improving the economic needs of African Women.
What does the OCF mean to you?
The OCF came at a point in my life where I was kind of floundering on the path I wanted to take. Dr. T was very profound in his guidance and advice, which made my decisions clearer and easier. The cohort is also like a family where we encourage each other in our projects and support each other when we have disappointment, and it is comforting to know that the office will always be there for its students."
What is the Fund for Education Abroad?
The Fund for Education Abroad provides scholarships and support through international experiences to students of color, community college and first-generation college students, students that are underrepresented in the U.S. study abroad population. The Fund for Education Abroad envisions "a future in which any U.S. student who dreams of studying abroad will be able to participate."
