Caila DeAbreu B.S. IN ENGINEERING PHYSICS
Caila DeAbreu is an alumna with a B.S. degree in Engineering Physics (concentration: Spacecraft Systems) and a minor in Applied Mathematics. A McNair scholar, DeAbreu founded the Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) at the Daytona Beach Campus and collaborated with organizations such as the McNair Scholars and Student Government Association to increase STEM enthusiasm in area K-12 schools. DeAbreu also conducted research at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory that contributed to the development of superconducting magnet systems. DeAbreu’s resulting article, “Material Database for Resistive and Pulse Magnets,” was published in the McNair Scholars Research Journal . Continuing to pursue her passion for STEM education and outreach, she earned an M.S. in Educational Studies/Secondary Education-Urban Teachers at Johns Hopkins University. She is now a certified math teacher for Uplift Education, a Title 1 International Baccalaureate charter school in Dallas, Texas. She also co-founded an edtech company, XR Systems LLC. Currently, DeAbreu is working on a virtual reality gaming adventure infused with STEM subject matter. Focused on increasing student engagement and learning outcomes, the game will soon be coming to school districts near you!
Dwayne Clark B.S. IN GLOBAL CONFLICT STUDIES, WITH MINORS IN HOMELAND SECURITY AND PSYCHOLOGY Dwayne Clark, an alumnus of the Global Conflict Studies program, recently left his position on Alabama Congressman Robert Aderholt’s staff to begin a new role with the House Foreign Affairs Committee. As a member of a team of policy advisors for Chairman Michael McCaul, Clark will focus on export control and “assist in the broader counter-China mission,” including such issues as securing U.S. semiconductor competitiveness or preventing U.S. technology from “malign use.” Clark attributes his success to the support he received from faculty and staff in the Security Studies and Internal Affairs Department as he pursued his degree. He states, “I genuinely would not have gotten here without the department’s help. I can’t thank you all enough for that.” Mindful of the importance of mentoring and role models, Clark writes that he is “happy to connect with any students who may be interested in policy career routes or jobs in national security,” offering to conduct a virtual meeting with a class or hop on the phone with a student who needs advice.
18 | College of Arts & Sciences
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