Congratulations to the 2012 Gerard Marc Scholars!
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Angelina Francois, one of triplets, is currently a sophomore at Polytechnic Institute of New York University double-majoring in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering. Angelina has been successful in her academic career where she has received multiple scholarships, among them, the NYU-Poly Promise Scholarship and the DC37 Education Scholarship.
Angelina is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers and was involved in the Black Student Union, where she participated in group discussions on local and global community issues. During the summer of 2010, she participated in the Running Start Young Women’s Political Retreat, in Washington DC, where she attended seminars and workshops in public speaking, advocacy, fundraising and advertising.
She is also a very talented musician. She has been playing music since she was eight years old. Her favorite musical instruments are the piano and the cello. She plays as a trio with her sisters Angelica on the viola, and Angela on the the violin. In 2007, Angelina and her sisters were featured on many major and local New York City newspapers and shows for being accepted as a trio to the very prestigious, specialized and selective High School – Fiorello H. LaGuardia H.S. of Music and Art & Performing Arts.
Her goal is to become a successful engineer and contribute to the development of innovative solutions to major societal problems. She believes that technology has impacted society for the better. Her dream is to encourage young girls to study engineering, which, in her opinion, is still a male-dominated field.
Angelina is inspired by her parents’ work ethics, energy, love and passion, and their love for music. They have instilled in her self-confidence and the belief that she can accomplish whatever she sets her mind to. According to Reverend Jamil Georgeon, “Angelina has good analytical skills and has consistently demonstrated an ability to rise to any challenge that she must face.”
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Paul Lachaud is a third year Haitian American student majoring in Mechanical Engineering at Drexel University in Philadelphia. During his time in college, he has conducted undergraduate research in a nano-materials solar cell lab, completed a five month internship at Air Products Chemicals, and served as a university tour guide.
Paul has also been active in extracurricular affairs, both in high school and in college. As a high school senior, Paul was a team leader for his school’s robotic team as they took part in a submarine competition. He also volunteered and participated in community activities: Mantra Tree Plantings, Free Library of Philadelphia Race for the Cure, Elwood Library Creation, and Volunteer Set Production. He currently serves as President of the National Society of Black Engineers.
Paul has acquired valuable research experience when he worked as a STAR Scholar Research Assistant where he investigated Poly (3-hexylthiophene) as p-type material in extremely thin absorber solar cells. He also collaborated to research current designs and possible improvements in polymer articulating the surface of a knee.
Paul has also won several awards, among which the Drexel Liberty Scholarship and the prestigious Drexel STAR Scholarship, an honor bestowed on students tackling advance research. Paul has a 3.52 GPA.