UNC Pembroke News

Duke-UNC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
July 02

Michael Fernandes de Almeida to give Presentation at ADRC

Michael Fernandes de Almeida, a research specialist in UNCP’s Bahr Lab, will present “The Role of Selected Natural Products in Triggering the Autophagy‑Lysosomal Pathway to Promote Brain Health” at the ADRD IDEAS Forum on July 28—advancing vital insights in Alzheimer’s disease research.

Angelica McNair
June 21

UNCP alumnae earn white coats at Duke University's DPT program

UNC Pembroke alumnae Genna Locklear and Angelica McNair have advanced one step closer to achieving their dreams of becoming physical therapists. Locklear and McNair were among 91 students who donned their white coats at Duke University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy White Coat Ceremony on June 9. The ceremony marks the transition from the classroom to clinical experiences––a defining moment for first-year medical students. Locklear and McNair were classmates in the exercise and sports science program at UNCP before earning their degrees in 2019.

Michelle Itano, the UNC Neuroscience Microscopy Core Facility Director and Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Imaging Scientist.
June 13

Undergraduate research scholars at UNCP benefit from advanced microscopy training

Student researchers at UNC Pembroke are benefiting from a unique opportunity this summer to experience advanced research through the lens of a state-of-the-art Structured Illumination Microscopy system, thanks to a partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense. The training program also received a small grant from BioImaging North America, a volunteer-based organization that supports bioimaging scientists in order to promote an inclusive and supportive community to share, advance and succeed together.

June 10

UNCP to offer Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and a B.S in Cybersecurity

UNC Pembroke is expanding its academic landscape with the launch of two new degree programs––a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) and a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. UNCP will introduce the undergraduate degree in cybersecurity this fall. Students can apply for the MSOT program in the 2023-2024 academic year. Classes will be offered in fall 2024. Following a rigorous review process, the university received formal approval from the UNC System and the UNC Board of Governors.

Dr. Maria Santisteban (left) and Chancellor Robin Cummings
June 05

Maria Santisteban Wins Undergraduate Research Mentor Award

Dr. Maria Santisteban, longtime UNCP biology professor and NSF COMPASS director, was honored with the 2022 Undergraduate Research Mentor Award for her outstanding guidance and commitment to student researchers—helping launch their STEM journeys through conferences, workshops, and cutting‑edge lab experiences.

May 18

UNCP alumna selected for summer internship in Sarajevo

UNC Pembroke alumna Mia Baxley is making the most of our international relations degree. Baxley is a true globetrotter. Since her sophomore year at UNCP, Baxley has lived and taught English in China for seven weeks and in Seoul, Korea, for one year. Her visit to China was her second trip––the first coming while she was in high school. She also participated in a study abroad program in Thailand while in college, not to be outdone.

Mace Velarde, Bryan Martinez, Caleb Locklear (co-captain), Sydney Allen, Alex Velarde (captain), Micah Ferguson, Benjamin Savage
May 05

UNCP places third in First Nations national rocket competition

UNC Pembroke placed third in the Mars Challenge at the 13th annual First Nations Launch National Rocket Competition in Wisconsin April on 22-24 in Wisconsin. The competition is open to students attending a tribal college or university, a Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution (NASNTI), or members of an active American Indian Science and Engineering Society collegiate chapter. Students designed, built and flew a high-powered rocket launched at the Richard Bong State Recreational Area.

May 04

UNCP's DeWhitt Locklear earns prestigious Presser Scholar Award

The UNC Pembroke Department of Music hosted its 20th annual Honors Recital on Tuesday, in Moore Hall Auditorium, featuring student performances, award presentations and a tribute to a retiring faculty member. The most prestigious of the 13 named awards, the Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award of $4,000, was presented to DeWhitt Locklear, a junior music industry major and flutist.

Undergraduate researchers Minh Giang (left) and Ashton Tillett
April 30

Back in Person: PURC Symposium Draws a Crowd

The 16th Annual UNC Pembroke Undergraduate Research and Creativity (PURC) symposium attracted a lively crowd to the Livermore Library, where students showcased their research and creative works. It was the first time since the start of the COVID pandemic that the PURC symposium was held in person. Dr. Brandon Sanderson (Interim Director of PURC) and Dr. Richard Gay (Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences) welcomed the audience to the symposium, which was held on April 20th.

Keyla Bell
March 25

UNCP alumna Keyla Bell breaking barriers in law enforcement

With her recent promotion, Maj. Keyla Bell is the highest-ranking female in the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The UNC Pembroke graduate is only the fourth female to rise to major since the North Carolina State Highway Patrol was founded in 1929. Bell is also the first American Indian to wear the gold oak leaf cluster shoulder patch.