Three from Texas Woman’s University named national role models by Minority Access

by PegNews wire

DENTON — Texas Woman’s University chemistry professor Dr. James Johnson; director of financial aid Governor Jackson; and alumna Dr. Astra Sparks are among only 27 in the U.S. named national role models by Minority Access, Inc., a non-profit educational organization.

Johnson was named a faculty role model for his contributions to increasing the pool of minority biomedical researchers through teaching and mentoring. Jackson was honored as a staff role model for his success helping minority students attend college.

Sparks was named an alumni role model for excellence in her profession. She currently serves as a scientific affairs liaison for the national pharmaceutical company Santarus, Inc., in Houston. Sparks received her MBA in 2009, her doctorate in molecular biology in 1998 and her master’s in biology in 1995, all from TWU.

They received their awards during the recent Minority Access 10th Annual National Role Models Conference. The conference is held in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health.

Minority Access presents the annual Role Models Conference to focus the national spotlight on institutions and individuals who have excelled in producing and supporting minority researchers, particularly in the biomedical sciences and health-related fields, and their research efforts.

Source: Texas Woman's University