Since becoming the first person in her family to attend college, Alexis Brown, a junior biology major at Alcorn State University, has been focused on making her loved ones proud. Her work ethic and latest internship opportunity are testaments to her dedication to success.

“As a first-generation college student, I knew that the pressure was on,” Brown said. “When I started college, my goal was, and still is, to learn as much as possible and challenge myself to reach my full potential.”

The Meridian native is interning with the Mississippi IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) Research Scholars Program at the University of Southern Mississippi’s Telenutrition Center in Hattiesburg. The internship allows Brown and her peers to research the relationship between African Americans with obesity and COVID-19 prevention behaviors via Zoom virtual meetings.

The Mississippi INBRE is a network of colleges and universities designed to build biomedical research infrastructure in the state. The program’s mission is to reach out to Mississippians to improve health throughout the state and to engage talented researchers and students in biomedical research projects that will increase the state’s research competitiveness as well as impact the health of citizens in Mississippi.

When pursuing internship opportunities, Brown’s priority was to find an internship that would push her beyond her limits. She said that researching with the Mississippi INBRE has offered the challenge that she sought.

“I knew that I wanted an internship that would challenge me,” Brown said. “I got what I asked for in this internship because it allows me to step outside of my comfort zone. I have learned so much about research, social marketing, and data. This opportunity has been more than an internship for me, and I am so grateful that Alcorn presented me with this opportunity.”

Brown encourages better overall health in the Black community.

“My research has helped me to see that African Americans are not only disproportionately affected by health disparities, but also COVID-19. This research has enlightened me to better the Black community. We need to start taking better care of our health.”

Becoming more familiar with research gives Brown confidence in her ability to aid others in the future.

“It’s motivating. I know my work here will lead to introducing my peers and students from other HBCUs to opportunities like this. I know that I need to get as much out of this program as possible so that I can help others.”

COMET

Bradley Smith of Collinsville took a photo Sunday of the Comet Neowise over Okatibbee Lake. 

Comet Neowise is a bright comet that’s been appearing over North America about an hour after sunset and about an hour before sunrise over the last week. It will be visible until mid-August.

The comet was discovered by NASA’s Neowise infrared space telescope in March.

Cheryl Owens writes the Neighbors column for The Meridian Star. Submit items to cowens@themeridianstar.com.