SOSSENA WOOD

The University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of  Engineering chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers  was well-represented at the national organization’s 39th annual convention in Indianapolis, March 27-31. Leading off the recognition was the election of doctoral candidate Sossena Wood to National Chairperson of the organization.
Wood, a native of Laurel, Md., who earned her bachelor of science in electrical engineering from Pitt in 2010, is currently  a graduate student researcher and PhD candidate in bioengineering. She previously served as Region 2 Chair from May 2011 to April 2012, and National Vice Chair from June 2012 to present. She will serve a one-year term as National Chairperson and will work with the national Executive Director Carl B. Mack, PhD, to coordinate NSBE operations. Wood is the sixth woman to serve as National Chairperson since NSBE’s founding in 1975.
“I am extremely honored to have been selected by my peers to help to lead this incredible organization,” Wood said. “Pitt has held a strong relationship with NSBE and I am excited that both the University and our City will be representing one of the most dedicated engineering societies in the U.S.  As Chairperson, I plan to help the organization give back to our communities and assist in making the new role models of our communities’ individuals with careers in STEM.  Athletes are great role models, but STEM majors are the ones that save our lives every day.”
In addition to Wood’s election, Ashley McCray, a Pitt sophomore with a major in chemical engineering, was elected as Region II Programs Chair, which includes Pittsburgh. McCray, who is from Matteson, Ill., also received a NSBE General Mills Scholarship at the conference. Other recognition included the “Retention Chapter of the Year” Award for Pitt’s NSBE Chapter, as well as a NSBE Board of Corporate Affiliates Scholarship for engineering first-year student Casey Tompkins-Rhoades.
Sylvanus N. Wosu, PhD and Associate Dean of Diversity and Alaine Allen, M.Ed., Director of Pitt EXCEL and INVESTING NOW, attended the first all-African American Deans forum held at the conference. Both contributed to the discussion with other deans and minority engineering program directors to solve the issues of retention of Blacks in engineering nationally. The Engineering Office of Diversity could potentially be a strategic partner on the national level for NSBE’s $11 million proposal for a 5 year Retention Program submitted to Exxon Mobil. Through this proposal NSBE will attempt to be the premier organization to graduate Blacks in engineering and technology on at all levels of education.
“For several years, Pitt’s NSBE chapter has excelled to be very visible at the regional and national levels. They are exemplary representatives of Pitt and the Swanson School, as well as of NSBE itself,” noted Sylvanus N. Wosu, PhD, associate dean for diversity at the Swanson School. “I especially want to thank the administration, faculty and staff at the Swanson School for helping our students to achieve this national recognition.”

TRIAL COMPETITION WINNERS—From left: Finn Skovdal, Christy Gamble, John Woodruff and Danielle Wete.

Duquesne University Black law students Finn Skovdal, Christy Gamble, John Woodruff and Danielle Wete banded together as a formidable trial team to top 15 other trial teams from universities from across the northeast United States and claim first place in the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Team Regional Competition. Additionally, Christy Gamble (2nd from left), beat out more than 60 student prosecution and defense attorneys to win the award for “Best Advocacy” during the competition.
The competition occurs annually during the Mid-Atlantic Black Law Students Association Convention that was held in Pittsburgh at the Omni William Penn this year.
On the last day of the competition, two teams survived elimination and were left to make final arguments before actual Court of Common Pleas judges. Duquesne University prevailed over the Howard University trial team. This accomplishment came under the expert tutelage of trial coaches Lisa Barnett, Esq. (Dickie McCamey) and Brock McCandless, Esq. (Buchanan Ingersoll), both alumni of the law school and members of the Duquesne Law team that won the 2008 National Tournament of Champions Trial Advocacy Competition.
Skovdal, Gamble, Woodruff and Wete are all currently third year law students, completing their final semester of studies with anticipated graduation in May. While they were brought together and worked together to accomplish this legal victory, they hail from diverse backgrounds of interest:
Finn Skovdal—Conwell-Egan High School (Philadelphia) and University of Pittsburgh. Interned for Criminal Court Judge Joseph K. Williams. Writes blog on Criminal Law issues.
Christy Gamble—N.C. State grad with degree in Microbiology/Chemistry. Editor-in-chief of Duquesne Environmental Health Law Journal; works with Hill District minority high school students thru Kassi Leadership Program.
John Woodruff II—North Allegheny High School and attended West Virginia University. 2nd Lieutenant U.S. Marines; Interned for U.S. Attorneys Office, National Security; is the son of Judge Dwayne D. Woodruff.
Danielle Wete—St. Vincent Pallotti High School (Maryland) and alumni of Colgate University. Was captain of college cheerleading squad. Served as Student Legal Intern for the UPMC Cardiovascular Institute.

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