Araly Barrera, a junior majoring in computer science, is the first person in her immediate family to attend college.   She is minoring in applied mathematics and works on campus as a computer science researcher for the Scholars Academy.   She also tutors part time for the Collaborative Learning Community Center Laboratory. Araly belongs to the Scholars Academy and the Junior Achievement Program and the Scholars Academy Honor Corps. In addition to receiving the Jesse H. Jones Scholarship, she won the W.I. Dykes Scholarship for Junior Achievement for freshmen, and a scholarship from the national Hispanic Scholarship Fund.   She also won the national XEROX Scholarship. After graduation, Araly plans to attend graduate school to study software engineering. Eventually, she hopes to work for Continental Airlines or Exxon Mobil.

R. Dustin Bryant is a senior, majoring in chemistry, with an emphasis in biochemistry. Accepted to the pre-medical program at UHD, he is pleased with the smaller class sizes UHD offers. Dustin works full time on campus at the fungus laboratory, under the direction of professor Phil Lyons.   He is an Eagle Scout and a troop leader, the co-founder of the campus Chess Lyceum, a member of the Leeuwenhoek Society and a volunteer with the Star of Hope program at his church. Dustin has won a Scholars Academy scholarship and The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant. After graduation, he would like to pursue a degree in molecular medicine. Dustin would also like to continue his undergraduate research that focuses on photosynthesis and the search for alternative fuels.

"I can to the best of my ability try to preserve life, and therefore bring hope to the hopeless."

Jennifer Cantrell is a junior, earning her degree in psychology with a minor in international relations. She received her EMT-I certification in 2000 from San Jacinto College and enrolled at UHD after being encouraged by a friend. Jennifer is the first person in her immediate family to go to college and owns her own business, Houston Civil Process. She says her business has enabled her to make many contacts in the Houston legal community. She is creating the Roland K. Duncan Girls Fund, a fledgling non-profit organization that benefits homeless and at-risk teenage girls in Houston. The organization will provide temporary shelter, counseling, educational services and outreach programs. Jennifer plans to earn a master's and Ph.D. in psychology.

Dennis Garcia is a senior, pursuing a degree in biology with a minor in criminal justice. Dennis works full time on campus as a research assistant in the Pierce's Disease Research Laboratory under the direction of professor Lisa Morano. He was drawn to University of Houston-Downtown by its central location and the ethnic diversity of the student body and faculty. In addition to achieving Deans' List standing at UHD, Dennis belongs to Phi Kappa Phi, a national honor society, UHD's Scholars Academy and the Honor Corps of the Scholars Academy. He has won the Jesse H. Jones Scholarship and recently co-authored an article in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, Current Microbiology . After Dennis earns his bachelor's degree, he plans to enroll in graduate school, seeking a degree in biomedical science with an emphasis on human molecular biology.

"My perseverance in overcoming difficult challenges is characteristic of the fierce loyalty I use to fuel my ambitions for success," he said.

Micaela Gilbert is a junior, majoring in chemistry. She also is minoring in both biology and applied mathematics. Micaela is a full time research assistant on campus and is an officer in UHD's Environmental Club. In association with the club, she has helped construct gardens in the Houston area and clean up area bayous. Micaela participated in the 2007 Houston AIDS Walk and volunteered with the Kids' Market Day Festival. She has been on the Deans' List since she enrolled at the university. She won an annual scholarship from UHD's Scholars Academy. Micaela also received the Freshman Chemistry award in 2006. After graduation, she would like to continue her education and earn a Ph.D. in either neuroscience, physics, biochemistry or biomathematics. Micaela said, "I always try to enjoy the present and never resent the past. I want to grow into the person that I was created to be and never wait to improve myself until tomorrow, if I can do it today."

Lizzette Grimaldo is a junior, majoring in psychology. She came to UHD because of its small class sizes and its reputation for offering students a chance to work directly with faculty. Lizzette works part time on campus in the Cashier's Office. She is a member of the Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority.   As a member of Alpha Omega, she has participated in activities ranging from visiting food banks and homeless shelters, to tutoring at various elementary schools in the region. She received the sorority's award for member recognition. She also volunteers at her church, helping with classes and festivals. Lizzette has been on the Deans' List for outstanding academic performance every semester she has been at the university. After graduation, Lizzette plans to continue her education and attend the College of Optometry at the University of Houston. She said, "I want to make a positive difference in people's lives. I want to be able to give my family a good life."

Maria Hernandez is a senior, majoring in finance, with a minor in accounting. In addition to being a full time mom to her two-year-old daughter, she works at her parents' landscaping business and volunteers at her local church. Last year, Maria received UHD's Red Rose Scholarship and the Mary Gibbs Jones Scholarship. This year, she received the Financial Executives International Scholarship, an award given to 12 finance students from 12 different universities in Southeast Texas. Maria belongs to UHD's Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society and is a Deans' List student. After graduation, Maria plans to work at Merrill Lynch. She hopes to become a certified financial planner and start her own financial consulting business, eventually attaining a Ph.D. in finance.

"I always demand the best from myself and expect to obtain the best results possible in everything that I do," she said.

J. Michael Irving is a senior, majoring in biotechnology.   He received an associate degree in science from Lone Star College (Cy-Fair). In addition to his service as a combat medic in the Texas Army National Guard, Michael works part time in the university's chemistry stockroom and is a trained member of the Community Emergency Response Team. He has received scholarships from UHD's Scholars Academy and is on the Deans' List. Irving is an Eagle Scout and continues to volunteer with The Boy Scouts of America in the Houston area. Michael plans to take the Medical College Admission Test in May and pursue a degree in medicine. He would like to eventually specialize in oncology or internal medicine.   He also wants to continue serving in the Army National Guard.

"While pursuing a demanding career in medicine my main focus has been and always will be my family," he said.

Eloy Leyva is a senior, majoring in education, focusing on bilingual education. Eloy came to the university after working in a variety of odd jobs, ranging from construction to pizza delivery. He balances his family business of 10 years with going to school full time. In addition to raising his two children with his wife of 15 years, Eloy volunteers as a high council man at his church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In the past, Eloy was a full time missionary, a bishop and was chosen to be an assistant to the mission president. He volunteered to help the people affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and was involved in the Keep Five Alive Project. After receiving his degree, Eloy plans to earn a master's and doctoral degrees in education. "My goal is to be the best teacher in Houston; be a good role model for children who do not have one at home," he said.

Demetria Lisk is a senior, majoring in early childhood development. Born in Cebu, Philippines, she received an associate degree in secretarial science from Cebu Central Colleges. After moving to the United States in 1990, Demetria graduated from Houston Community College with an associate of arts degree. Demetria has two children and finds time to be active in their schools as well as in her church. She has volunteered for numerous projects for her church, the Houston Children's Chorus, the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, the Houston Children's Museum, The Shiners Coach Dean 21 Shot Tournament and the Briarmeadow Homeowners Association. Demetria plans to complete her degree and begin work as an early childhood teacher. "I have come a long way from babysitting cows on my parents' farm in the mountains of Cebu! I am working hard to realize my goal to graduate from UHD," she said.

Liem Luong is a junior, majoring in computer science with a minor in applied math.   He is the first member of his family to attend college, and has lived in the United States for only five years. In addition to being a tutor at UHD's Collaborative Learning and Community Center, he is a Scholars Academy peer mentor and a workshop leader for the Pre-College START program. Liem volunteers for the Special Olympics of Texas and the Northwest YMCA. He has received the Texas Pioneer Foundation Scholarship, National Science Foundation Scholarships, the Google Inc. Scholarship for research, the United States Army Research Office Scholarship and he has been on the university's Deans' List. After receiving his degree, Liem plans to go to graduate school and eventually earn a Ph.D. in computer science. As Liem describes himself, "I am the person who wants to achieve my goal. I have a determination to go beyond and above the difficulty in my life."

Mohamedwesam Mohamed moved from Egypt to the United States six years ago. After attending San Jacinto College for a year, he was accepted into the University of Houston-Downtown's Scholars Academy, with a major in biology and is currently a junior. In addition to working part time as a tutor at the university Science Learning Center, Mohamedwesam volunteers as a nurse aide at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital and is an Army Research Office Scholar. He interned for the University of Houston-Downtown START program for incoming freshmen, is vice president of the campus Health Professionals Organization, has been on the Deans' List and serves as a senator in the Student Government Association. Mohamedwesam is a member of the campus Environmental Club, Scholars Academy, Leeuwenhoek Society and the American Medical Student Association. After graduation, Mohamedwesam would like to go to medical school. He says, "My career goal is to become a competent, fair doctor who helps people despite their financial or social standing."

Tarfa Tarar is a junior, earning a degree in criminal justice with a minor in biology. She is the first woman in her family to come to the United States to study from Pakistan. She works on campus as a supplemental instructor in English, math, and sociology classes. Tarfa also works at Houston's M.D. Anderson Cancer Center as a research intern at the Melanoma Medical Oncology laboratory and volunteers at Methodist Hospital.   She has received the Jesse H. Jones Scholarship and the Study Abroad Scholarship. Tarfa is a member of the Scholars Academy, the Muslim Student Association and the Health Professionals Organization. After graduation, this Dean's List student would like to enter a dual degree program to earn both medical and law degrees. Tarfa hopes to specialize in surgical oncology/cardiothoracic and health law. "The possible is only the beginning; the impossible is what changes our lives. I am someone who wants to change lives by redefining the impossible," she said.