Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society

Bouchet Graduate Honor Society 2023 Inductees

The Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society (BGHS) commemorates Yale alumnus Dr. Edward Alexander Bouchet, a physicist and educator who, in 1876, made history as the first African American to earn a doctorate in the United States. Co-founded by Yale and Howard universities in 2005, the Bouchet Society recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and promotes diversity and excellence in doctoral education and the professoriate.

Howard University BGHS Chapter

Howard BGHS Mission

We seek to develop a national network of scholars who exemplify academic and personal excellence, who contribute to the advancement of their field(s) of study, and who are committed to applying knowledge to improve the lives and conditions of the communities they serve. Bouchet scholars exhibit the highest values of Howard University through their character, service, scholarship, leadership, and advocacy for students who have been traditionally underrepresented in the academy. In the spirit of Dr. Bouchet’s commitment to these ideals, inductees into the BGHS must demonstrate significant achievement in these areas.

Bouchet Society Values

Howard University BGHS members are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the academy and in the communities they serve. In the spirit of Dr. Bouchet’s commitment to these ideals and pursuits, Howard BGHS inductees demonstrate significant achievement in the following five areas, which serve as the core values of the Society.

BGHS Core Values

Character

BGHS members exhibit the highest values of Howard through their integrity, honor, exemplary conduct, and behavior. This character may be exemplified through individual emotional courage, principles, endurance, and perseverance. At each member’s core must be an awareness of the importance of contributing and working for the good of society.
 

Leadership

BGHS members take their responsibility for their departments and their academic fields of study seriously. They are the embodiment of the ideals of Howard. They not only represent Howard's mission, but they also demonstrate strong initiative. Howard BGHS members play a leadership role in extending access to Howard and graduate education to a wider community by creating and sharing knowledge.
 

Advocacy

BGHS members advocate for broader access to graduate education and other resources in the academy. Activities might include advocating for the concerns of diverse faculty members and students, serving as a mentor, helping to address the needs of communities, and educating others on issues that may be at the heart of continued inequities and disparities in our society.
 

Scholarship

BGHS members are committed to the goals of lifelong education as well as the production and dissemination of knowledge in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. BGHS members are committed to contributing to the development of their field(s) of study and to the application of knowledge into action that improves the lives and conditions of their communities.
 

Service

BGHS members are expected to actively contribute to the well-being of society by giving, remaining involved in the community, sharing their personal gifts and talents, and exhibiting commitment to the service of others. Examples of service include participating in an educational program for youth, serving in local or state politics, or volunteering with a local non-profit organization.
 

BGHS Eligibility & Responsibilities

Membership Eligibility

Membership in the Bouchet Society is a competitive process. Students may nominate themselves for this honor or be nominated by their dissertation advisor or by a Howard graduate faculty member for consideration as an inductee.

To be eligible for membership in Howard’s BGHS chapter, a nominee must:

  • currently be enrolled in a Ph.D. program at Howard University’s Graduate School and be in good academic standing; students enrolled in other doctorate programs outside of the Ph.D. are not eligible for membership
  • have successfully completed the coursework as well as qualifying and preliminary exams required for their program, have an approved dissertation proposal, be working on their dissertation, and be within a reasonable time frame of completing their Ph.D. as expected
  • have a demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, access, and inclusion in higher education, and exemplify the excellence in scholarship, leadership, character, service, and advocacy that Dr. Bouchet exhibited
  • have demonstrated outstanding promise as a scholar as evidenced by independent investigation, current work on a dissertation project, or research achievement in the humanities, social sciences, or sciences

Member Responsibilities

Members of the BGHS at Howard University are required to:

  • register for and attend the Annual Yale Bouchet Conference on Diversity and Graduate Education in April in the year that they are inducted into Howard’s BGHS chapter and participate in the BGHS Induction Ceremony at Yale
  • submit a conference abstract proposal to present at the Annual Yale Bouchet Conference on Diversity and Graduate Education in April in the year that they are inducted into Howard’s BGHS chapter 
  • participate in a Howard University BGHS inductee ceremony and reception 
  • be listed on Howard’s BGHS website as a scholar and may be invited to attend BGHS forums and events

Application & Nomination Details 

The 2024 application process for Edward Bouchet Honor Society nominees is now open. Doctoral students may nominate themselves for this honor or may be nominated by their dissertation advisor or by a Howard graduate faculty member for consideration as an inductee.

Please click on the header of each item below to expand the section and review the instructions for completing each aspect of the application. It is each nominee's responsibility to understand what is required for an application to be considered complete. 

Application Components:

BGHS self-nomination form (online)

BGHS self-nomination form (online) 

All student nominees must complete the BGHS online self-nomination form. On their self-nomination form, nominees must indicate the individuals providing letters of support for their application. All required application components and application materials must be attached to the nominee's online self-nomination form. 

Current curriculum vitae or résumé

Student nominees must attach a current curriculum vitae (C.V.) or résumé to their BGHS online self-nomination form which highlights relevant academic and professional experiences. Highlight any work/research experience, research achievements (including publications, thesis/dissertation, journal or conference papers and presentations), honors/awards, and professional organizations/affiliations. 

Unofficial copy of Howard transcript

Student nominees must attach an unofficial copy of their Howard University transcript (capturing all Graduate School coursework taken to date) to their BGHS online self-nomination form before submitting it. 

Personal statement (1000 words max)

Student nominees should include as part of their BGHS online self-nomination form a personal statement of no more than 1000 words describing how they embody Dr. Edward Alexander Bouchet's legacy through the five (5) core values of the BGHS: scholarship, leadership, character, service, and advocacy. Additionally, nominees should share any experiences mentoring students or contributing to initiatives aimed at expanding access to higher education.

Specifically, address the following in your statement:

  • Scholarship:  Detail your academic achievements, commitment to intellectual pursuits, and any research or scholarly activities that exemplify your dedication to creating new knowledge and to lifelong learning.
  • Leadership: Discuss instances where you have taken on leadership roles, whether in academic, extracurricular, or community settings within and outside of Howard University. Highlight your ability to inspire and guide others in pursuit of their aspirations.
  • Character: Reflect on your personal and professional values, ethical decision-making, and how your personality aligns with the principles and values upheld by Dr. Edward Alexander Bouchet.
  • Service: Describe your involvement in service-oriented activities within and beyond the classroom and Howard University. Discuss your commitment to make a positive impact on your community.
  • Advocacy: Share experiences where you have advocated for meaningful change or championed causes that align with Dr. Edward Alexander Bouchet's legacy. Highlight your commitment to social justice and equity.

Beyond demonstrating your commitment to scholarship, leadership, character, service, and advocacy, your essay should provide a comprehensive view of how you embody Dr. Edward Alexander Bouchet's legacy through mentorship and initiatives promoting access to higher education.

  • Mentoring Initiatives:  Discuss any experiences you've had mentoring students, sharing your knowledge, and supporting others in their academic, professional, and personal development and pursuits. You may elaborate on any initiatives you have participated in that aimed to expand access to higher education. This could include outreach programs, partnerships, or projects that contribute to making education more accessible, in the U.S. and/or abroad.

Short essay response (400 words max)

Student nominees must include as part of their BGHS online self-nomination form a short essay response of no more than 400 words describing their professional goals, highlighting their alignment with the BGHS mission, and outlining how they anticipate they will actively contribute to and benefit from the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society (BGHS).

Specifically, address the following in your essay:

  • Your current and future professional goals and the steps you are taking to achieve them. Highlight any specific milestones or projects towards your goal attainment. Discuss the impact you hope to make in your field and any broader contributions you hope to achieve.
  • Discuss how your professional goals align with the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society (BGHS) mission and values. Discuss specific aspects of the BGHS mission that resonate with your values and professional objectives or aspirations.
  • Describe the contribution you hope to make to the BGHS community. This could include the ways you will demonstrate commitment to fostering a supportive and collaborative intellectual network, engaging with fellow BGHS peers and alumni, and actively participating in BGHS initiatives, events, and mentoring opportunities.
  • Highlight your unique background and any skills, personal experiences, or perspectives that would enrich the BGHS academic community.

Short dissertation abstract (300 words max)

Student nominees must include as part of their BGHS online self-nomination form a short abstract of their dissertation research project (limit to 300 words). This abstract should include a discussion of the research purpose, background, methods, results (or preliminary results), and conclusions (or preliminary conclusions). 

Conference abstract (call for proposals in BGHS self-nomination form)

Student nominees must include as part of their BGHS online self-nomination form the call for proposals document (linked attachment in the BGHS self-nomination form). All nominees for the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society (BGHS) MUST submit an abstract to present at the annual conference at Yale in April. Conference abstract proposals submitted as part of the application to the BGHS will be reviewed by the Howard BGHS committee, and feedback will be provided prior to your submission of your proposal to Yale. 

A limited number of research proposals will be accepted in each of the following divisions: Humanities, Social Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Physical Sciences and Engineering. Submissions must be relevant to one of the following topics:

  • Science, Technology, Science Policy
  • Chronic Diseases, Health
  • Race Relations, Social Movements
  • Literature, Arts, Culture
  • U.S./International Policy, Law, Economics
  • Career Paths, Transitioning

Biographical sketch (250 words max)

Student nominees must attach a short biographical sketch (limit to 250 words, Times New Roman, 11pt font, single-spaced) to their BGHS online self-nomination form before submitting it. The format for the biographical sketch should include boldface for the student’s name and italic lettering for the field of study. The biographical sketch should be written in the third person and should only include a description of the student’s dissertation research, publications, and awards. The nominee should not have personal non-academic information, like hobbies and interests, unless specifically relevant to a nominee's contribution to the BGHS. 

Sample biographical sketch:

Nate Johnson
Chemistry
Optional: Inductee’s email address, website, and LinkedIn profile URL

Nate Johnson is a candidate for the Ph.D. in chemistry with a concentration in medicinal organic chemistry at Howard University. His research focuses on designing, synthesizing, and evaluating novel small molecules as anti-prostate cancer agents. Nate has been recognized as an Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) Fellow, Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning Network STEM Education Scholar, and received the Preparing Future Faculty certificate of completion. He also received a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Boston College, where he was a recipient of the Corcoran Scholarship. Nate learns and grows with every endeavor and believes in sharing a love of chemistry through his teaching. He has been an avid volunteer with the Community Science fest, a community-directed science literacy effort centered on providing hands-on experiences to DC-area students from pre-K to high school. Ultimately, Nate aspires to work at the intersection of business and science, with a passion for improving lives through science and new technology.

2 nomination evaluation forms (online)

Student nominees should submit the following online nomination evaluation forms to the individuals they have indicated will provide written support. Evaluations must be received electronically by the deadline noted. Student nominees waive their right to view the evaluations/recommendations sent in on their behalf:

  • Dissertation advisor nomination evaluation form (online)including a letter of support written and submitted by the nominee’s faculty dissertation advisor. The recommendation/letter of support should directly address how the applicant exemplifies each of the core values of the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society: scholarship, character, leadership, service, and advocacy. 
  • Faculty/mentor nomination evaluation form (online), including a letter of support written and submitted by a current Howard graduate faculty member, chair, or evaluator with knowledge of the nominee’s leadership, character, service, or advocacy qualities. The recommendation/letter of support should directly address how the applicant exemplifies each of the core values of the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society: scholarship, character, leadership, service, and advocacy.

Nomination & Selection Process

Application Due Date

Applications (only complete applications will be considered) must be received on or before the deadline of Monday, January 22, 11:59 pm, ET. Student nominees are responsible for ensuring that all the required documentation is submitted on or before the application deadline.

Selection Process & Criteria

Applications (only complete applications will be considered) will be evaluated by the Howard BGHS Committee. The committee will evaluate the alignment of the nominee’s qualifications, interests, and experiences with the mission and core values of the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society. Up to 10 Howard BGHS scholars will be chosen and recognized at a Graduate School award reception and at the annual Bouchet Society Conference held at Yale University each spring. Preference will be given to those nominees who meet the following selection criteria:

  • Excellent academic credentials
  • Outstanding letters of support
  • Compelling statements/essays that address the BGHS mission and core values
  • Well-organized dissertation research abstract
  • Well-organized and compelling conference abstract proposal 
  • Significance of contributions to the nominee’s field of research

2024 Timeline 

  • January 22, 2024 (11:59 pm, ET): Deadline for online submission of self-nomination form, recommendations/nomination evaluation forms, and supporting application materials
  • February 14, 2024: Announcement of Howard BGHS new members 
  • April 2, 2024.: Bouchet induction ceremony and award reception at Howard
  • April 5 - 6, 2024.: Bouchet national induction ceremony and annual conference at Yale

Howard Bouchet Scholars 

2023

The 2023 cohort members of the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society include:

Kemet Azubuike, Ph.D. Candidate, Sociology

Symone Campbell, Ph.D., Communication, Culture, & Media Studies

Sharleine Taina Cotin, Ph.D. Candidate, Biology 

Terri Davis, Ph.D., Communication, Culture, & Media Studies

Sharon Jessé Edwards, Ph.D. Candidate, History 

Latoya S. Hogg, Ph.D., Social Work 

Melanie R. Holmes, Ph.D., History  

Destiny Lawler, Ph.D. Candidate, Pharmacology 

Joshua Lawson, Ph.D. Candidate, English 

Dana Williams-Johnson, Ph.D., Communication, Culture, & Media Studies

2022

The 2022 cohort members of the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society include:

Collis A. Brown, Ph.D. Candidate, Pharmacology 

Tanya E. Gardner, Ph.D., Communication, Culture, & Media Studies

Majella Chube Hamilton, Ph.D. Candidate, History 

Bryan M. Jenkins, Ph.D. Candidate, Communication, Culture, & Media Studies

Raina Rhoades, Ph.D., Biology

2021

The 2021 cohort members of the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society include:

Chynere Best, Ph.D., Psychology

William Kellon Bubb, Ph.D., Communication, Culture, & Media Studies

Kenisha Ford, Ph.D., Physics

Emerald Jones, Ph.D., Sociology

Shannell Thomas, Ph.D., Sociology

2020

The 2020 cohort members of the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society include:

Colin Campbell, Ph.D., Communication, Culture, & Media Studies

Richmond Danso, Ph.D., Political Science

Akiv Dawson, Ph.D., Sociology

Lourds Michelle Fernando, Ph.D., Biology

Jaimee Swift, Ph.D., Political Science

2019

The 2019 cohort members of the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society include:

Adisa Vera Beatty, Ph.D., History

Amber Davis, Ph.D., Social Work

Ashley Lewis, Ph.D., Communication, Culture, & Media Studies

DeAnna Nara, Ph.D., Nutritional Sciences

Morgan  Smalls, Ph.D., Communication, Culture, & Media Studies

2018

The 2018 cohort members of the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society include:

Kimberly Monroe, Ph.D., History

Tabia Pope, Ph.D., Communications Sciences & Disorders

Sulare Telford, Ph.D., Communications Sciences & Disorders

Sean Upshaw, Ph.D., Communication, Culture, & Media Studies

Alisa  Valentin, Ph.D., Communication, Culture, & Media Studies

2017

The 2017 cohort members of the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society include:

Frances Adomako, Ph.D., Counseling Psychology

Rogi Banks, Ph.D., School Psychology

Lindell Edwards, Ph.D., Educational Psychology

Jasmyn Ledford, Ph.D., School Psychology

Brandale Mills, Ph.D., Communication, Culture, & Media Studies 

Swetha Parvatheneni, Ph.D., Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Komitige Hashanthi  Perera, Ph.D., Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Denise Rpsier, Ph.D., Political Science

Shadya Sanders, Ph.D., Atmospheric Sciences

Perre L. Shelton, Ph.D., Counseling Psychology

2016

The 2016 cohort members of the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society include:

Lauren F. Booker, Ph.D., Psychology

Candice R. Hodge, Ph.D., Sociology

Tyriesa L. Howard, Ph.D., Social Work

Aida Jaldi, Ph.D., Physiology 

Julius G. Johnson, Ph.D., African Studies

Grace R. Mavodza, Ph.D., Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Keadrick S. K. Peters, Ph.D., Sociology

Houra Taheri, Ph.D., Nutritional Sciences

Leticia D.  Williams, Ph.D., Communication, Culture, & Media Studies

2015

The 2015 cohort members of the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society include:

Danyelle T. Brown-Willis, Ph.D., Educational Psychology

Christopher Cross, Ph.D., Anatomy

Onochie Dieli, Ph.D., Economics

Monica Goldson, Ed.D., Educational Leadership & Policy Studies

Zuleka Henderson, Ph.D., Social Work

Heather Key, Ph.D., Clinical Psychology

Denna Kowalek-Geppi, Ph.D., Communication, Culture, & Media Studies

Brianna P. Lemmons, Ph.D., Social Work

Vanessa Oyugi, Ph.D., African Studies

2014

The 2014 cohort members of the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society include:

Kelechi C. Anyanwu, Ph.D., Counseling Psychology

Maurice B. Fluitt, Ph.D., Genetics

Mamatha Garige, Ph.D., Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Christina Nicole Johnson, Ph.D., Microbiology 

Tinita Ortega, Ph.D., Communication Sciences & Disorders

Shaina N. Reid, Ph.D., Anatomy

Tiphané Turpin, Ph.D., Mass Communication & Media Studies

Melvin L. Williams, Ph.D., Communication, Culture, & Media Studies 

2013

The 2013 cohort members of the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society include:

Crystal M.  Adkisson, Ph.D., Mass Communications & Media Studies

Ashantie Alford, Ph.D., African Studies

Wallis C. Baxter, Ph.D., English

Aamira Chaney, Ph.D., African Studies

Belinda R. Hauser, Ph.D., Genetics

Devlon Jackson, Ph.D., Communications & Culture

Malik D.  Lewis, Ph.D., Chemistry

Stella-Monica N. Mpande, Ph.D., Mass Communications & Media Studies

Reema Puri, Ph.D., Pharmaceutical Sciences

Bethtrice Thompson, Ph.D., Biology

2012

The 2012 cohort members of the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society include:

Luli Akinfiresoye, Ph.D., Pharmacology

Dondra Bailey, Ph.D., Biology

Dwayne Brown, Ph.D., Pharmacology

Jau-Yon Chen, Ph.D., African Studies

Valerie Cousins, Ph.D., Genetics

Ronya D. Foy, Ph.D., Social Work

Lydia Kakwera Levy, Ph.D., African Studies

Adrian Thompson, Ph.D., Clinical Psychology

Willie J. Thompson, Jr., Ph.D., Sociology