For the past almost 100 years, Xavier University of Louisiana has inspired the students who pass through its doors to create a more just and humane society through the careers they choose. Frequently, Xavier students spend the summer in internships pursuing the excellence instilled in them at  Xavier. This summer, Manuela Niamke, a rising junior at Xavier, manifested her excellence when she was selected for the inaugural DuBois Scholar Program at Harvard University. 

The DuBois Scholar program is a fully funded, nine-week summer research internship for students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Established by the Harvard & Legacy of Slavery initiative (H&LS), the program invited its inaugural cohort of rising HBCU juniors and seniors to Harvard University’s campus to spend the summer receiving hands-on mentorship and having access to a learning environment to foster intellectual growth. Additionally, those selected for the program received a stipend of $5,000. Out of hundreds of applicants, only 20 were selected for the 2024 cohort, Niamke being one of them. 

“I was pleased to have been accepted,” said Niamke, “and surprised, considering that there were hundreds of applications for this program.” 

Niamke is a biology pre-med major with her sights set on attending medical school. Naimke decided to apply to the DuBois Scholar Program for all it offered after seeing a post about the program on Xavier University of Louisiana’s official Instagram account. Niamke was not going to miss the chance to spend two months at Harvard University improving her lab and research skills, engaging with distinguished professors, networking with peers from various HBCUs, and exploring a new city, plus the opportunity to gain invaluable experiences. After completing the program, Niamke is grateful she did not let the opportunity pass her by. 

“During our time there, we visited a hospital and participated in a medical course, gaining hands-on experience in intubating mannequins,” said Niamke, recounting one of her experiences during the program. “One particularly inspiring moment was meeting an incredible physician who studied at Dillard University; she reinforced my commitment to this path by talking about her story, her difficulties, and how she loves what she does.” 

Niamke found that the program fulfilled all her wishes. Everyone in the program, the program staff, mentors, and other cohort fellows, shared an enthusiasm for the program that she found contagious. Throughout the program, Niamke forged lasting connections with her other cohort members through various activities that strengthened their bonds and teamwork. Her mentor and other lab members made Niamke feel listened to and understood as she progressed through the program. Her mentor nudged her to try new things so Niamke could exponentially expand her skillset and experience. For Niamke, the program was an invaluable experience that sparked a sense of determination. 

“This program motivated me even more to work hard for medical school,” said Niamke. “I do not like public speaking; I am very introverted, but I feel much more comfortable doing this now.” 

Niamke named Xavier as one of the defining factors in her selection for opportunities like this. She credits Xavier’s rigorous academic curriculum and supportive faculty for equipping her with a solid foundation to pursue opportunities like the DuBois Scholar Program. The critical thinking, research skills, and theoretical knowledge that Xavier instilled in her has made these opportunities and career aspirations not only possible but achievable, and she is excited to continue her journey toward her med school dreams.