Nine scholars at Cornell were recently inducted into the Cornell chapter of the Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society.

The 2012 Bouchet fellows are: Fenaba Addo, a doctoral student in the field of policy analysis and management and winner of the 2012 Bouchet Best Social Science Research Presentation; Jacqueline Benson, a doctoral student in the field of plant breeding; Christopher Blackwood, a doctoral student in pharmacology; Tiffany Campolongo, a postdoctoral associate in the field of biological and environmental engineering and winner of the 2012 Bouchet Best Physical Science Research Presentation; Deeqa Mahamed, a doctoral student in the field of immunology; Patrice Ohouo, a doctoral student in the field of biochemistry, molecular and cell biology; David Rodriguez, a postdoctoral associate in the field of ecology and evolutionary biology; H. Hans Salamanca, a postdoctoral associate in the field of molecular biology; and postdoctoral fellow Joel Baumgart, a neuroscientist working in the Departments of Anesthesiology and of Pharmacology at Weill Cornell Medical College.

The scholars were inducted at the annual Bouchet Conference on Diversity in Graduate Education, March 30-31, at Yale University.

The Bouchet Society recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and promotes diversity and excellence in doctoral education and the professoriate. Its network of pre-eminent scholars exemplifies academic and personal excellence, character, service and advocacy for students who have been traditionally underrepresented in the academy.

"Cornell is fortunate to have nine impressive scholars join the Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society," said Sheri R. Notaro, associate dean for inclusion and professional development in the Graduate School, who coordinates the Cornell chapter of the Bouchet Society. "They were chosen because they embody the qualities of Edward A. Bouchet -- outstanding scholarship coupled with a sincere commitment to community service and outreach."

Notaro; Christine Holmes, director of Cornell's Postdoctoral Studies Program; Laurel Southard, director of Office of Undergraduate Research; and Deondra Rose, a graduate student in the field of government, prepared the chosen scholars by hosting a session Feb. 8, "How To Get the Most From the Bouchet Conference," which focused on networking, presentation skills and developing a curriculum vitae.

Notaro noted that Cornell will sponsor ongoing professional development and outreach opportunities for the Bouchet scholars. "This is not just a one-time award, but an ongoing community-building and professional development opportunity," she said.

Yale and Howard universities established the Bouchet Society in 2005 to recognize the life and academic contributions of Edward Alexander Bouchet, the first African-American to earn a doctorate from an American university. He earned a doctorate in physics from Yale in 1876.