MD Andersen Herman
EDUCATION
Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD May 2025
Henson School of Science and Technology
• Glenda Chatham and Robert G. Clarke Honors College- Science/ Thesis Track
• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, May 2025
• Pre-Health Track
• Minor: Biology
HONORS/AWARDS
Fulbright Award to Slovakia / Research May 2025, Clarke Honors College Medallion Ceremony Student Speaker May 2025, Clarke Honors College Medallion May 2025, Omicron Delta Kappa May 2025, Undergraduate Research Fellow Certificate May 2025,
TRIO Student of the Year Award May 2025, Critical Language Scholarship March 2025, Henson Research Award March 2025, Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program January 2025, Salisbury University Study Abroad Scholarship January 2025, AIFS Study Abroad Scholarship January 2025, Henson School of Science Travel Award Fall 2024, Chemistry Leaving the Nest Award October 2024, Clarke Honors College Study Abroad Scholarship September 2024, Salisbury University: George E. Miles Scholarship September 2024,
Boren Awards-Alternate April 2024, Phi Eta Sigma Scholarship Spring 2024, Lucy Tull Scholarship June 2023, Millennium Fellowship, Certificate December 2022, SHPEP Certificate July 2022, Annual Mountaire Scholarship July 2022, Phi Eta Sigma Summer 2022
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Spring 2022, Medical Careers Society Spring 2022, Dean’s List Fall 2021 – Spring 2023, Fruitland Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Recipient Fall 2021, Presidential Scholarship Fall 2021 – Spring 2024
EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE
Fulbright U.S. Student Award Researcher
U.S. Department of State | Host: Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Slovakia| Sept 2025 – June 2026
• Awarded the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Research Grant to conduct independent research abroad (acceptance rate <10%).
• Design and execute a research project on antibacterial photodynamic therapy aimed at addressing antimicrobial resistance and cancer.
• Collaborate with international faculty and researchers, strengthening cross-cultural scientific partnerships.
• Utilize advanced laboratory techniques (spectroscopy, cell culture, fluorescence analysis) to generate original data.
• Engage in cultural diplomacy as a representative of the United States, fostering mutual understanding and scientific exchange.
Critical Language Scholarship- Tanzania
U.S. Department of State June-August 2025
• Selected for the highly competitive CLS Program (acceptance rate <10%) to engage in intensive Swahili language and cultural immersion in Arusha, Tanzania.
• Developed communication skills in Swahili, a critical language
• Participated in structured community engagement, cultural activities, and facilitated conversations across language barriers while living with a host family.
• Gained cultural competency essential for future practice in global and underserved clinical settings.
• Prepared for future work in East Africa addressing public health needs through research and direct care.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship- Austria January 2025
• Win the Gilman Scholarship (acceptance rate of 25%) to study abroad in Salzburg, Austria
• Completed a Health Behavior course through the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS)
• Explored theories of behavior change and their application in public health interventions
• Analyzed social, cultural, and psychological determinants of health and their impact on lifestyle choices
• Engaged in cultural immersion through historical site visits, including Mozart’s birthplace and The Sound of Music filming locations.
Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) June 13, 2022 – July 22, 2022
• SHPEP is an intensive summer program for students interested in pursuing a career in medicine, dentistry, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, public health, etc.
• Participate in labor and delivery simulation and cardiac arrest simulation, especially CPR to improve our clinical skills
• Attend lectures and talks Monday through Friday on organic chemistry, biostatistics, diversity in healthcare, healthcare access, and so on
• Conference with the medical school admission officer to discuss our academic journey such as the requirements needed before admitted to medical school
• Shadow emergency medicine physicians and a psychiatrist to get clinical exposure
• Network with other scholars and teaching assistants through LinkedIn and GroupMe
LICENSE/CERTICATES
Novel Trends in Chemistry Certificate of Completion, November 2025
Understanding URLs, February 2024
Spot the Phish Game, February 2024
Phishing Foundations, February 2024
Students (IPS)/ CITI Certification, April 2023
Social and Behavioral Responsible Conduct of Research/ CITI Certification, April 2023
Conflicts of Interest/ CITI Certification, April 2023
Social-Behavioral-Educational Researchers/ CITI Certification, April 2023
Kevin Mitnick Security Awareness Training, June 2022
Workplace Diversity, Inclusion & Sensitivity/ Traliant, June 2022
Avasys Telesitter Solution Introductory Course/ HealthStream, June 2022
Unconscious Bias/ Traliant, June 2022
Academic Coach/ Upchieve, February 2022
Certified Nursing Assistant/ ABON, May 2021
Basic Life Support/ American Heart Association, May 2021
Seal of Biliteracy Recipient (Haitian Creole)/ WBOE, April 2021
SHADOWING EXPERIENCE
Rutgers University Hospital, Newark, NJ, 13 July 2022
Preceptor: Atif Farooqi, DO, Emergency Medicine
Contact email: vahf46@njms.rutgers.edu
● Interact with three medical students
● Follow a medical student and watch him getting a history on a newly admitted patient that speaks Spanish
● Observe what a typical day looks like for an emergency physician
● Medical students give advice and provide resources to do well on the CARS section of the MCAT
Rutgers University Hospital, Newark, NJ 07 July 2022
Preceptor: Noah D. Villegas, M.D., Psychiatry
Contact email: ndv15@njms.rutgers.edu
● Interact with the medical students
● Attend huddle along with the attending physicians and the medical students
● Observe as the oncoming shift was taking report from the previous shift
PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
Community Language Assistant
● Actively serve as a Community Language Assistant at Bennett Middle School, facilitating bilingual communication between immigrant students and teachers in Haitian Creole, Spanish, and Portuguese to enhance learning and overcome language barriers
● Provided personalized support and guidance with classwork, contributing to improved educational experiences for students.
● Engaged in group discussions and personal reflections to identify best practices, aiming to elevate the effectiveness of future Community Language Assistants.
● Organized orientation sessions and presented experiences at the Public Affairs and Civic Engagement Showcase to promote the program and expand its reach.
Washington Center
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Summer 2023
Development Intern
● Commitment to supporting individuals living with mental health conditions.
● Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
● Master Blackbaud's Raiser's Edge, EveryAction, and Word Mail Merge
● Merge stewardship letters, including acknowledgement letters, tax letters, FreeWill follow-up emails, calls, and tribute cards
● Manually entered all gifts into Raiser's Edge from various platforms, such as Stripe, EveryAction, Balanced Mind, and mailed checks to appropriate constituents
● Assist development team in constituent addition, data integrity, and clean up in Raiser's Edge
● Conduct research and present funding tips and a social media donor stewardship plan
● Provide administrative support for annual award ceremonies and industry meetings
International Peace and Security Course
● Examined key concepts in global security, human security, and international governance.
● Analyzed the role of international organizations in conflict resolution and peacekeeping
● Engaged in discussions on terrorism, cybersecurity, and geopolitical stability.
TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, Salisbury, MD June 2021 – May 2025
Certified Nursing Assistant
● American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS)
● Provides direct physical care and emotional support to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse or license practical nurse
● Monitor patients’ vital signs based on doctor’s orders
● Ambulate orthopedic patients
● Complete regular modules for education continuation
● Collect specimen for laboratory testing
● Apply pure wick and condom catheter to incontinent patients
● Repositioned patient frequently and keep their room clean and safe
● Proficient with EPIC- an electronic medical record (EMR) system
● Received a star from a patient for being an amazing CNA
PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Undergraduate Research Fellow, September 2024-May 2025
● Attend monthly meetings to discuss research initiatives and student engagement strategies
● Coordinate and host pop-up events to promote research opportunities to students
● Organize and lead workshops on topics such as poster presentations, research funding applications, and getting started in research
● Manage and update OURCA’s social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram) with relevant content
● Develop creative social media content to increase student awareness and engagement
● Support OURCA-sponsored events by creating and distributing materials and assisting with registration.
● Represent OURCA at university events and outreach programs to promote undergraduate research.
World of Life Center Youth Choir, October 2023-May 2024
● Tenor vocalist for the World of Life Center Youth Choir, delivering dynamic performances in various venues.
● Contributed to the rich harmonies of the choir as a dedicated tenor singer, enhancing the overall musical experience.
● Demonstrated versatility and skill as a tenor vocalist, adapting to diverse musical styles and arrangements.
● Collaborated closely with fellow choir members and directors to achieve precise vocal balance and cohesion in performances.
● Participated in rehearsals, refining vocal techniques and mastering challenging musical passages to ensure polished performances.
Henson Student Leadership Advisory Council, March 2024-May 2025
● Served as a member of the Henson Student Leadership Advisory Council (H-SLAC), representing the mathematics department.
● Actively participated in bi-semester meetings with the Associate Dean and other council members to discuss and provide feedback on strategic goals and operations of the Henson School of Science and Technology.
● Advocated for student concerns and initiatives related to student success, mentoring, career preparation, and facilities/equipment improvements within the Henson School community.
● Engaged in outreach efforts by attending university events and community outreach activities as a representative of the Henson School, promoting awareness and involvement in Henson School initiatives.
● Collaborated with fellow council members to seek input and opinions from peers on important issues facing the student body, fostering open communication and dialogue.
● Demonstrated commitment and dedication by fulfilling the requirements of the council, including attendance at meetings and participation in admissions/outreach events.
Summer Health Professions Education Program Ambassador, October 2023-December 2024
● Served as a Student Ambassador for the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP), promoting diversity in healthcare and STEM fields
● Mentored and guided prospective applicants, sharing insights on the program's benefits, application process, and professional development opportunities
● Advocated for underrepresented students pursuing medical, public health, and biomedical sciences careers.
Global Issues Fellow, Fall 2023-Spring 2024
Global Issues, Local Solutions Lecture Series
● Implement program integrating SDGs as a framework for understanding global sustainability challenges
● Organize weekly lectures by faculty and experts, providing conceptual background and local context
● Facilitate sandbox sessions for collaborative problem-solving with residents, nonprofits, for-profits, and government agencies
● Develop students' knowledge of the 17 SDGs and their interrelated nature
● Enhance skills in data analysis, project management, communication, and critical thinking
● Instill a sustainable mindset, promoting actions contributing to a sustainable world
● Inspire students to apply knowledge and skills to real-world challenges
● Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds
● Cultivate a sense of global citizenship and responsibility
● Coordinate relevant course texts to complement faculty lectures and current events
Guiding Coalition of Wicomico County, June- August 2023
● Actively participate as a dedicated member of the Guiding Coalition for the Community Needs Assessment and Strategic Planning process
● Collaborate with diverse stakeholders representing key constituency groups to develop a comprehensive Community Plan for Children, Youth, and Families
● Contribute valuable insights from partners and the community to shape decision-making and strategic direction
● Demonstrate strong teamwork and collaboration skills in working towards effective services and improved outcomes
● Engage in fostering a culture of collaboration and engagement among coalition members for long-term success
● Play a pivotal role in driving growth and increasing impact in Wicomico County through collective efforts
● Exhibit a strong passion and commitment to working with all stakeholders towards achieving collective goals
Presidential Citizen Scholar/Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD January 2023 – April 2024
● Collaborate with fellow Presidential Citizen Scholars and the City of Salisbury, more specifically the manager of transportation, William White, to conduct research on road safety issues affecting Salisbury.
● Conduct IRB research and collect data through Qualtrics about road safety in the Westside of Salisbury
● Utilize data analysis and community engagement strategies to identify key challenges and potential solutions for improving road safety.
● Participated in council meetings, conferences, and events to discuss findings
● Expect to volunteer with AmeriCorps for over 300 hours
● Present the research findings to the next PCS scholar cohort, community leaders, local government, state government, campus leaders, faculty, and mentors
● Secured $161 in grant funding through strategic grant writing efforts to fund a community appreciation project
● Orchestrated the distribution of yard signs across the Westside, acknowledging and thanking community members for their participation in a research survey.
● Fostered positive community relations by demonstrating genuine appreciation for community involvement in research initiatives.
Millennium Fellow, Class of 2022, August 2022-December 2022
● Successfully completed a four-month Millennium Fellowship program with the Millennium Campus Network, focused on developing leadership, project management, and teamwork skills to tackle the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
● Collaborated with a diverse group of undergraduate students from around the world to design and implement a project aimed at addressing a pressing social issue, resulting in tangible impact in the local community.
● Participated in weekly virtual workshops, receiving training and mentorship on topics such as project planning, fundraising, and community engagement.
● Demonstrated a strong commitment to social impact and a deep understanding of the importance of working towards sustainable and equitable solutions to global challenges.
● Recognized as a successful Millennium Fellow with a certificate of completion and joined a global network of MCN alumni dedicated to creating positive change in their communities.
COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES
St. Francis de Sales Catholic School, Salisbury, MD
Science Fair Project Judge
● Evaluated science projects from 7th and 8th-grade students based on scientific method, creativity, and presentation.
● Provided constructive feedback to students to encourage scientific inquiry and improvement.
● Engaged with participants to discuss their research process and findings.
● Contributed to the promotion of STEM education by supporting young researchers.
Haitian Development Center of Delmarva, Salisbury, MD September 2023-December 2023
Tutor/Volunteer
● Provided academic support to elementary and middle school-aged children in math, science, and reading
● Implemented personalized teaching strategies tailored to individual learning needs
● Fostered a positive and inclusive learning environment for students
● Contributed to measurable academic improvement among participating students.
Wicomico Public Libraries, Salisbury, MD November 2020 – December 2021
Student Leader
● Assist the teen program director at the Wicomico Public Libraries - Paul S. Sarbanes Branch prepare for the Teen Advisory Council (TAC) meetings
● Look for short and funny videos that are approximately one minute long for us to watch before the meetings
● Search for about five questions would you rather entertain the kids before the teen program director officially starts the meeting.
● Discuss different volunteer experiences that are available in the community.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
US Student Researcher Photodynamic Therapy for Bacteria and Breast Cancer, September 2025- June 2026 Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Using UiO-66 and MIL-101 Metal–Organic Frameworks for Cancer and Antibacterial Applications
Advisors: Drs. Veronika Huntošová and Erik Sedlák
• Synthesized and characterized metal–organic frameworks, including UiO-66 variants and chromium-based MIL-101, for PDT applications.
• Collaborated with the Department of Chemistry at Pavol Jozef Šafárik University on the synthesis of MIL-101 (Cr), gaining experience in international research collaboration.
• Functionalized MOFs (UiO-66, UiO-66-NH₂, UiO-66-His) to enhance photosensitizer loading and cellular/bacterial membrane interactions.
• Evaluated methylene blue-mediated PDT efficacy against SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells following 590 nm light activation.
• Assessed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli, identifying differential responses between gram-positive and gram-negative strains.
• Analyzed experimental data to compare PDT performance across nanomaterial formulations and biological models.
• Communicated findings through a scientific poster.
Malaria Research, May 2024- May 2025
Advisor: Dr. Joshua Sokoloski, Ph.D.
● Utilize spectrofluorometer to measure the peak area and intensity of different fluorophores and learn how macromolecules like protein and DNA interact
● Use PlasmoDB to analyze potential RNA sequences and identify RNA thermometers in Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria
● Predict temperature-dependent structural changes of candidate RNA thermometers using NUPACK
● Conduct in vitro validation experiments using a plate reader, spectrofluorometer, and UV vis spectrometer to study parasite responses under varying temperatures, pH, urea concentration, and salt conditions
● Investigate the role of RNA thermometers in parasite adaptation to different abiotic stressors
● Explore the potential of RNA thermometers as diagnostic markers for malaria detection and surveillance
● Research contributes to understanding molecular mechanisms of malaria adaptation and potential therapeutic interventions
Analyzing Fluorescence Dye with Spectrofluorometer, September 2022- May 2024
Advisor: Dr. Joshua Sokoloski, Ph.D.
● Utilize spectrofluorometer to measure the peak area and intensity of different fluorophores and learn how macromolecules like protein and DNA interact
● Investigate fluorophores such as fluorescein and rhodamine B
● Measure the fluorescence emission spectra for these molecules in a variety of different conditions such as temperature and concentration
● Graph their intensity vs. peak area using Excel
● Read peer-review research
Quantum Dots Synthesis, February 2022-May 2022
Advisor: Dr. Lena Woodis, Ph.D.
● Make cadmium and selenium solutions to synthesize quantum dots
● Learn new techniques such as centrifuging solution and measuring pH
● Test the pH of different solutions and adjust the pH accordingly
POSTERS/PUBLICATIONS
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) Using UiO-66-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOF) for Breast Cancer and Antibacterial Applications
November 2025
Novel Trends in Chemistry, Research, and Education| Košice, Slovakia
Mentor: Drs. Veronika Huntošová and Erik Sedlák
Developing Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Temperature and Salt-Dependent Enzymatic Reactions for Malaria Research
May 2025
Salisbury University Chemistry Symposium| Salisbury, MD
Mentor: Dr. Joshua Sokoloski
Developing Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Temperature and Salt-Dependent Enzymatic Reactions for Malaria Research
April 2025
Salisbury University Student Research Conference| Salisbury, MD
Mentor: Dr. Joshua Sokoloski
Developing RNA Thermometers and Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Enzymatic Reactions in Plasmodium falciparum
Northeast Regional Honors Council| Harrisburg, PA
March 2025
Mentor: Dr. Joshua Sokoloski
Developing RNA Thermometers and Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Enzymatic Reactions in Plasmodium falciparum
Posters on the Bay| Annapolis, MD
February 2025
Mentor: Dr. Joshua Sokoloski
Developing RNA Thermometers and Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Enzymatic Reactions in Plasmodium falciparum
Middle States Commissions of Higher Education| Pennsylvania, PA
December 2024
Mentor: Dr. Joshua Sokoloski
Road Safety and Transportation Design on the Westside of Salisbury
April 2024
PACE Showcase| Salisbury, MD
Mentor: Professor Ryan Weaver
Road Safety and Transportation Design on the Westside of Salisbury
April 2024
Salisbury University Student Research Conference| Salisbury, MD
Mentor: Professor Ryan Weaver
Road Safety and Transportation Design on the Westside of Salisbury
February 2024
Posters on the Bay| Annapolis, MD
Mentor: Professor Ryan Weaver
Road Safety and Transportation Design on the Westside of Salisbury
January 2024
Salisbury City Council| Salisbury, MD
Mentor: Professor Ryan Weaver
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3iV-8B1KS0&t=1685s
Developing Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Temperature and Salt-Dependent Enzymatic Reactions for Malaria Research
May 2023
Salisbury University Chemistry Symposium| Salisbury, MD
Mentor: Dr. Joshua Sokoloski
Analyzing The Racial and Gender Disparities in Chemistry: An Effort to Get More Black Women in Chemistry
November 2022
Salisbury University Honors Research Conference| Salisbury, MD
Mentor: Professor Lauren Hill
PRESS RELEASE
Salisbury University Graduate to Begin Fulbright Research at the Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences, TIP-UPJŠ
August 12, 2025
https://www.upjs.sk/pracoviska/tip/en/actuality/salisbury-university-graduate-to-begin-fulbright-research-at-the-center-for-interdisciplinary-biosciences-tip-upjs/
Ten from SU Named Fulbright Student Semifinalists
February 11, 2025
https://www.salisbury.edu/news/article/2025-2-11-Ten-from-SU-Named-Fulbright-Student-Semifinalists
Two from SU Receive Gilman International Scholarship Awards
February 4, 2025
https://www.salisbury.edu/news/article/2025-2-4-Two-from-SU-Receive-Gilman-International-Scholarship-Awards
Two from Salisbury University Receive Gilman International Scholarship Awards
February 4, 2025
https://www.easternshoreundercover.com/news2/two-salisbury-university-students-receive-gilman-international-scholarships.htm
Road Safety and Transportation Design on the Westside of Salisbury
April 8, 2024
https://www.wmdt.com/2024/04/pace-scholars-partner-to-bring-more-transportation-to-salisbury/
Road Safety and Transportation Design on the Westside of Salisbury Presentation at the Salisbury City Council
March 2024
Developing RNA Thermometers and Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Enzymatic Reactions in Plasmodium falciparum
