As we start the new academic year, I am pleased to feature stories of the achievements of students on this blog.  Below is a marvelous story about Raissa Audrey Tseumie ’17 that I hope will inspire other students.  Later this wee I will feature another student.  Please send me your achievements via email at president@trinitydc.edu including a few paragraphs and photos.  I will post them periodically.

Raissa’s story, in her own words, with photos:

My name is Raissa Audrey Tseumie, sophomore and student athlete. This summer I was very fortunate to completed my first research internship at the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation (Children Medical Center). 

Since I was young I always dream of becoming a Doctor one day. Four months ago Ms.Margaret Dunning, [Trinity alumna ’76 and a Trinity Trustee] one of my mentors from the Economic Club introduced me to Dr.Kurt Newman [president and CEO of Children’s National Medical Center]. Beside giving me advice for my undergrad and medical school, Dr.Newman encouraged me to apply for the 2015 Student Innovation Program at the Sheikh Zayed Institute.

There were 22 Students Innovators this year. Although I was very nervous at the beginning of the program, my hard work and determination give me a Honorable Mention by end of the program. During our Poster Session I won the 4th place for “Best Overall Solution.” I was very happy to represented Trinity at that level. I also make connection with students from Princeton, GW, Georgetown and Khalifa University (In Abu Dhabi). 

In addition to my side project, I was able to shadow: Dr Sandler (Surgeon in chief and principal investigator In the Immunology Initiative), Dr.Ogunlesi (Pulmonologist) and my mentor Dr.Finkel (anesthesiologist and chief for pain medecine). I also Obeserved two circumcisions surgery and Dr.Peter’s robotic surgery with the Da Vinci Robot. 

Congratulations, Raissa!  Read Raissa’s research project: Tseumie Katamine abstract

Raissa mentions Ms. Margaret Dunning, above.  What a fabulous example of the “old girls’ network” of Trinity Women helping other Trinity Women move up the ladder!

Margaret is a member of the Class of 1976, and is the managing partner of Widmeyer Communications in Washington where she has provided outstanding advice and PR consultation to a wide range of businesses — including her alma mater, Trinity!  Margaret has recently agreed to join Trinity’s Board of Trustees where she can continue her leadership for Trinity and our students very directly.  She is also on the board of the Economic Club of Washington — Raissa mentioned meeting Ms. Dunning through the Economic Club, but did not mention that she also has the high honor of being a recipient of one of the Rubenstein Scholarships of the Economic Club, a program funded by the great Washington philanthropist David Rubenstein.  Thank you, Margaret, for being a great champion of Raissa and all Trinity students!!