PhD. Student
Norfolk State University
My name is Bernard Boston. I have an Associate of Arts degree from Kennedy-King College, a Bachelor of Science in Physics: Engineering Option from Chicago State University, and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Northern Illinois University (NIU), where I also served as a Graduate Assistant.
Raised by a single father in the urban south side of Chicago and influenced by my grandfather, I was guided by the family oath always to do my best and give my all. Through the communication and example of this oath, I am proud to have become the family’s first college graduate. Of significance to the fulfillment of this oath, I faced the challenges associated with ADHD and dyslexia. Yet, the oath to my family extended to an oath to myself and students with similar characteristics. Therefore, my long-term goal is to be a professor and give back to students like me - African American students and those with a disability.
My experiences have supported the direction of this goal during my academic career. At Northern Illinois University, my thesis works with Drs. Haji-Sheikh and Naples focused on building a working Smilodon fatalis forearm. As a Graduate Research Assistant for Dr. Haji-Sheikh, in addition to my teaching and grading duties, I worked on simulations of building sensors on a computer using thin film, and I constructed physical sensors using thick films. These areas of inquiry were aligned with my interests and goals for the future. At Norfolk State University, I can expand my knowledge in these and other regions of the Materials Science and Engineering doctoral program.
Sincerely,
Bernard M. Boston
