Charles “Charlie” Evander Melvin, son of Kenny and Leah Melvin of Rockingham, was nominated to attend a four week research program on the campus of North Carolina Central University in Durham. Melvin is a rising senior at Richmond Senior High School. He is the grandson of Albert Frank Clements and the late Margaret Byrd Clements; and Jeannette Hester Melvin and the late Dr. Robert Kenneth Melvin.

During Melvin’s campus stay he was involved in biomedical research at the BRITE (Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise) under the direction of Dr. Scott.

Melvin’s research was centered in the effects of POND 1 expression using simvastatin and aspirin regiments and the effects of athroschrosis. Upon completion of his four week internship, Melvin presented his research and findings to an audience, professors and parents.

The Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics curriculum is designed to give rising high school juniors and seniors an exciting, challenging enrichment experience in science and mathematics. In addition to the instructional activities, students conduct independent research projects that are presented orally in an open forum.

Instructors work closely with students on their projects and guide them in the preparation of their reports. Abstracts from the reports are bound into a single volume and distributed to participants.

During the closing ceremony, Dr. John Myers gave each participant certificates of completion.