Two former Bermuda College pupils have co-authored a scientific research study by Bermudian Dr. Paulette Furbert-Harris, an associate professor at Howard University School of Medicine.

Shari Scott and Samantha Vasconcelos were jointly named as the College's prestigious Corange Science scholars in 2005 — a distinction which led to them being invited to visit Dr. Furbert-Harris at Howard.

In addition, they assisted her with her research of Eosophinil cell lines and their tumoricidal activity against breast and prostate tumour cells in vitro.

Both young ladies have chosen career paths related to medical science and joined Dr. Furbert-Harris in the Summer of 2006 as summer interns to assist her in her ongoing research.

Recently Dr. Furbert-Harris submitted a scientific study of her work to the US Department of Defence's Breast Cancer Research programme, Era of Hope, for consideration at its 2008 Conference in Baltimore.

The meeting provides an opportunity for breast cancer researchers, survivors and advocates to come together to learn about advances against breast cancer, share ideas and identify promising, innovative avenues in breast cancer research for the years ahead.

Both Shari and Samantha are listed in the abstract summary as co-authors and students of Bermuda College, along with four other students from Howard University.

Necheeka Trott, chair of the Division of Liberal Arts, which sponsors the annual Corange Science Week activities, applauded the young ladies' achievements.

"I am extremely pleased," Ms Trott said, "and Bermuda College is honoured that our students had the opportunity to participate and be recognised in the research of Dr. Paulette Furbert-Harris, who was the Corange Science Week guest speaker in 2005.

"Her research is critical to the ongoing fight against this disease and the College wishes Dr. Furbert-Harris well and extends its heartfelt gratitude."

Dr. Furbert-Harris is an associate professor of microbiology at the Howard University School of Medicine and director of its Core Laboratory, the National Human Genome Centre.