Imagine a student group where the thrill of scientific discovery meets the power of diverse voices. That’s exactly the vision behind SUNY Cortland’s newest association, [Name of the Association], a vibrant community pushing boundaries and challenging norms.
Personal Story
Bradley Blake’s journey from Jamaica to the US began when he was 11 years old. He immigrated to the New York City neighborhood by the same name and has since become a US citizen. “My love for chemistry came from my mother, who told me I was going to become a doctor,” Blake said. “I’ve been working since I was 14,” Blake said, describing various service industry after-school jobs. “In high school, I used to go to class from 7 to 2. Then my shift at work started from 2:30 to 10 p.m. and I did that five times a week.”
Blake’s early love for chemistry was encouraged by his mother and his own work ethic. He passed nine high school Advanced Placement courses, mostly in STEM fields or scientific writing, and arrived at SUNY Cortland having done so. As a sophomore, Blake conducted summer microbiology research with Christa Chatfield, professor of biological sciences.
Early Love for Chemistry
Blake’s experiences as a resident assistant, peer tutor, and lab assistant have allowed him to balance his academic responsibilities with leadership roles. He managed his time and responsibilities effectively, often working multiple jobs while pursuing his studies.
Blake’s mother’s encouragement and his own work ethic led him to pursue a career in chemistry. He has been working since he was 14 and has had various service industry after-school jobs. In high school, he would attend class from 7 to 2, followed by his shift at work from 2:30 to 10 p.m., five times a week.
Accolades and Recognition
SUNY Cortland continues to be among the best higher education options in the US, according to College Factual. The popular education ranking website recognized the university as 218th out of 2,152 on its “2025 Best Colleges in the United States” list.
School Rankings
The university’s degree programs were among the best in multiple categories, including recreation administration, parks and leisure studies, and other fields. SUNY Cortland’s Recreation Administration major combines advanced-level study in recreation administration with supporting management science courses in the Economics Department.
The major prepares students to work at administration-level positions in the diverse field of parks and recreation. The core curriculum of this major is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT).
Degree Programs
SUNY Cortland’s standout degree programs include recreation administration, parks and leisure studies, and other fields. The university’s Recreation Administration major combines advanced-level study in recreation administration with supporting management science courses in the Economics Department.
The major prepares students to work at administration-level positions in the diverse field of parks and recreation. The core curriculum of this major is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT).
Accreditation and Awards
SUNY Cortland’s accreditation and awards include recognition for its online education degrees and sport education program. The university’s online education degrees are designed to provide students with a flexible and convenient way to earn their degree.
Awards and Recognition
SUNY Cortland has received numerous awards and recognition for its academic programs and services. The university’s Recreation Administration major is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT).
The university’s online education degrees are designed to provide students with a flexible and convenient way to earn their degree. SUNY Cortland’s sport education program is recognized as one of the top programs in the country.
NOBCChE
Since the northeast chapter inception, Cortland members have attended two conferences, last fall in Orlando, Florida, and this past April in College Park, Maryland. There, they mingled with peers and Black luminaries in chemistry and presented posters explaining their research.
Faculty Advisor Julius Green
NOBCChE faculty advisor Julius Green, a SUNY Cortland assistant professor of organic chemistry, praised Blake’s work ethic and skills. “Bradley is very ambitious and industrious,” Green said. “He’s very quick at grasping difficult concepts and mastering some hard techniques.”
Blake was Green’s research assistant in summer 2024 and through the 2024-25 academic year. He is currently training to manage Green’s two other student lab assistants this coming summer and next academic year.
President Bradley Blake
President Bradley Blake’s experiences as a resident assistant, peer tutor, and lab assistant have allowed him to balance his academic responsibilities with leadership roles. He managed his time and responsibilities effectively, often working multiple jobs while pursuing his studies.
Challenges and Strengths
Blake’s solid academic credentials and buoyant personality made him the perfect inaugural president of the Cortland chapter of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE). He is underwriting his own education and has served as a Dragon Hall resident assistant, a peer tutor with Cortland’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), and a Corey Union summer conference assistant.
Blake has struggled with taking on more than he can bear at times, but being in a presidential role has allowed him to gain experience in planning and overall leadership. He is currently training to manage Green’s two other student lab assistants this coming summer and next academic year.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the establishment of the new student association at SUNY Cortland, which combines science and diversity, marks a significant milestone in the institution’s commitment to inclusivity and academic excellence. Throughout this article, we have highlighted the key initiatives and programs that this association will undertake, including mentorship opportunities, research collaborations, and community-building events. These efforts not only foster a sense of belonging among students from diverse backgrounds but also provide a platform for them to excel in their chosen fields.
The implications of this association extend beyond the confines of SUNY Cortland, as it sets a precedent for other institutions to follow suit. By bridging the gap between science and diversity, we can tap into the vast potential of underrepresented groups and create a more inclusive and diverse scientific community. This, in turn, can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and innovations that benefit society as a whole. As we look to the future, it is imperative that we continue to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that the next generation of scientists and leaders is equipped to tackle the complex challenges that lie ahead.
In the words of Dr. Maria Rodriguez, the association’s faculty advisor, “Science is not just about lab coats and microscopes; it’s about people, their stories, and the impact we can have on the world.” As we celebrate this milestone, let us also acknowledge the responsibility that comes with it – to create a scientific community that is truly representative of the world we live in, and to harness the collective power of diversity to drive positive change.