Civilian Service, Military Impact: The Unique Award Program at USU

Civilian graduate students at the Uniformed Services University (USU), are recognized for their dedication to the community with the Civilian Student Community Service Award.

July 3, 2024 by Hadiyah Brendel

At this year's graduation awards ceremony on May 17th, the office of Graduate Student Development and Support recognized civilian graduates with an exceptional achievement. The Civilian Student Community Service Award (CSCSA) is presented to graduate students at USU who have completed 200 or more hours of community service during their attendance.

Created by a fellow student, then Army 2nd Lt. Katherine Lee, with guidance from Ms. Laura Baumann, assistant dean for Graduate Student Development and Support at USU, the CSCSA serves as a counterpart to the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.

Since the inception of the award in 2023, two graduate students have been conferred the award.

Nancy Sealover
Molecular and Cellular Biology PhD candidate
Class of 2024

Nancy Sealover's path to research began at a local high school, where her AP biology teacher ignited her interest in the
field. This initial spark propelled her on a research journey that included extensive ecological research across the globe from Fiji, to the San Juan Islands in the pacific northwest, and back to Chesapeake Bay at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.

Yet, a personal desire to be close to her family led her to search for a graduate school in the area. Sealover worked as laboratory technician for Dr. Kortum's molecular pharmacology lab at USU. There, she connected with the research lab and USU. And after discovering a perfect blend of her transferable molecular ecology skills and the techniques of cancer research, she adapted her graduate studies to fit her new interest.

During this time, Sealover became the primary caregiver for her mother, who battled multiple myeloma. She unfortunately passed away before Sealover entered school at USU. This experience, along with the loss of her father to cancer while Sealover was in high school, deeply impacted her.

"My father ultimately lost his battle with cancer due to the lack of effective treatment options at the time. And my mother beat the life expectancy at the time of her diagnosis by 7 years due to breakthrough therapies that gave her more treatment options when she had already exhausted what was available for multiple myeloma patients," she says.

Sealover's dedication extends beyond the walls of the lab and USU. She is a passionate volunteer who has dedicated significant time and effort to supporting aspiring scientists. Since 2017, she has volunteered extensively with the University of Maryland Career Center, offering guidance through resume reviews, mock interviews, and even personal mentorship.

While reflecting on her path to USU, she says "while my career path has been very different from most of my peers, I find that many of the students I speak with, or mentor, find my perspective valuable as many of them have non-linear career paths as well."

For Sealover, mentorship is not just about sharing knowledge, but about empowering others. Drawing from her own experiences navigating the intricacies of research careers, and "fumbling" her way through, she provides invaluable support to students, particularly those considering non-traditional paths.

Her impact is undeniable, with a former mentee securing a coveted early assurance program for medical school after an internship in the very lab where Sealover works. Currently, she's collaborating with her principal investigator to provide similar opportunities for another highly motivated high school student.

"Being able to provide that support to other students now brings me so much joy," Sealover says. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, especially for women in science, during the crucial early stages of career development.

Sealover's volunteer efforts also extend to science fair judging, and book conventions. She mentors a student through the Governor's Health Science Academy Program, too. Additionally, Sealover has contributed to 10 peer-reviewed publications, is a teaching assistant in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology lab, a member of USU's Graduate Student Council, and a recipient of the 2023 Henry M. Jackson Fellowship Award, given annually to one USU graduate across all programs.

Sealover received her CSCSA award in August of 2023, and was recognized at this year's graduation awards ceremony on May 17, 2024.

2nd Lt. Cecelia Mangione, Air Force
Molecular and Cell Biology MD/PhD Candidate
Class of 2027

Cecelia Mangione's journey began in Tacoma, Washington. Growing up, she spent many hours just a short drive away at Madigan Army Medical Center in Lakewood. Her mother, a medically retired Army veteran, worked there. And through personal family experiences, Mangione witnessed firsthand the power of medicine alongside the realities of healthcare disparities.

This early exposure sparked her love for science, leading her to pursue a bachelor's degree in Biology-Chemistry at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, Calif.

Initially drawn to teaching and research, Mangione's calling for direct patient care solidified during a transformative volunteer experience in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at a local children's hospital. This experience cemented her desire to pursue a career in medicine, and she sought guidance from the Madigan community she knew so well. It was through that community she learned about USU.

"Coming to USU feels like coming full circle," says Mangione. "I get to contribute to the community that shaped me while pursuing my academic passions for research and patient care," she says.

Mangione actively participates in various volunteer initiatives, including Fields4Valor, Boys & Girls Club, and the Naval Academy STEM and Biotech Day.

For Mangione, the joy of volunteering lies in the freedom to explore her interests outside the academic realm. "I love engaging with and teaching middle- and high schoolers," she shares. "Volunteering allows me to do that without the commitment of a full-time teaching career."

Balancing academic rigor with community service requires meticulous time management. Mangione emphasizes the importance of integrating volunteering into her schedule alongside other activities she enjoys. Flexible opportunities, like the ones she actively seeks, ensure that her academic obligations are always met.

For fellow students considering volunteering, Mangione's message is clear: "Find your passion, something you truly enjoy doing, and pursue it. Don't be afraid to create opportunities if they don't readily exist," she says.

She encourages her peers to explore the diverse needs within USU and the surrounding National Capital Region. "Even if you can only commit one afternoon a month, it will pay off for you and those you're serving," she concludes.

Mangione was the first graduate student to receive the CSCSA in February of 2023. She is now 2nd Lt. Mangione after commissioning into the Air Force as part of the 2027 medical school class.

Interested USU graduate students may submit an application at USU volunteering. Once verification is complete, applications are routed to Dr. Eric Elster, dean of the School of Medicine, for approval and certification. Awards are approved on a rolling basis, with recognition occurring at the USU graduation ceremony in May.