The Princeton chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers
Meet the Board
President, Jayla Cornelius
Hello everyone! I am a junior from Atlanta, GA studying Civil and Environmental Engineering (Structural Track) and also pursuing a certificate in Urban Studies. Some of my interests include playing golf, taking nature walks, going to social events, and writing poetry. I am very excited about continuing the hard work that NSBE has done and bringing together Princeton’s black STEM community.
VP, Naomi Oke
Hey y’all! I am a junior from Philly concentrating in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering on the Astro track, and pursuing a certificate in Robotics and Intelligent Systems. I love podcasts, new music, Avatar: the Last Airbender, and hanging out with my friends in new cities. I’m so excited for this new year and for NSBE to become an even closer community!
Treasurer, Taj-Jahnae Brailsford-Forde
Hi all! I’m a member of the CBE department and a member of the class of ’22. In the past I have worked with the Princeton Gerrymandering Project and Audible.com, but I plan on pursuing research in geothermal energy with CHAOS Lab this summer. When not working I can be found getting good eats at Jammin’ Crepes or chilling in the vicinity of Frist!
Secretary, Gedeon Guercin
Hello, my name is Gedeon Guercin and I’m a sophomore in the COS department, and am excited to serve as Secretary for NSBE!. Some of my other clubs include PBMA and BSU. In my free time, I like playing basketball, listening to podcasts, playing video games, and watching anime.
Senator, Jaelin Haynes
Hi everyone, I’m Jaelin! I am a rising junior from Atlanta, Georgia majoring in Computer Science and pursuing a certificate in Technology and Society. My other interests include psychology and human-computer interaction. I am looking forward to serving on the board to help with fostering the NSBE community, promoting opportunities, and forming connections.
Senator, Janice Kankolongo
Hi y’all, I am a sophomore planning to major in Chemical and Biological Engineering! I am originally from the Congo(DRC), but I moved to Texas when I was 9. I am super excited about all of the work that we will do through NSBE this year! Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions, need a prayer, or want to talk about anything basketball-related!
Academic Excellence Chair, Melford Rufus
Melford is a rising sophomore planning to major in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Houston, Texas. As a part of NSBE, he is passionate about the academic success of the club’s members and resource accessibility throughout various STEM-oriented departments. Outside of NSBE, Melford is involved in EWB, SIFP, and PASA.
Professional Development Chair, Yusuf Fashanu
Hello everyone, my name is Yusuf Fashanu, and I am a rising Junior majoring in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. I am from Bronx, New York, and my hobbies include drawing, watching soccer, and playing video games, specifically FIFA. I am so excited to join the NSBE Board as the Professional Development/Sponsorship Chair. I look forward to working with the rest of the NSBE board for an amazing year for NSBE.
Pre-Collegiate Chair, Lindsey Moore
Hi! My name is Lindsey Moore , and I’m a senior BSE COS student from NC. I’m really passionate about education and storytelling, and I love when I’m able to connect these interests to STEM! In my spare time I love to read, spend time with family, and think up outfits to wear.
Social and Communications Chair, Payton Croskey
Hello! I’m Payton Croskey and I’m a member of the class of 2023 concentrating in African American Studies and Computer Science. Hailing from Orlando, Florida, I am on the Undergraduate Board of Advisors for the Department of African American Studies and a research associate for the Ida B. Wells Just Data Lab. I also serve as a staff cartoonist for The Daily Princetonian and a communications and social media specialist for the Lewis Center for the Arts.
Programming Chair, Yenet Tafesse
Hello, my name is Yenet Tafesse and I am a member of the class of 2024. I am intending to get either a Computer Science BSE or an Electrical and Computer Engineering degree with a certificate in Robotics and Intelligent Systems and Neuroscience. I am originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia but in the states, I am from Iowa.