DSU student scores 1st Place in AMP research competition

Shahan Baker has captured 1st Place in a Philadelphia Alliance for Minority Participation (AMP) research competition recently held at Drexel University.

Mr. Baker, an Agriculture/Plant Science major from Patterson N.J., returned to DSU with the Philadelphia AMP Excellence Award he received in the Agriculture Category for his 1st place research poster presentation on “Exploring Soil Salinization through Hydroponics.”. 

Agriculture/Plant Science with a minor in Chemistry, senior (graduating in Dec. 2025}

“My target was to give people an introduction to hydroponics.” Said Mr. Baker, who also is a minoring in Chemistry. “Because it is growing emerging topic, especiallty for people who are engage in sustainable ag practices.” 
Slated to graduate in December 2025, Mr. Baker plans to continue his academic journey afterward in DSU’s Agriculture/Plant Sciences Master’s Degree Program. “I plan to focus on genetics, plant breeding, and hemp production,” he said.

Mr. Baker was a student success swan song for Dr. Mazen M. Shahin, the founder and longtime founder and longtime Director of the DSU AMP Program, who retired at the end of 2024. The DSU Board of Trustees awarded Dr. Shahin the title Professor Emeritus.

Four other students – Victoria Eniafe, Isabella Gonfolfo, Favour Nwanali, and Nia Rolle – also competed in the competition. Ms. Eniafe won 2nd place in the Chemistry and Physical Science Category. 

Dr. Antonette Todd, who has succeeded Dr. Shahin as the DSU AMP Director, mentored Mr. Baker in his research work. Dr. Todd, an Assistant Professor of Agriculture, is an alumna of DSU, Class of 2008. Dr. Todd, who earned a Master of Science in Agriculture/Plant Science, is a product of the DSU Bridge to Doctorate Program and mentored by Dr. Shahin.