Jackson State University physics grad Derrick Stokes is a new breed of materials scientist. In the photo taken during his time at The University of Alabama, where he was a Bridge to the Doctorate fellow, he is seen working with Dr. Viola Acoff, professor of metallurgical and materials engineering, in a laboratory. Thanks to Dr. Acoff, Stokes is one of six students from historically black colleges who have earned graduate degrees in materials science and engineering as a result of a special program at The University of Alabama.