





Background / Motivation

Like any good research paper (and to give this content context) I'll take a moment to state the motivation for this article. This article exists to change the stereotypical image of what scientists look like, to serve as a reference or resource and to bring visibility to the breadth of beauty in science.

On February 25, 2013, Business Insider created an article showcasing The Sexiest Scientists Alive! (as of 6/14/14, there is no 2014 list).

As I scrolled through the article, much to my chagrin, I observed that out of 50 scientists, there were no Black women listed. This would lead the reader to believe that either:

a) There are no Black women who are scientists

OR

b) The Black women who are scientists are not good looking



Despite the magazine's intentional or unintentional exclusion, the purpose of this article is to increase the visibility of Black female scientists and show the world that we do exist.

Being omitted in the Business Insider adds to the constant feelings of invisibility and isolation that are felt by many women of color in STEM fields. Furthermore, if I were a young Black girl looking at the Business Insider Article, I would unconsciously be receiving the not-so-subtle message that people who look like me do not excel in science. So why would I try a scientific career? *** The face of Science needs an extreme makeover. If the current generation is going to be engaged in scientific careers, we need to dispel the stereotypical image of a scientist as being a white, glasses wearing, socially-inept nerd. The Business Insiders went one step in this direction, but not far enough. This generation needs to see that being a scientist is not a death sentence to a life of awkwardness.



So… the next time any entity feels compelled to make a list of scientists (portraying any attribute), here is a reference so that you can include some incredible sistas in the mix. All of the people featured in this article are people that I actually know or have at most one degree of separation. If we left your favorite scientist off the list, leave us a comment with their name below, and perhaps there will be a part 2.

For a church/young-child/"non-sexy-title" version of the article to share,

For men who would like to be featured on a male version of this article,



Without further ado, (in no particular order, despite the fact that there are numbers :) here are 73 fabulous Black women who are scientists (starting with myself):



Despite the magazine's intentional or unintentional exclusion, the purpose of this article is to increase the visibility of Black female scientists and show the world that we do exist.Being omitted in the Business Insider adds to the constant feelings of invisibility and isolation that are felt by many women of color in STEM fields. Furthermore, if I were a young Black girl looking at the Business Insider Article, I would unconsciously be receiving the not-so-subtle message that people who look like me do not excel in science. So why would I try a scientific career? *** The face of Science needs an extreme makeover. If the current generation is going to be engaged in scientific careers, we need to dispel the stereotypical image of a scientist as being a white, glasses wearing, socially-inept nerd. The Business Insiders went one step in this direction, but not far enough. This generation needs to see that being a scientist is not a death sentence to a life of awkwardness.So… the next time any entity feels compelled to make a list of scientists (portraying any attribute), here is a reference so that you can include some incredible sistas in the mix. All of the people featured in this article are people that I actually know or have at most one degree of separation. If we left your favorite scientist off the list, leave us a comment with their name below, andthere will be a part 2.For aversion of the article to share, click here Foron a male version of this article, click here Without further ado,here are(starting with myself):

Assistant Professor Institution: University of Florida

Education: Ph.D & MS in Computer Science from University of Michigan, BS in Computer Science from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County



Kyla's research is in headphone-based spatial (3D) audio rendering, perception, and applications. She uses these to create realistic 3D sound representations for users in virtual environments, render spatial information to persons with visual impairments, and augment multidimensional data analysis. She is also interested in research concerning the persistence of underrepresented populations (women, minorities, those with disabilities) in computing fields.



Fun Fact: In her spare time, Kyla loves to dance (jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, liturgical, Detroit Style Ballroom, Chicago step, and salsa ... just to name a bunch). She loves Broadway musicals and may or may not have co-produced/written/created/starred-in a musical about graduate school. Kyla is the first underrepresented woman to earn a Ph.D in Computer Science from the University of Michigan.

Visit her website

#1

Kyla McMullen

Ph.D

AAAS Fellow Institution: NSF

Education: Ph.D. in Biophysics from the University of Michigan



Afi is a dedicated scientist and researcher receiving her Ph.D in Biophysics and researching better ways to track and treat diabetes in Post Doctorate study. In her latest Post Doc, Afi is studying population genetics focusing on variations in African populations and the potential for better treatment based on the unique genome for people of color. Though she is an accomplished scientist, she is also a very creative spirit. Trained in dance, Afi has a passion for expressing emotion, art, and strength through movement. As an avid choreographer, Afi has aspirations to open a dance studio for all stages of life.



Fun Fact: Afi is the author of several children's books and has also co-produced/written/created/starred in a musical about graduate school with the person who is listed above her (smile).



#2

Afi Rawlings-Goss

Ph.D

Postdoctoral Research Assistant Institution: University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Education: Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Masters degree in Physics from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Bachelor of Science degree from the Florida State University, Tallahassee, Fl.



My research aims to understand the relationships between the composition and surface functionalities of semiconductor nano-composite materials and their cytotoxicity properties. The goal is to synthesize nontoxic, sustainable nanoparticles for multiplexed bioimaging and targeted drug delivery.



Fun Fact: I LOVE TO DANCE (with other people, or all by myself)!!! I've recently taken up salsa (with a little merengue, bachata, and cha-cha).

Visit her website

#3

Taeyjuana Curry

Ph.D

Assistant Professor - Business Owner Institution: University of Louisville

Education: Ph.D in Electrical Engineering from The University of Michigan; B.S./B.A. in Computer Engineering/Mathematics from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County



Angelique Johnson conducts research on microfabricated nerve stimulator leads that can be used to treat hearing loss, Parkinsons disease, paralysis and blindness. Her work has been patented, featured on the cover of Hearing Research, and translated into a startup. When not performing miracles in the lab to make the lame walk and the blind see, Angelique can often be found in her kitchen, bringing flavor to life.



Fun Fact: She runs full marathons in her free time, and comes from a family of 11 kids.



#4

Angelique Johnson

Ph.D

Commissioner's Fellow Institution: Food and Drug Administration

Education: Ph.D in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan; M.S.E. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan; B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County



I was born with my best friend and an engineering study buddy. Together we vowed to use our engineering skills to extend an enhance individuals' quality of life. Now, I use my engineering skills to help ensure the safety, effectiveness, and availability of medical devices in the event of a public health emergency.



Fun Fact: I really enjoying seeing new places and experiencing new cultures. Thus far I've lived on 3 continents and traveled to more than a dozen countries. I don't know where I will go next, but know that I am ready for the adventure.



#5

Aftin Ross

Ph.D

Postdoctoral Fellow Institution: UCLA

Education: Ph.D Biomathematics



I am a new Postdoctoral Fellow for the Center of Biomedical Modeling at the Semel Institute at UCLA. Here I use mathematical and statistical modeling to determine optimal settings for solving public health problems such as the HIV epidemic. My current project involves determining if HIV elimination is possible in resource-rich countries.



Fun Fact: I love to do mud runs



#6

Danielle Robbins-Chukwumah

Ph.D

Innovator in Residence and Freelance Scientific Editor Institution: The Searchlite and Cactus Communications

Education: Ph.D in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan; M.S.E. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan; B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County



I was born an identical twin and the awesome experiences I have had with my sister have reinforced the importance of not only striving to reach my greatest potential but also helping others reach theirs. Currently, I am part of a team assisting academic inventors with market discovery as well as a freelance editor helping other scientists and engineers share their work with the larger research community by editing manuscripts in preparation for journal submission. In the long term, I would love the opportunity to use my background in science and engineering to engage in research or product development for medical devices.



Fun Fact: I am always up for a challenge and enjoy kicking down barriers both physically (thanks to a black belt in Taekwondo) and mentally (by participating in outreach to women and underrepresented minorities).



#7

Astin Ross

Ph.D

MD, Ph.D dual degree student Institution: University of Maryland Baltimore School of Medicine

Education: Ph.D (MD candidate)



Interested in new innovative ways to efficiently manage trauma patients from the perspective of anesthesia. Doctorate training in pathogenesis of allergic lung inflammation. 1 of only 2 students representing all US MSTP programs at NIH MSTP Semicentinneal celebratory symposium.



Fun Fact: I love to cook international cuisine, mentor young adolescents, love love love cardio and weight lifting, tennis fanatic etc.



#8

Nicolas Dorsey

Ph.D

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Resident Institution: University of Arkansas for Medical Science

Education: MD/Ph.D



Williams completed her undergraduate education at University of Maryland Baltimore County as a Meyerhoff scholar and MARC U STAR scholar. She then obtained her MD/Ph.D at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center where she perform novel work investigating the role of microRNAs in regulating uterine contractility genes during term and pre-term labor. Currently, Williams continues to further her medical training as a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation resident at the University of Arkansas for Medical Science and she plans to investigate neuromuscular dysfunction.



Fun Fact: In the 30 year history of the Medical Scientist Training Program at UTSW, Williams is the second African American to successfully graduate from the program.



#9

Koriand'r Williams

M.D/Ph.D

Director of Project Partnerships at STEMconnector / Science Cheerleader Institution: Johns Hopkins Medical School

Education: Ph.D. Cellular and Molecular Medicine



Dr. Richards graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and a B.S. in Mathematics. At UMBC she was a Meyerhoff Scholar and captain of the Dance Team. During her graduate career, she attended the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She received a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Medicine and conducted research on novel breast cancer therapeutics.



Fun Fact: Dr. Richards was a National Football League (NFL) Cheerleader for 8 years: 3 years with the Baltimore Ravens and 5 years with the Washington Redskins. Her last year with the Redskins, 2012-2013, she had the honor of being a captain. She is currently a Science Cheerleader. Science Cheerleader is an organization of former and current professional cheerleaders who have Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers. They pride themselves on STEM mentoring, outreach and programs. Their most recent endeavor engaged children and adults in a science project that sent microbes into space on the International Space Station.

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#10

Talmesha Richards

Ph.D

Associate Professor Institution: Spelman College

Education: Ph.D Computer Science



Brandeis H. Marshall joined Spelman College in August 2014 as an Associate Professor of Computer Science. Dr. Marshall's research lies in the areas of information retrieval, knowledge management, data mining and social media. Dr. Marshall currently serves as PI of the Broadening Participation in Data Mining Program (NSF IIS #1232397, http://www.dataminingshop.com) and coPI of the Information Security Research and Education Collaborative (NSF DUE #1344369).



Fun Fact: My first name Brandeis is of Jewish German descent, traditionally given to a boy, that roughly translates to "dweller (man) on a burned clearing (hill)". My maiden name is Hill, making my translated given first and last name be "man on a burned hill hill". And no, I'm not Jewish and as far as I know, I don't have any German ancestry.

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#11

Brandeis H. Marshall

Ph.D

Adjunct Assistant Professor Institution: LaGuardia Community College/CUNY

Education: Ph.D. Columbia University/ CUNY Graduate Center. Cell/Molecular/Microbiology



I love being in the clinical lab. However, right now I am serving as an example to students in NYC, that scientists come young, black and sexy! I hope to inspire them to follow their minds and not the stereotypes of what they THINK a scientist is.



Fun Fact: I have two children, 16 years and 5 days apart.



#12

Angel Filsaime

Ph.D

Nuclear Engineer Institution: Argonne National Laboratory

Education: Ph.D, Nuclear Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign



Dr. Taylor works in the Nuclear Engineering (NE) Division at Argonne National Laboratory. Her work is primarily on nuclear nonproliferation with a focus on export controls, safeguards and policy.



Fun Fact: J'Tia started college at the age of 15 and was a contestant on Survivor: Cagayan.



#13

J'Tia Taylor

Ph.D

Postdoctoral Researcher Institution: Clemson University

Education: Ph.D Computer Science, George Washington University



Washington performs research on using human physiology and behavioral characteristics for identifying a person. Washington also researches how to use human physiology data to understand the subtly of emotions in communication.



Fun Fact: If cheesecake was calorie-free, I would eat it everyday! However, I only get to enjoy about one every three months. A scientist needs to figure this hard problem out, pronto!

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#14

Gloria Washington

Ph.D

Assistant Professor Institution: Washington University in St. Louis

Education: PhD, Developmental Psychology, Wayne State University



I explore how individual-level factors connected to Black youths cultural backgrounds (e.g., internal assets such as racial identity beliefs, religiosity) and ecological risk and resources (community violence, family and peer support) influence their achievement and psychological well-being outcomes. I am also interested in ways that faith communities support families and how families teach their children about their cultural heritage, examining such constructs as racial socialization and theological orientation within Black Protestant faith communities.



Fun Fact: I was accepted to fashion design school right after high school. I LOVE to sew!!



#15

Sheretta Butler-Barnes

Ph.D

Clinical Liaison/Quality Improvement Advisor Institution: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Education: Ph.D-Biomedical Informatics



Dr. Bright is an innovative and dedicated biomedical informatician with expertise in clinical decision support systems, knowledge representation, user needs assessment, and usability evaluation. She is passionate about utilizing biomedical informatics theories and methods to promote the broad penetration of electronic health records as tools to drive continuous quality improvement, enable personalized medicine, and aid in the transformation of care delivery models to improve decision-making at the point of care. As the first known African American female to obtain a doctorate in the biomedical/medical informatics field, she is in high demand for participation in numerous programs and seminars promoting STEM education.



Fun Fact: Dr. Bright is a roller coaster enthusiast who's been working towards the goal of visiting at least one theme park in every state; ride 'em until you're sick!

Visit her website

#16

Tiffani J. Bright

Ph.D

Senior Multi-Discipline Engineer Institution: Raytheon Missile Systems

Education: Ph.D in Applied Physics- (Electromagnetics) University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering- University of Michigan, Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering from The University of Texas



Dr. Nicole L. Campbell is a Sr. Systems Engineer and Research Scientist at Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, AZ. Dr. Campbell has previously worked at IBM Almaden Research Center in San Jose, CA. and at Pacific Northwest National Labs. Dr. Campbell received her Ph.D in Applied Physics and Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan.



Fun Fact: Dr. Campbell was an elected member of the University of Michigans student government (Student Assembly) for five years. As a member of the Student Assembly, Dr. Campbell was an active member in the Budget Priorities Committee, Chairperson of the North Campus Affairs Commission, Vice Chair of the Rules and Elections Committee, Voice Your Vote Commission and Peace and Justice Commission. As a result of her dedication to the improvement of the environment at the University of Michigan, Dr. Campbell served a pivotal role in the hiring of a Housing Attorney and the Lease Push-back date to aid students in the apartment and housing rental process at Michigan. As a member of the student assembly Dr. Campbell also was greatly involved in, an oftentimes lead on the following issues: supporting UM Affirmative Action policy, leading the effort to register students to vote. Additionally, as chairperson of the North Campus Affairs commission, Dr. Campbell design and ran a campaign to encourage North Campus student organizations to apply for organizational funding from the Student Assembly. She was greatly involved in the transportation committee to resolve conflicts with the UM bus scheduling, contacted vendors and encourage said vendors to put in contract bids in Pierpont Commons to encourage more student social and academic interaction in North Campus.



#17

Nicole L Campbell

Ph.D

MLK Postdoctoral Fellow in Physics Institution: M.I.T.

Education: A.B. Harvard College, M.Sc. UC Santa Cruz, Ph.D University of Waterloo/Perimeter Institute



I'm a cosmologist, which means that my day job is to try to figure out how the universe and the stuff in it evolved, from the beginning until now. I'm what you call a pencil and paper theorist, so I do a lot of calculus by hand. I use tools like General Relativity and Quantum Field Theory regularly.



Fun Fact: I absolutely LOVE watching Korean dramas and listening to Korean pop music. My favorite group -- by total coincidence -- is BigBang!

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#18

Chanda Prescod-Weinstein

Ph.D

Professor of Sociology Institution: Duke (Fuqua)

Education: Ph.D



Ashleigh Shelby Rosette uses her research to investigate the age old question: what makes a good leader? Probing beyond typical characteristics like ones ability to communicate effectively and to get along well with others, Rosette takes a deep dive into the cultural characteristics that define leadership and the hidden systems of privilege within organizations. Titles of recent publications include: The white standard: Racial bias in leadership categorization (with Poets & Quants 40 under 40, Katherine Phillips from Kellogg), Unearned privilege: Race, gender, and social inequality in U.S. organizations, and Agentic women and communal leadership: how role prescriptions confer advantage to top women leaders. In the classroom, Professor Rosettes teaching philosophy is to empower and inspire. Empower students with the knowledge and learning that transforms classroom concepts into real world application. Inspire them to become better leaders, managers, professionals, and colleagues. Rosette received the Excellence in Teaching Award of the Year in the Cross-Continent Executive MBA program and the Duke Goethe Executive MBA program at Fuqua.



Fun Fact:

Visit her website

#19

Ashleigh Shelby Rosette

Ph.D

Postdoctoral Fellow Institution: Fox Chase Cancer Center

Education: Ph.D in Cell and Molecular Biology from University of Pennsylvania; BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from University of Maryland, Baltimore County



Ashley really wants everyone to know how awesome natural killer cells are. NK cells are being recognized as the underdog of your immune system that can be exploited to battle cancer cells. She is currently working with a new therapeutic drug that specifically enhances NK cell activity against Multiple Myeloma.



Fun Fact: Ashley also loves art, and recently illustrated an NK cell review. But her favorite job is mama to her daughter.



#20

Ashley Mentlik James

Ph.D

Immunologist Institution: National Cancer Institute

Education: Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Louisville



Ashley's current studies focus on how to use the immune system to target and kill tumor cells a promising treatment strategy for cancer known as immunotherapy. Her previous project identified a protein that linked obesity-induced inflammation to cancer development and progression. Having recently nabbed a Finalist spot in the Presidential Management Fellowship, Ashley plans to use the opportunity and her scientific background towards a career in science diplomacy.



Fun Fact: Ashley performs with the National Institute of Health's Community Orchestra on flute/piccolo.



#21

Ashley Triplett

Ph.D

Assistant Professor Institution: Clemson University

Education: B.S. in electrical engineering from FSU, M.S. in electrical engineering from FAMU, S.M. and Ph.D in media arts and sciences from MIT



Shani is a long time gymnast and dancer who has performed at the Grand Ole Opry, the Olympics (1996), with the Florida State Golden Girls, the Tallahassee Thunder, and on BET. Dance is such an important part of her life that she's found ways to integrate it into her research work. Mostly recently, she has a project for combining movement as an embodied way to teach young girls computer programming.



Fun Fact: Beyond dance, her idea of a good time is a car show followed by movies (only double features) and some late night bowling.

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#22

Shaundra B Daily

Ph.D

Postdoctoral Fellow Institution: University of Alabama at Birmingham

Education: BS and MPH from Florida A&M University, PhD from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.



I conduct public health research with the goal of developing innovation cancer education interventions to increase cancer screening rates and engage people in cancer prevention behaviors. My career enables me to combine my passion for travel and global health. I've conducted research in Ghana, West Africa as a Fulbright student scholar and I will begin a new project in Jamaica this summer.



Fun Fact: I'm a certified scuba diver who loves to travel!



#23

Michelle S. Williams

Ph.D

Postdoctoral Researcher Institution: University of Florida

Education: Ph.D



I have always believed that your greatest frustrations are normally the problems you are put here to solve. Thus, my passion of human-centered design & developing technology that empowers marginalized communities was ignited and computing became my vehicle. Through a couple of lines of code I could become a humanitarian; with a well-designed application, I can connect and empower people to create their own technology, get resources to those in need, or even save a life.



Fun Fact: I'm a proud Haitian American woman! I love extreme sports, and exploring new places and things!

Visit her website

#24

Wanda Eugene

Ph.D

Postdoctoral Researcher Institution: University Of California, Los Angeles

Education: Ph.D. in Molecular and Medical Pharmacology



I study the biological importance of specific protein-protein interaction required for HIV-1 replication and screen compounds to inhibit these interactions. Our overall goal is to reveal new therapeutic target for combating HIV-1 Infection.



Fun Fact: Love dancing, hiking, and playing soccer.



#25

Shewit Tekeste

Ph.D

Postdoctoral Researcher Institution: University of Pennsylvania

Education: Ph.D



Currently I am a Postdoctoral research Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania in the Department of Bioengineering. I have been researching biomaterials and tissue engineering for orthopedic applications for the past decade. My graduate research investigated three dimensional scaffolds for the regeneration of bone using adult stem cells.



Fun Fact: I write and perform in a sketch comedy troupe at the Philadelphia Improv Theater. I wrote a sketch about NASA's space camp because I was obsessed with it as a kid.



#26

Tonye Briggs

Ph.D

Postdoctoral Research Fellow Institution: Vanderbilt University

Education: BS and MS in Biology from Jackson State University in Mississippi, Ph.D in Biological Sciences and Science Education from Vanderbilt University



My benchside research focuses on elucidating the role of the enzyme peroxidasin in the mechanism of sulfilimine bond formation during tissue biogenesis. Outside of that, I also investigate the best practices for introducing scientific concepts to students K-20 using the process of modeling. The most interesting part of my job is that I get to make new scientific discoveries, while sharing the results with and educating the world!!!



Fun Fact: I love singing and dancing to R&B, Hiphop, and Rap music in the mirror while screaming at the top of my lungs!!



#27

Isi Ero-Tolliver

Ph.D

Student Institution: University of Baltimore School of Law

Education: J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law, M.S. in Chemical and Life Sciences from University of Maryland, B.S. in Environmental Sciences from University of Maryland, Baltimore County



I combined my love for science and the law by pursuing Patent/Intellectual Property Litigation. Protecting the integrity of the field and its inventions fosters the growth and evolution of knowledge.



Fun Fact: During my free time, I love running half marathons, hitting the gym, and working on launching my non-profit organization that helps mentor little girls in impoverished areas.



#28

LieAnn Van-Tull

J.D.

Founder Institution: Improvscience

Education: Ph.D. Cellular, Molecular, Developmental Biology



Research Assistant Professor at the Center for Computational Science at Boston University and founder of improvscience. She authored Modeling and Bioinformatics for Cell Biologists and teaches biologists how to use mathematics and computers to study how cells work. Dr. Holmes is a pioneer in the benefits of improvisational theater training in science education and research. Improvisation in science is colleagues listening to one another, building with each others ideas, and responding flexibly together to new challenges. These skills allow scientists to transform work environments into scientific playgrounds of exploration and innovation.



Fun Fact: When not working with Fellow scientists, I have been known to do a little stand-up comedy.

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#29

Raquell Holmes

Ph.D

Senior Research Associate Institution: SC Johnson

Education: Clemson University



Ph.D in Organic Chemistry at Clemson University Post doc at Carnegie Mellon UNCF Merck Postdoctoral Award



Fun Fact: Chemistry and Shoes are my favorite things.



#30

Dahlia Haynes

Ph.D

Assistant Professor Institution: DePaul University

Education: Ph.D. in Technology and Social Behavior (joint in Computer Science and Communication)



My research focuses on understanding and facilitating collective action by designing technologies that support community empowerment to address local issues in low income neighborhoods in the US. I have done extensive work with communities to build technologies to address violence in Chicago.



Fun Fact: I love classical music.

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#31

Sheena Erete

Ph.D

Director of Research Institution: Amplified Consulting Group

Education: PhD in Developmental Psychology



I am an entrepreneur. My career focuses on empowering underrepresented groups to pursue educational opportunities, particularly in STEM. I have worked with international organizations in Africa, Asia, and South America to provide 21st Century global research opportunities to U.S. students abroad. As a researcher I focus on how learning contexts impact self-beliefs, cognitive development, and performance. This research includes better understanding learners' racial/ethnic identity, gender identity, nationality, achievement attitudes and motivation. I am also an external evaluator of program effectiveness and grant writer.



Fun Fact: I grew up on a marina. I've jumped out of a plane but was too scared to jump four feet during an 5k obstacle course! I hate long rides but love to travel, especially overseas!

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#32

Jennifer Burrell

Ph.D

Postdoctoral Research Fellow Institution: University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Education: B.S. in Biochemistry, Spelman College; Ph.D. in Pharmacology, University of Michigan



I am proud to be the very first doctor in my family, and a role model to my young nieces, nephews and family members! I study how transporter systems can be used to improve dysfunctions in neurotransmitter regulation in the brain--such as in the case of treating depression. I love being a scientist because research is a powerful tool to help impact and change disease and health outcomes.



Fun Fact: Food is love! I enjoy cooking from the heart and sharing my tasty creations with my friends and family.

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#33

Rheaclare Fraser

Ph.D

Graduate Instructor Institution: University of California-Berkeley

Education: PhD



Always dressed for success, Candice is a dynamic combination of beauty and brains. She inspires others to reach for their dreams by connecting with minority undergraduates in STEM programs at the University of California at Berkeley.



Fun Fact: Graduate of Wellesley



#34

Candice Allister

Ph.D

Postdoctoral Research Fellow Institution: Emory University School of Medicine

Education: Ph.D in Immunology from Virginia Tech and B.S in Biology from Johnson C. Smith University



My work focuses on inflammatory responses in the body caused by alterations of the immune system. I currently use mutant animal models to study key proteins involved in complications associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease consisting of Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis. I also volunteer for college science fairs and k-12 science programs in under-served communities.



Fun Fact: I hate mice but ironically work with them everyday and worry about them dying when I'm away.



#35

Tamisha Vaughan-Whitley

Ph.D

Presidential Management STEM Fellow at NIH/NIAID Institution: Government

Education: Ph.D in Biomedical Scientist and Masters in Public Health



PhD in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine and Masters in Public Health from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. I am presently a Presidential Management STEM Fellow at the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIH- NIAID). As a Fellow I will have the opportunity to combine my scientific and public health training with my passion for increasing parity within underserved populations. I also love public service and served as an AmeriCorps volunteer and Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentor throughout my undergrad and graduate school training.



Fun Fact: I am the mother of beautiful 1-year-old twin boys. My husband and I attended the same graduate school and he is a Medical Doctor of Internal Medicine



#36

Isfahan Chambers-Harris

Ph.D

Assistant Professor of Social Work; Assistant Professor of Psychiatry Institution: University of Michigan

Education: Ph.D, Texas A&M University



Dr. Watkins' research involves understanding how depression is expressed among African American men and how society's images of manhood impact mental health outcomes for men of color. She is currently the President of the American Men's Studies Association; the first woman and person of color to ever serve in this capacity in the organization's 22 year history.



Fun Fact: She usually spends her free time doing community service (she's a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.), running on a treadmill, or trying to monitor her chocolate chip cookie obsession (which may result in her needing to visit the treadmill more often :-)

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#37

Daphne C. Watkins

Ph.D

Psychologist, Fed (USAID), Biz Owner Institution: USAID; Como Water

Education: Ph.D (University of Michigan)



Tiffany M. Griffin, Ph.D. is a social psychologist turned Fed who also owns and runs the veg-centric consultancy, Como Water. Currently, she works on President Obama's Feed the Future Initiative, (with a focus on East Africa), previously worked as a food and health policy staffer in the U.S. Senate, is a Huffington Post blogger, and is the author of the cookbook Savory Sweet Veg.



Fun Fact: Tiffany is insatiably curious, and an avid lover of food, meditation, hip-hop, gut wrenching laughter, learning about quantum physics, Latin dancing, the color pink, singing in languages she cannot understand, and watching documentaries.

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#38

Tiffany M. Griffin

Ph.D

Coordinator of Graduate Programs and Research Training Institution: North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC

Education: Ph.D-Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University; BS- Biology, Furman University



A virologist by training, my dissertation work focused on gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms viruses use to target and attach to cells in an infected host. As I was completing my graduate studies at Vanderbilt, I realized that I enjoyed "bench science", but I wanted to make my mark on the scientific community in a different way. I now use my background, experience, and critical analysis skills in an administrative role to support and develop the next generation of student-scientists in the biomedical field by creating innovative programs and initiatives that enhance both their academic and professional growth.



Fun Fact: I'm a grown woman with a serious addiction to young adult fiction! I'm not ashamed to say that I've read the whole Twilight and Hunger Games series of books among others. It keeps me feeling forever young! :)



#39

Johnna

Ph.D

Postdoctoral research scientist Institution: Princeton University

Education: Ph.D Computational and Applied Mathematics



Talea uses advanced numerical models to estimate hurricane storm surge along the U.S. Atlantic Coast. She analyzes the risk of surge for both current and projected climate conditions.



Fun Fact: She has a dog named Kitty.



#40

Talea Mayo

Ph.D

Assistant Manager Institution: Toyota Engineering and Manufacturing, North America

Education: PhD in Industrial and Operations Engineering - University of Michigan; B.S. in Industrial Engineering - Morgan State University



Sarah's research investigates the intersection of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and lean manufacturing work practices. The aim of my work is to understand the optimal balance between cost reduction and worker health within complex work organizations.



Fun Fact: Outside of work, Sarah is totally consumed by sports/fitness (especially long distance running and basketball), church and community service (activities targeted at youth), and hanging out with family/friends.



#41

Sarah Womack

Ph.D

Associate Professor Institution: University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire

Education: Doctorate



Ms. Bryant is a neurobiologist and an Associate Professor of Biology at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Her specialization involves the role of estrogenic industrial pollutants and phytoestrogens in breast cancer. She is a graduate of Miami University (Ohio) and a member of The Endocrine Society, The American Association for Cancer Research, The Toxicology Society and the Society for Neuroscience.



Fun Fact: learning to play guitar

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#42

Winnifred Bryant

Ph.D

Environmental Specialist Institution: ARCADIS U.S., Inc.

Education: Ph.D, Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan



I work with the most important resource on the planet. My work includes designing water and wastewater treatment systems to help utilities meet their drinking water and sanitation needs.



Fun Fact: I'm learning salsa dancing for the second time and bachata for the first time.



#43

Monisha Brown

Ph.D

Advanced Engineer Institution: Owens Corning Science & Technology

Education: Ph.D Chemical Engineering - University of Texas at Austin



Richelle works on helping identify and quantify process improvement effects on product characteristics. In graduate school, she studied biomaterials for nerve regeneration applications.



Fun Fact: Richelle loves to learn about personal finance and work on her conversational Spanish in her free time.



#44

Richelle Thomas

Ph.D

Postdoctoral Fellow Institution: Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Education: Ph.D in Cancer and Developmental Biology from University of Tennessee Health Science Center; B.S. in Chemistry from Spelman College



Like many others, cancer has affected members of my family. My job is to better understand metastatic disease, the rate limiting step in cancer patient survival. My passion is in discovering new treatment strategies for cancer metastasis and helping the community and patients better understand this disease.



Fun Fact: In my world, handshakes are often replaced with hugs and giving to others keeps me smiling. I am a fashionista that loves traveling the world and experiencing different cultures.

Visit her website

#45

Miranda A. Hallett

Ph.D

Postdoctoral Fellow Institution: National Human Genome Research Institute/National Institutes of Health

Education: Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology from Duke University; B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County



Keisha absolutely loves fungi! She's sure this may weird many people out but her love for fungi began in graduate school and continued in her postdoc. She was the lead author on a study published in Nature which characterized fungal diversity on healthy human skin. Believe it or not, your smelly feet are the most diverse!! Keisha's current research focuses on how the skin microbiome (the totality of all microbes and their genes in/on the human body) and environment influences the formation and healing of leg ulcers in sickle cell disease patients. Her research is trans-disciplinary merging microbiology, genomics, bioinformatics, and social sciences.



Fun Fact: I absolutely love dancing so when Zumba hit the scene, I was excited to merge my passion for dance with fitness. I love it!!! One of these days, I'll get certified. I've been saying that for the last 5 years though...



#46

Keisha Findley

Ph.D

ASPPH/CDC Public Health Fellow Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Education: PhD and MPH in Environmental Health Sciences from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, BS in Environmental Science from Florida A & M University, Tallahassee, FL



As an environmental epidemiologist, my goals are to assess the role of environmental exposures in impacting disease outcomes and to educate people about environmental protection and safe practices in order to decrease the incidence of disease outcomes. My current research involves assessing trends, magnitudes, and characteristics of pesticide illnesses/injuries using state-based surveillance systems.



Fun Fact: I really enjoy traveling and trying different foods. I'm also kind of a thrill-seeker and enjoy adventure activities like zip lining and roller coasters.



#47

Gamola Z. Fortenberry

Ph.D

Postdoctoral Scholar Institution: University of Chicago

Education: Ph.D in Education & Psychology from the University of Michigan



As an emerging scholar, one fundamental question drives my research agenda: What makes youth successful and well-functioning members of society? With that, I take an assets-based approach to explore factors that promote academic, civic, and psychological well-being for racially marginalized adolescents and emerging adults.



Fun Fact: I love playing the piano and baking. My favorite dessert is the "croissinnamon roll" a croissant - cinnamon roll hybrid that tastes like heaven!

Visit her website

#48

Elan Hope

Ph.D

Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Occupational and Environmental Health Institution: University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI

Education: Ph.D, Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI; BSc. in Biology and Environmental Science, Lincoln University, PA



I am a trained environmental epidemiologist whose research and focus is on improving environmental health in developing countries, especially in Sub-Sahara Africa. In essence, I like to do research that will inform policy and positively impact health. As the cliche goes, health is wealth! I am part of a group of great people from the US, Canada, and Ghana working in Ghana to collect data that will be used to inform interventions and policies to improve quality of life and health outcomes among small-scale gold miners. My current research is to study the neurological effects of being exposed to high dose mercury vapor by Ghanaian small-scale gold miners.



Fun Fact: I love salsa dancing and I'm obsessed with shoes!

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#49

Lauretta Ovadje

Ph.D

Post-Doctoral Fellow Institution: Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Georgetown University

Education: Ph.D in Biomedical Research



A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, I completed my undergraduate degree in chemistry from Spelman College and my Ph.D in biomedical research from Meharry Medical College. My current research in the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Research focuses on colon cancer prevention from a dietary and environmental standpoint. Ultimately I hope to work on health and science policy helping to create opportunities for the disadvantaged to have access to quality care.



Fun Fact: My older sister and I both have Ph.D's in STEM fields, I obtained my Ph.D at age 28, and I have 75 linesisters!



#50

Ashley Huderson

Ph.D

Chemistry Instructor Institution: Delgado Community College

Education: PhD: Biomedical Sciences from Tulane University School of Medicine; B.S.E: Biomedical Engineering from Tulane University; B.S.: Physics from Dillard University



I am a Scientist, and a proud African American woman! My background is in Physics, Biomedical Engineering, and Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. My research is currently in proving that true Adipose tissue-derived Stem cells do exist. I do believe that a beautiful woman can also possess intellect!



Fun Fact: I'm a major Science fiction fan! My favorite is Star Trek :-)



#51

Trivia Frazier-Wiltz

Ph.D

Postdoctoral Fellow Institution: Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University

Education: Ph.D - Virginia Tech; M.S. - University of New Orleans; B.S. - Xavier University of Louisiana



I like to think of myself as a young at heart Science Educator who is always on the hunt for that next thrill! My varied scientific background has allowed me to venture into the many corners of Biology and as such I have developed a true respect for the biological workings of this world.



Fun Fact: My Ph.D research required hands-on time with Holstein cows (think Chik-Fil-A cows). These are truly some of the most awesome creatures you will ever come into contact with!



#52

Brandy P. Huderson

Ph.D

Postdoctoral Research Fellow Institution: Mount Sinai School of Medicine

Education: Ph.D, MS - Vanderbilt School of Medicine, BS -Spelman College



New Orleans native currently working in New York City as a Postdoctoral research Fellow. I am a human geneticist by training and currently interested in population genetics. Specifically my work is centered around the genetics of diseases and traits that disproportionately affect African-descent populations such as uterine fibroids, cardiovascular disease, and drug response. My main goal is to identify African derived regions in the genome that might explain the disproportion of disease in at risk populations.



Fun Fact: My interests extend far beyond the lab and I also love binging on TV (mainly HBO), excessive running/jogging, cooking, jazz, mentoring, and crafting.

Visit her website

#53

Janina Jeff

Ph.D

EECS Ph.D Institution: MIT

Education: BS/BS/SM/Ph.D(defending this summer!)



Just a Ph.D student who loves nanotechnology for semiconductor fabrication by day and music tech coding for mobile by night!



Fun Fact: I LOVE skydiving, but refuse to ski, snorkel, any other dangerous sport lol....apparently folks think that's hypocritical.

Visit her website

#54

Joy Johnson



First Year Medical student Institution: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Education: BS in Biology - University of Minnesota, MA in biology - Wayne State University



Adena Marie is from St. Paul, Minnesota and currently finishing her first year of medical school. Her passion is serving the underserved and minority communities. She has worked as a nurse assistant with underserved communities in St. Paul, MN and Detroit, MI. While in medical school, she was awarded the National Health Scholars Corp Scholarship and the Primary Care Leadership Program - National Medical Fellowships Scholarship (2014 summer), both awards targeted to those who have a strong desire to serve the underserved. Adena has also worked with pre-medical minority students to revive a mentor program to allow access to current medical students for guidance and encouragement. In addition, she is also creating an elective course in cultural humility and unconscious bias to service medical students of all backgrounds and collaborating to create curriculum to expose high school students of color to a career in medicine.



Fun Fact: I love to dance but didn't start until I was in my 20's. Some of the dances I know, Salsa, Detroit Ballroom, and just began learning Chicago stepping. However if there is any music playing, you can find me dancing to it!



#55

Adena Marie Hicks



Translational Neuroscience PhD student Institution: University College London, Institute of Neurology

Education: Current Ph.D student in Neuroscience at UCL, MSc in Clinical Neuroscience from Roehampton University, B.A. in Psychology, Neuroscience and Chemistry from Denison University



Amber's research is focused on developing and validating novel biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction (i.e. cellular energy changes) in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Mitochondria are important because they provide our bodies' cells with the chemical energy they need to function correctly (i.e. signaling, dividing, growth and death) and keep us healthy. The cutting-edge models that Amber is developing will be important for all neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory conditions.



Fun Fact: Amber is an independent artist and social entrepreneur and a clinical editor at Remedica Medical Education and Publishing. She is the founder and executive director at Movement for Hope, an innovative social enterprise that combines art and science to support people with brain and spinal cord illnesses. She founded the organisation at 24 years old and it has now impacted and reached over 100,000 lives with pilot projects in the Europe, North America, Africa and Asia. Amber enjoys painting and dancing in her spare time.

Visit her website

#56

Amber Michelle Hill



Ph.D Candidate in Materials Science & Engineering Institution: Michigan State University

Education: BS in Mechanical Engineering, Kettering University; MSE in Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan



Studying the processing-microstructure-property relationship of friction stir welded copper-based aluminum alloys.



Fun Fact: Uchechi likes to play soccer and tennis. As a child her mom used to give her dolls but she would play with her brothers' fire truck, hot wheels, and Legos instead.



#57

Uchechi Okeke



User Experience Research Program Manager @ Google Institution: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Education: MSI in Human Computer Interaction from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; B.A. in Information Systems and Sociology from Suffolk University



Nancy is a Usability Enthusiast with 8 years of experience, including a special focus on remote user research methods. Prior to Google, Nancy worked at IBM Interactive Research, Accenture Experience Agency, and Intel's Mobility Group. She was instrumental in creating one-to-many self-service experiences, and building a User Experience Lifecycle approach to improve customer usage and retention. Nancy has always had a soft spot for technological innovation but been equally fascinated by people's behavior, which is why for her B.S. she double-majored in Information Systems and Sociology. After several formative internships at places like Intel and MIT, as well as teaching tech skills and design to young adults, she realized she was far more interested in designing and improving user experiences than working on the back ends. She entered the Human Computer Interaction masters program at the University of Michigan School of Information, where she has built upon the foundation of these previous degrees by conducting research and taking courses in Human factors Engineering, Design Science, Information Architecture, and Pervasive Interaction Design. At Michigan, Nancy got involved with the local UX community and was instrumental in making their HCI student organization, Multi-Ethnic Information Exchange (MIX), into a very active student chapter. Her other accomplishments include being an Intel Scholar, a Google scholar, winning 2nd place in the University of Michigan's Engineering Design Expo and consulting on several projects for a number of companies with promising technologies. Nancy is passionate about creating meaningful, potentially world-changing user experiences. Her daily quest is to make the ever-growing digital world a more people-friendly place. She hopes to achieve this by increasing the usability of products, applications, complex systems and websites across different cultural ideals and cultural practices. Nancy originally hails from Boston by way of Haiti. Nancy's hobbies include world travel, telling stories and increasing the diversity of our workforce over the long haul by mentoring women and minorities studying computer science.



Fun Fact: Nancy has traveled to at least 25 countries.



#58

Nancy Douyon



Ph.D Candidate (5th year) Institution: Vanderbilt University

Education: Xavier University of Louisiana (2009)



A few words sum up being a chemistry Ph.D student: challenging, difficult, and long!! Lol. However, my experience has been exciting, rewarding, and inspiring. I truly have a deeper appreciation for the love of science and pursuit of new information, and what I can bring to the table as a young scientist. Knowing that everyone who has a Ph.D in chemistry, especially the black female chemists out there, went through this same process gives me strength as I continue to push forward in my journey! #Ph.DLife #Chemistry



Fun Fact: In my life outside of school, I love science outreach activities! Teaching middle school students for a weekend is always great and gives me a fresh outlook on why I am pursuing science. Science outreach challenges me to relay complex ideas in a way that others can understand me, a crucial skill for scientists to have. I also love exercising the 'non-science' side of my brain, which includes book club, painting, and of course shopping Haha! I want the world to know that scientists are fun, cool, exciting, quirky, regular people just like everyone else!



#59

Brittany Allison



high school science teacher and Virginia Tech research Fellow Institution: Bowie High School Science Department Prince George County, MD

Education: Howard University (BS) University of Michigan (Biomedical Research certification) University of Maryland (upcoming M.Ed)



-I teach biology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology -I get to travel throughout the year and summer to do research at various colleges, from my research I gather I get to implement science education models back in the classroom that effect the next future generation of scientists



Fun Fact: I have been playing the viola since I was 10.

Visit her website

#60

Brittney Shaw



Facility Engineer Institution: North Carolina State University

Education: Mechanical Engineer, BS



Brooke is a Facility Engineer for BP US Pipelines and Logistics. Her petroleum experience began when she became a Marathon Petroleum Scholar and worked her undergraduate summers in refineries. Currently, her team assures operating boundaries for equipment and units are understood and managed, and provides technical support for installations and hands-on troubleshooting for onshore terminals and pipelines.



Fun Fact: Brooke's constant goal is to leverage her knowledge and skills so she can be an asset to her community. She sits on the Youth Works Committee for the NAACP West Chicago branch and spends a great deal of time working with the Young Champions (high school) Ministry at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. In her free time she enjoys painting, karaoke, and learning Mandarin Chinese.



#61

Brooke Wages



Enterprise Emergency Preparedness Program Specialist/Corporate Consultant Institution: Fannie Mae/G4S (Contractor)

Education: B.A. Communications, Temple University. M.S. Engineering Management with a Concentration in Crisis Emergency and Risk Management and a Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security, Preparedness and Response



Ms. Charisma Williams is a 2014 graduate of The George Washington University where she received a M.S. degree in Engineering Management with a Concentration in Crisis, Emergency and Risk Management as well as a Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security, Emergency Preparedness and Response. During her time as a Capitol Hill staffer, Ms. Williams developed a love of logistics and a desire to facilitate more common sense ways to respond to crisis and disaster. She served as the Emergency Office Coordinator for two Congressional subcommittees, affording her the opportunity to gain insight regarding the varying aspects of Emergency and Incident Management as it relates to the unique Capitol Hill environment. Her interest in Emergency and Crisis Management was intensified in the wake of the January 2010 earthquake that devastated Haiti. Ms. Williams used this catastrophe, as well as the devastation left in New Orleans as a result of Hurricane Katrina, as the motivation to pursue and successfully obtain her Engineering degree. Ms. Williams has a strong interest in international disaster preparedness, and seeks to assist underserved populations in their efforts to prepare for, not just recover from, disasters. She currently serves as an Enterprise Emergency Preparedness Program Specialist (Corporate Consultant) on a contract for Fannie Mae. Ms. Williams is diligently working to achieve her long-term goal of becoming Director of Logistics and Tactical Deployment for either a domestic or international disaster response agency.



Fun Fact: Ms. Williams has a wide variety of hobbies including tap dance, spoken word, reading, writing, cooking and boxing. She enjoys international travel and has a goal to get more stamps in her passport than she has shoes in her closet. She is also a published author. Her works have been published in the 2004-2006 editions of the Temple University literary magazine "Hyphen". Additionally, she is the author of four journal articles and an OpEd piece which have all been published in "Emergency Management Magazine".



#62

Charisma Williams



Program Coordinator Institution: University of Michigan (Ann Arbor Campus)

Education: M.S in Biophysics from Univ. of Michigan; B.S in Physics from Delaware State University



Haynes currently works in the Center for Engineering Diversity and Outreach office at U of M. She manages the peer-mentoring program and works with incoming engineering students to help ensure their academic success by matching them with senior, engineering student mentors. Her masters research focused on characterizing a mechanism of microRNA mediated repression. She has always been interested in the health sciences and will be returning to school in the fall of 2014 to pursue an M.P.H in Nutrition.



Fun Fact: She has always loved the water and swam competitively for 6 years. Her favorite stroke is butterfly.



#63

Charity Haynes



Grad student Institution: University of Delaware

Education: PhD Student



I am working on TMEM16F, which is a protein involved in the disruption of the plasma lipid bilayer of platelets. I am specifically looking at the relationship between TMEM16F and the increase in intracellular calcium. I was accepted into the Interdisciplinary PhD program in Medical Sciences at the University of Delaware for this Fall.



Fun Fact: I love to dance to Afrobeats tunes and Congolese Ndombolo. I speak 3 languages ( French, Swahili and English) and I am originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.



#64

Debora Kamin Mukaz



Ph.D Candidate in Applied Physics Institution: University of Michigan

Education: Ph.D Candidate



Leslie's research combines her love of quantum mechanics, nonlinear optics, and laser spectroscopy. The focus of her thesis research is nonlinear and non-classical light matter interactions. Her long-term research goals are to remain in the area of quantum optics and combine theoretical and experimental methods to continue studying ways in which non-classical optical fields interact with molecules and other systems of interest.



Fun Fact: I love West African dance and salsa. If I had more time I'd continue building and repurposing furniture. And I challenge anyone to a game of dominoes.



#65

Leslie Upton



Ph.D. Student/ RA, Project Manager Institution: Howard University, Georgetown University

Education: University of Virginia, Howard University



I am a third year graduate student majoring in Counseling Psychology at Howard University. My dissertation research evaluates the effects of internalized colorism on the psychological well being of African American undergraduate female's tolerance of dating violence at HBCUs. I am working as a project manager and research assistant at Georgetown University Medical Center in the Department of Psychiatry. We are creating an effective school and community based dating violence intervention for rural adolescents using intervention mapping.



Fun Fact: I am a classically trained ballet dancer. I was on the dance team at the University of Virginia and previously trained as a dance student in a residency with the Dance Theater of Harlem and Alvin Ailey Dance School.



#66

Lisa Biniam Haileab



Ph.D. student, Molecular Toxicology Institution: University of California-Berkeley

Education: M.S.



Marianna teaches Environmental Toxicology (contaminant effects on ecosystems and the environment) at the University of California-Berkeley. She also assists the Safer Chemicals for Consumers program at the Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment in Oakland, CA. Currently she is in a Ph.D. program in Molecular Toxicology at Cal and studies effects of urban chemicals on toxicogenomic mechanisms in fish relevant to the San Francisco Bay watershed.



Fun Fact: Marianna enjoys kayaking, canoeing, and traveling. She has propagated roses in her rose garden and enjoys caring for many different varieties of roses and trees. While a certified PADI SCUBA diver, she took a dive in a cold springs near the caves in Marianna Florida. She sat on a rock and watched fish.

Visit her website

#67

Marianna Brown-Augustine



Ph.D Student in Mechanical Engineering Institution: Howard University

Education: B.S. Mechanical Engineering University of Maryland, Baltimore County; M.S. Materials Science and Engineering University of Maryland College Park



Okeke studies the biomechanics of the vestibular system. She is developing a computational model of fluid flow within the vestibular system.



Fun Fact: Marie is a HUGE Washington Redskins fan.



#68

Marie-Urlima Okeke



Undergrad Physics Student Institution: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Education: BA Business Administration/Finance 2004; BS Physics 2016



I am a motivated career changer who has discovered a passion for optics. I play hard, work harder, but give back to the utmost. My career goal is to become a chief executive of my own optical defense company.



Fun Fact: I once tried to sneak into the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco when I was 18. I made it in about 20 feet inside but one of the pit bosses saw me and asked if I was 21. I speak French but tried to act like I didn't understand. Yeah, it didn't work. I made it inside though!

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#69

Michelle Lollie



Student Institution: University of Michigan B.S. /Chicago State University B.S.

Education: University of Michigan/ Chicago State University



Educated in Interdisciplinary Engineering at UofM (focus on mechanical) Currently a student in Physics Engineering and secondary Physics education. For the past few years I have been consulting with public school programs in Chicago to help them set up afterschool programs that integrate project based STEM learning or project based education into the daily curriculum. During the summers I teach gifted kids subjects like Chemistry, Algebra, and Engineering. I am currently enrolled in a secondary STEM teachers education program where I will learn to adequately prepare students from diverse backgrounds for STEM fields. (My goal is to make STEM more appealing to minority women so we won't be overlooked in these fields)



Fun Fact: I do make-up for weddings for fun and I love Michael Jackson!



#70

Miesha Williamson



Research Assistant Institution: University of Delaware

Education: MS - Bioengineering, Syracuse University; BA - Physical Science, Colgate Unviersity



Portia Flowers is completing her Ph.D in Biomechanics and Movement Science at the University of Delaware, where she is studying functional and biomechanical outcomes of total knee replacement surgery and its influence on the need for another knee replacement. She also has a passion for graduate student affairs, having completed a successful run as President of the Black Graduate Student Association at the University of Delaware, and continues to help develop retention and recruitment programming for graduate students of color.



Fun Fact: I'm a reality show and NPR junkie!



#71

Portia Flowers



Marketing and commercial development Institution: Invitae

Education: BSc hons molecular biology



Ruby has over 17 years commercial experience in the Genomics space and has held various positions in sales and marketing for a number of companies including Life Technologies, Dharmacon and Affymetrix. Prior to joining Invitae, Ruby built and lead the International Marketing team at Affymetrix where her team was responsible for marketing the entire Affymetrix portfolio to regions including Latin America, Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa. Ruby is also a guest lecturer at Singularity University and teaches classes on Genomics 101, Thinking Globally about the Business of Biotech and New Frontiers in Genomics. Ruby is currently leading Marketing and Commercial development at Invitae. She holds a BSc. Hons degree in Molecular Biology from University College London.



Fun Fact: Lover of technology, social media, food and shoes.

Visit her website

#72

Ruby Gadelrab

