Posts classified under: Alumni

I was born and raised in Detroit, MI. Earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Bennett College of Women in North Carolina. I received my PhD in Applied Science and Technology with a concentration in Biosciences from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University under the supervision of Dr. Joseph Graves Jr. My PhD dissertation focused on the evolution of metal resistance in bacteria. I am currently working in the lab of Dr. Pamela Yeh, studying bacterial resistance to environmental stressors. In my free time, I enjoy learning new cooking recipes, doing yoga, and watching videos.

My professional goals include pursuing a career with combined teaching and research responsibilities. Having a unique experience as an AA woman in the field of Evolution, I hope to provide a diverse and inclusive environment for all students regardless of their background. I also hope to inspire the next generation of young scientists especially students from disadvantaged and underrepresented groups.

I grew up in a small town in southwest Missouri. I received my BS in Environmental Science from University of Washington-Tacoma, with a thesis project focused on marine larval ecology. I earned my PhD from Iowa State University with co-majors in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB), and Environmental Science (ENVS). My dissertation research focused on plant communities at regional to sub-continental scales and how they have interacted with climate over geologic time. I was awarded the Graduate Research Excellence Award for my dissertation research, as well as the Graduate Teaching Excellence Award for my role in leading the Environmental Science Undergraduate Learning Community at Iowa State University.

As an IRACDA@UCLA postdoctoral fellow and Center for Diverse Leadership in Science Early Career Fellow, I am co-mentored by Aradhna Tripati and Nathan Kraft. My current research applies cutting-edge big data techniques to the calibration of paleoclimate signals and development of plant functional ecology as a new paleoclimate tool that can serve as an early warning system for events that can harm human health.
I am passionate about undergraduate science education, and my teaching interests center around evidence-based teaching methods aimed at promoting equity and inclusion in STEM. My goal is to become faculty at a university that values high-quality undergraduate education, where I can indulge my love of teaching and mentoring while engaging in cutting-edge research.

Born on the beautiful island of Bermuda, I was raised by Jamaican parents, with whom I immigrated to the United States at the age of 9. I earned my B.A. in Biological Chemistry and M.S. in Biomedical Science from Florida Atlantic University. I continued my education at the Medical University of South Carolina, where I completed my Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology (Research Emphasis: host-pathogen interactions in the oral cavity). Currently, I am a postdoc in the laboratory of Dr. Sophie Deng. My research addresses challenges in the ex vivo cultivation of stem cells for corneal transplantation. In my free time I am a singer-songwriter and a worship leader at my church. I love creative environments and basking in the serenity of nature.

I have a passion to promote equity and inclusivity in STEM. Therefore, I would like to work to develop, implement, and direct STEM initiatives that focus on increasing STEM interest, retention, and success – specifically among underrepresented groups.