Outreach
Science outreach creates opportunities to engage with the public, to share scientific knowledge and truth, to inspire the next generation of scientists, and to promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in STEM. I participate in outreach initiatives because these same types of programs nurtured my own interest in science and were important to my career trajectory.
Sadly, the current attacks on DEI programming aim to take these opportunities away from others. How many bright, young students will give up on pursuing scientific careers because of a lack of exposure and resources? Or cannot imagine themselves as scientists because they don’t see themselves represented in the field? Now more than ever, it is important that we maintain our commitments to creating opportunities for students from all backgrounds to participate in STEM. Start by learning more about current programs and organizations working towards this goal:
The Black Microbiologists Association: https://blackinmicrobiology.org/
Leading Edge Symposium: https://www.leadingedgesymposium.org/
DAPCEP: https://www.dapcep.org/
BioMed Focus: https://biomed-focus.medicine.umich.edu/
Developing Future Biologists: https://www.developingfuturebiologists.com/
Aspirnaut Program: https://aspirnaut.lsi.umich.edu/
Science Club: https://scienceclub.northwestern.edu/
ABRCMAS: https://abrcms.org/
Highlighted examples of my past and present outreach activities
are listed below:
National
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Co-Founder and Treasurer of the Black Microbiologists Association- 2021- Present
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"Transforming Scientific Research into Equitable Outreach", American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Annual Conference (Philadelphia, PA) - 2022
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Developed an Interactive session on increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion through outreach activities
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STEM Center Career Exploration Series: Microbiology, Palo Alto College (Zoom)- 2022
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COVID-19 Vaccine Information Session, Girls Educational & Mentoring Services (Zoom) - 2021
Regional
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Black History Month Career Day Speaker, Distinctive College Prep Schools (Harper Woods, MI) - 2022
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ReBUILDetroit Seminar Speaker, University of Detroit Mercy (Detroit, MI) - 2018
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Junior Science Café, Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago, IL) - 2015-2017
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Science Club Mentor, Science and Society, Northwestern University (Chicago, IL) - 2014-2016
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Tutor Chicago (Chicago, IL) - 2012-2013
Institutional
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Operation Opportunity, Mentor, University of Michigan Medical School (Ann Arbor, MI)- 2024-2026
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Aspirnaut Program Distinguished Speaker, University of Michigan Life Sciences Institute (Ann Arbor, MI) - 2022
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Picture A Scientist Panelist, Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, University of Michigan (Zoom) -2020
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Faculty Corner Moderator on "Meeting Diverse Trainee Needs", Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI) - 2020
"At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about what you’ve done with those accomplishments. Its about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back."
- Denzel Washington
Looking to get involved? Check out a few of the amazing programs that I have worked with in the past:
The BMA is a non-profit organization formed from Black In Microbiology Week that was created to showcase and amplify the voices of Black microbiologists across the globe.
This NIH-funded program run out of the University of Detroit Mercy and Wayne State University aims to increase the numbers of underrepresented students in the biomedical sciences.
A mentor-driven after school program developed in partnership between Chicago Public Schools, the Boys & Girls Club of Chicago and Northwestern University to introduce under-served urban youth to different STEM fields and careers.
STEM professionals share their careers with Chicagoland youth through hands-on activities at the Museum of Science and Industry.