Black in Science

On Episode 38 of Black in Science, I spoke with Deanna Darnes, who currently works as a Genetics Counselor and Clinical Trial Specialist for Scripps Translational Research. To open, Deanna recounts her childhood while growing up all over the country before segueing into her undergraduate experience as a biology major at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After providing a detailed overview of her journey towards becoming a certified and licensed genetics counselor–including the ins and outs of her master’s program and thesis work at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston–Deanna describes the clinical research she works on in her current position. To conclude, Deanna shares her advice on the importance of listening to your gut, remaining self assured and more.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Deanna’s episode of the podcast and wish to contact her with questions, feel free to reach out via:

Twitter: @ FuriousATGC

Email: Deanna.Darnes@gmail.com

On Episode 35 of Black in Science, I spoke with Dr. Esther Ngumbi, who currently works as an Assistant Professor of Entomology at the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign. To open, Dr. Ngumbi discusses her childhood while growing up on the Kenyan Coast before transitioning to her time as an undergraduate Biochemistry and Zoology major at Kenyatta University. After describing the research she did for her master’s thesis in Entomology, Dr. Ngumbi delves into her experience as a Ph.D candidate in the Department of Entomology and Plant Physiology at Auburn University. Before outlining the ecological, environmental and entomology-related research her lab presently focuses on, Dr. Ngumbi recounts the remarkable series of events that led to her current position. To conclude, Dr. Ngumbi shares her feelings on the importance of remaining focused and driven, embracing your individuality and more.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Dr. Ngumbi’s episode of the podcast and wish to contact her with questions, feel free to reach out via:

Twitter: @estherngumbi

Email: enn@illinois.edu

Website: https://www.estherngumbi.com/

On this solo episode of Black and Science, I recap the major events that have occurred on and off the podcast in 2022 while also discussing upcoming changes for 2023. To open, I disclose a few of the reasons for the inconsistent uploading schedule during the latter half of 2022 before discussing the major changes that have happened in my life recently. Following this, I delve into the plans and goals I have for the podcast in the new year and share a few personal goals I have for myself in 2023.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to this episode of the podcast and want to stay up to date or contact us with questions, comments or concerns, feel free to reach out via:

Twitter: @podcast_bis

Instagram: @blackinscience

Email: bisthepodcast@gmail.com

On Episode 33 of Black in Science, I spoke with Future Dr. Caprice Phillips, who’s currently enrolled as a 4th year Ph.D Candidate in the Department of Astronomy at the Ohio State University. To start, Caprice recounts her childhood while growing up in Hot Springs, Arkansas before segueing into her time as an undergraduate physics major at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock. After sharing her long list of extracurriculars, Caprice delves into her contrasting graduate school experiences at two separate institutions. Following this, Caprice discusses her current dissertation work pertaining to exoplanet atmospheric biosignatures and dwarf planets before describing her long and short term goals. To conclude, Caprice shares her advice on the importance of investing in your mental health, wisely choosing the right advisor and more.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Caprice’s episode of the podcast and wish to contact her with questions, feel free to reach out via:

Twitter: @capricephillips

Email: phillips.1622@osu.edu

Website: CapricePhillips.github.io

On Episode 31 of Black in Science, I sat down with Dr. Jamaine Davis who currently works as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology at Meharry Medical College. To open, Dr. Davis discusses his childhood while growing up in Long Island, New York. He then segues into his experience as an undergraduate chemical engineering major at Temple University and Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania before discussing his transition into the biomedical research field. After sharing the details of his Ph.D dissertation research in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Davis delves into the work he did for both of his postdoctoral fellowships at the National Cancer Institute in Maryland. Following this, Dr. Davis describes the Breast cancer and Alzheimer's structural biology and health disparities research his lab focuses on before disclosing his short term and long term goals. To conclude, Dr. Davis shares his feelings on the importance of seeking help, remaining your authentic self and more.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Dr. Davis’ episode of the podcast and wish to contact him with questions, feel free to reach out via:

Email: jdavis@mmc.edu

Twitter: @jscdavis

On Episode 30 of Black in Science, I spoke with double Dr. Chidi Akusobi who currently works as a first year Internal Medicine Resident at Massachusetts General Hospital. To open, Dr. Akusobi recounts his childhood while growing up in the Bronx, NY before transitioning to his time as an undergraduate Evolutionary Biology major at Yale University. Following this, Dr. Akusobi shares his experience while completing his Master’s in Biochemistry from the University of Cambridge. After rehashing the details of his graduate research project, Dr. Akusobi discusses his time as an MD/Ph.D candidate at Harvard Medical School, including his dissertation work surrounding the characterization of essential genes pertinent to the survival of Mycobacterium Abscessus. Before disclosing his long-term career plans, Dr. Akusobi delves into his experience undergoing the Matching process for residency. To conclude, Dr. Akusobi reveals his feelings on the importance of developing a supportive community, prioritizing self care and embracing a proper work ethic.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Dr. Akusobi's episode of the podcast and wish to contact him with questions, feel free to reach out via:

Email: chidi.akusobi@gmail.com

Twitter: @chidiakusobi

Instagram: @chidiakusobi

On Episode 28 of Black in Science, I spoke with Alex Troutman who recently graduated with his Master’s degree in Conservation Biology from Georgia Southern University. To start, Alex discusses the details of his childhood while growing up in Austell, Georgia before transitioning to his time as an undergraduate Biology major at Georgia Southern University. After sharing the specifics of multiple marine, wildlife and conservation employment opportunities he received before starting graduate school, Alex outlines his Master’s research project assessing the arthropod communities within the nests of seaside sparrows residing in salt marshes. Following this, Alex shares his experience applying for grant funding before outlining the community outreach work he does for the Black in Marine Science platform. To conclude, Alex expresses his feelings on the importance of leaning into discomfort, being unapologetically yourself and practicing patience.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Alex’s episode of the podcast and wish to contact him with questions, feel free to reach out via:

Email: alexktroutman@gmail.com

Twitter: @n8ture_al

Twitter: @BlackinMarSci

Instagram: @n8ture_al

Instagram: @blackinmarinescience

On Episode 27 of Black in Science, I spoke with Dr. Gregory Carr, who currently occupies a joint position as a Lead Investigator at the Lieber Institute for Brain Development, as well as Assistant Professor of Pharmacology and Molecular Science at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. To start, Dr. Carr recounts his childhood while growing up in Providence, Rhode Island before segueing into his time as an undergraduate neuroscience major at Kenyon College in Ohio. After sharing the details of his Ph.D dissertation work in the Neuroscience program at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Carr describes the schizophrenia research his lab currently focuses on as part of the Drug Discovery and Development group within the Lieber Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. To conclude, Dr. Carr discloses his feelings on the importance of bolstering your network, identifying mentors and getting experience as early as you can.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Dr. Carr’s episode of the podcast and wish to contact him with questions, feel free to reach out via:

Twitter: @gregcarrneuro

Email: greg.carr@libd.org

On Episode 26 of Black in Science, I sat down with Dr. Cerrone Foster, who is a newly-tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at East Tennessee State University. To open, Dr. Foster discusses her childhood while growing up in Newark, New Jersey before segueing into her time as an undergraduate biology major at The College of New Jersey. After sharing the details of a summer experience that prompted a change in direction from a career in medicine to a future in research, Dr. Foster rehashes the dissertation work she did for her Ph.D in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at East Tennessee State University. To conclude, Dr. Foster describes the cardiovascular research her lab currently focuses on before sharing her feelings on the importance of dreaming big, knowing when to move on and nurturing a positive mindset.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Dr. Foster’s episode of the podcast and wish to contact her with questions, feel free to reach out via:

Twitter: Dr_Cerrone

Email: cerronefoster@gmail.com

On Episode 25 of Black in Science, I sat down with Dr. Jeremy C. Williams, who’s currently on a pre-tenure sabbatical from his position as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geology and Kent State University. To open, Dr. Williams recounts his childhood while growing up in Atlanta, Georgia before transitioning into his time as an undergraduate at Hampton University. After sharing what moment motivated him to switch from pre-med to a Marine and Environmental Science major, Jeremy shares his experience as a Ph.D candidate in the Environmental Science program at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. After Dr. Williams recounts his time as a post-doc at Ohio State University, he then segues into the research his lab currently focuses on regarding the Permian Triassic Extinction and Black Shale Geochemistry. To close things out, Jeremy describes his mental health struggles in the midst of the pandemic before disclosing his thoughts on the importance of being unapologetic about your passions and persevering through trials and tribulations

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Jeremy’s episode of the podcast and wish to contact him with questions, feel free to reach out via:

Twitter: drjdubbz

Email: jwill243@kent.edu

On Episode 24 of Black in Science, I reunited with future Dr. Ralph White III to recap our year in 2021 and share some updates for our own podcasts in 2022. To open, Ralph and I both detail our plans for the Christmas holiday before rehashing our experiences in the first year of our podcasts. After sharing our future goals and the changes we each plan to implement on our platforms in the upcoming year, Ralph discloses the current status of his thesis research and plans for graduation. To conclude, both Ralph and I contribute a few words of wisdom about the importance of staying focused on your goals while enjoying the ride and trusting yourself to know what’s best for you.

If you’re interested in staying up to date on Scientifically Sound and exploring all of the podcast’s available content, feel free to follow the platform on:

Twitter: @4thesci_sound

Twitter (personal): @RalphWhiteIII

Instagram: @scientificallysound

Tiktok: @scientificallysound

On Episode 22 of Black in Science, I spoke with Dr. Alexandra Lacey who’s currently working as a toxicologist for the global energy company, Shell. To open, Dr. Lacey discusses her childhood while growing up in the Detroit metropolitan area before segueing into her time in undergrad as a Biology major at Lake Forest College. After sharing her experience while pursuing her Ph.D. at Texas A&M’s School of Toxicology, Dr. Lacey discusses the details of her current regulatory position and her motives for establishing the Black in Toxicology group on Twitter. Before closing things out, Dr. Lacey discloses her feelings on the importance of following your passion, guarding your mental health and being flexible when it comes to your future plans.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Dr. Lacey’s episode of the podcast and wish to contact her with questions, feel free to reach out via:

Email: blackintoxicology@gmail.com

Twitter: @BlackinToxico

Twitter (Personal): @BlackToxDoc

On Episode 16 of Black in Science, I sat down with Dr. Oliver H. Richmond III, who’s current work as a Research Technician at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) focuses on the relationship between non-muscle myosin II proteins and cancer development. During the interview, Dr. Richmond starts by recounting his childhood while growing up in Cleveland, Ohio before discussing his experience as an undergraduate student at Morehouse College in Atlanta. While explaining the research he did as a junior at Clark Atlanta University, Oliver describes how his position as a tech helped facilitate his admission into the university’s graduate program. After outlining the cancer research he did for his Ph.D in Biological Sciences, Dr. Richmond shares some powerful words of wisdom and guidance before disclosing the details of his journey towards a career in medicine. To conclude, Oliver divulges his feelings on the importance of prayer, self discovery and leveraging your network.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Oliver’s episode of the podcast and wish to contact him with questions, feel free to reach out via:

Facebook: Oliver H. Richmond III

Instagram: @Oliver.H.Richmond_3

LinkedIn: Oliver Richmond III

Twitter: OH_Richmond_3

Email: Oliver.Richmond3@gmail.com

On Episode 14 of Black in Science, I sat down with Dr. Myron Evans, who recently accepted a position as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Research Institute. During the interview, Myron opens by describing his childhood while growing up in St. Augustine, Florida before transitioning into his time as an undergraduate student at Florida International University. After discussing his Ph.D thesis work in inflammatory breast cancer at Duke University, Dr. Evans recaps his experience while seeking out a faculty position in academia. To close things out, Myron summarizes his own views on the importance of taking time off, finding a good group of friends and following the science wherever it takes you.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Myron’s episode and wish to contact him with questions, feel free to reach out via:

Twitter: @myron_evansPhD @EvansBrainLab

Email: myron.evans@stjude.org

On Episode 13 of Black in Science, I spoke with Dr. Tonya Webb, who’s currently a tenured Associate Professor at the University of Maryland. During the interview, Dr. Webb discussed her childhood while growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina before segueing into her time as an undergraduate student at Prairie View A&M University. After describing her Ph.D dissertation work and multiple post doctoral fellowships, Dr. Webb shares the details of the research her lab is currently focused on in cancer immunology before disclosing her views on the importance of staying focused, staying driven and remembering your support system.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Tonya’s episode and wish to contact her with questions, feel free to reach out via:

Twitter: scienceempress

Instagram: scienceempress

Email: tonya.webb@gmail.com

During Episode 12 of Black in Science, I spoke with the world renowned physicist, Dr. Walter E Massey, who’s currently working as Chairman of the Board for the construction of the Giant Magellan Telescope in Chile. Throughout the interview, Dr. Massey describes his long list of career achievements, including his previous appointment as the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) by President George H.W. Bush and his 12 year tenure as President of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. After describing his childhood while growing up in southern Mississippi during segregation, Walter recounts his time as an undergraduate student at Morehouse and the work he did at Washington University in St. Louis for his Ph.D in physics. Before closing, Dr. Massey shares the details of his newly released memoir detailing his time as Chairman of the Board at Bank of America and a few pearls of wisdom he picked up during his career.

If you’re interested in hearing more about Dr. Massey’s story, feel free to purchase a copy of his memoir entitled In the Eye of the Storm: My Time as Chairman of Bank of America During the Country’s Worst Financial Crisis on Amazon.

On Episode 11 of Black in Science, I sat down with Dr. Janae Sweeney, whose research in prostate cancer earned her a Ph.D from Clark Atlanta University. During the interview, Dr. Sweeney opens by describing her childhood while growing up in and out the United States before transitioning to her time as an undergraduate student on the pre-med track at South Carolina State University. After recounting her Master’s degree work at Georgia State University, Janae rehashes what pivotal event caused her to shift from a career in medicine to teaching. Dr. Sweeney then shares the details of her community program entitled beSTEMsational--which aims to help support and encourage Black women in the pursuit of a career in STEM--before disclosing her thoughts on the importance of self belief and building relationships with mentors.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Janae’s episode and wish to contact her with questions, feel free to reach out via:

Twitter: @itssimplyjanae

Instagram: @itssimplyjanae

Email: jaedsweeney@yahoo.com

If you’re interested in learning more about be STEMsational, follow the organization’s social media pages at:

Instagram: @bestemsational

On Episode 10 of Black in Science, I sat down with Dr. Yvon Woappi, who’s currently concluding his postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School and Brigham & Women’s Hospital. To start, Dr. Woappi opens by describing his primary and secondary school instruction that spanned 3 separate continents before transitioning into his undergraduate experience at the University of Pittsburgh, Bradford campus. After recounting his college research project that gained national recognition, Yvon discusses his year long research internship at the University of South Carolina that helped fast track his Ph.D dissertation work. Before concluding, Dr. Woappi summarizes his current postdoctoral research prior to discussing his future career goals and the importance of utilizing the resources available to you and recognizing the value in your own ideas.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Yvon’s episode of the podcast and wish to contact him with questions, feel free to reach out via:

Twitter: @DrWoappi

Also, if you’re interested in testing Dr. Woappi’s chess skills, challenge him to a match on Chess.com at:

Username: The-Undomitable1

On Episode 9 of Black in Science, I sat down with Dr. Erika Moore Taylor, who’s currently researching the role of immune cells and biomaterials in vascular formation as an Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Florida. To start, Dr. Erika opens by describing her childhood while growing up in both California and Colorado before transitioning into her time as an undergraduate student at Johns Hopkins University. After recounting her Ph.D dissertation work in immunology at Duke University, Dr. Moore Taylor discusses the research she did as a postdoc and her unconventional decision to pursue a faculty position before completing her thesis defense. To wrap things up, Erika closes with her advice on the importance of formulating a mentoring community and filtering through an onslaught of well intentioned advice.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Erika’s episode of the podcast and wish to contact her with questions, feel free to reach out via:

LinkedIn: Dr. Erika Moore Taylor

Email: moore.erika@ufl.edu

Twitter: @DrErikaMoore

Instagram: erikamooretaylor

Financial Literacy Website: www.moorewealth.org

On Episode 8 of Black in Science, I interviewed the multi-talented Ralph White III, who’s currently enrolled as a Ph.D student in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Minnesota. During the interview, Ralph recounts his childhood while growing up in Decatur, Georgia before transitioning into his time as an undergraduate student at Furman University. After disclosing the details of his current Ph.D thesis work in prostate cancer, Mr. White discusses his future goals and shares his perspective on the importance of staying true to yourself and being beyond your own work. To close things out, Ralph outlines the premise of his own scholarly podcast in which he educates the general population on both science and music history. 

All episodes of Scientifically Sound are available to stream on Apple Podcast, Spotify and Stitcher.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Ralph’s episode and wish to contact him with questions, feel free to reach out via:

Twitter: @RalphWhiteIII @4theSci_Sound

Email: whit2487@umn.edu

Instagram: @ralphwhiteiii @scientificallysound

On Episode 7 of Black in Science, I talked to Dr. Shyvonne Mathias, who’s currently working as an Emergency Medicine Veterinarian in Los Angeles, California. During this interview, Shyvonne openly shares what sparked her interest in veterinary medicine and describes her time as an undergraduate student at the University of Maryland. After detailing her experience as a graduate student at Drexel University, Dr. Mathias outlines her time as a vet student in St. Kitts and Nevis. While regaling us with the lessons she learned when applying for residencies and internships, Shyvonne vehemently emphasizes the importance of perseverance, maintaining relationships with mentors and getting involved in research.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Shyvonne’s episode of the podcast and wish to contact her with questions, feel free to reach out via:

Email: smterp08@gmail.com

On Episode 6 of Black in Science, I sat down with the amazing Dr. Mykel D Green, who’s currently a postdoctoral researcher at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. To open, Dr. Green shares how his initial interest in cardiothoracic surgery evolved into a love of research that surpassed his feelings towards medicine. Mykel then expands upon his time as an undergraduate student at Morehouse College before regaling us with his somewhat unconventional Ph.D. journey. After disclosing his future career plans, Dr. Green closes things out by sharing his advice on the importance of exposure, diversity and finding your passion.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Mykel’s episode and wish to contact him  with questions, feel free to reach out via:

Twitter: @mykeldgreen

Email: mykg50@gmail.com

On Episode 5 of Black in Science, I sat down with the witty and perceptive Dr. Arnethea Sutton who’s currently a postdoctoral fellow at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Medicine. To start, Arnethea shares the details of her childhood and what sparked her interest in science before segueing into her 10+ year educational journey at the same institution. Following this, Dr. Sutton discusses her passion for her Cancer and Health Disparities work and her future goals of becoming a tenured professor and PI. To close things out, Arnethea discloses her feelings on the difference between mentorship vs sponsorship, the importance of extending yourself grace and running your own race.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Arnethea’s episode and wish to contact her with questions, feel free to reach out via:

Twitter: @nene_lashaun

Email: arnethea.sutton@vcuhealth.org

During this episode of Black in Science, I sat down with the lovely and insightful Jasmine George, who’s currently a Ph.D Candidate at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. Throughout the interview, Jasmine briefly rehashes the details of her childhood while growing up a few miles from the ocean in Virginia Beach before covering her time as an undergraduate at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. After discussing her current thesis work in renal lipid metabolism in diabetes and obesity, Jasmine describes what ignited her passion for science policy and her newly established virtual HBCU Science Policy tour. To wrap things up, Jasmine shares a few tips on the importance of networking, self-belief and taking your time.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Jasmine’s episode and wish to contact her with questions, feel free to reach out via:

Twitter: @jasmine_george1

Email: jngeorge91@gmail.com

On this episode of Black in Science, I talk to the amazing Future Double Dr. Tonya Aaron, who’s currently enrolled as an MD/Ph.D student at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. During the interview, Tonya recounts the details of her youth while growing up as a child of two immigrants in Florida before transitioning into her time as an undergraduate STEM major and student athlete. After disclosing what events led to her decision to pursue two advanced degrees simultaneously, Tonya describes her experience thus far in her MSTP program and the immunology-based research she’s doing for the Ph.D portion of her degree. To close things out, Tonya shares a few pearls of wisdom on the importance of cultivating connections, minority representation and a healthy work-life balance.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Tonya’s episode and wish to contact her with questions, feel free to reach out via:

Instagram: @taaron24

Twitter: @taaron24

Email: Aaron.tonya24@gmail.com

During Black In Science’s first interview, I talk to the wonderfully, brilliant Dr. Gieira Jones, who openly discusses her journey towards becoming a post-doc in Epidemiology at the NIH’s National Cancer Institute. Throughout the episode, Dr. Jones recounts the details of her childhood while growing up in North Philadelphia before segueing into her undergraduate experience at a small HBCU. After disclosing multiple events that fueled a shift in her career path, Gieira describes the road she took that resulted in the completion of multiple advanced degrees, including her Ph.D. To close things out, Dr. Jones shares her views on the importance of mentorship, perseverance and staying focused on your own journey.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Dr. Gieira’s story and would love to get in touch, feel free to reach out to her via:

Instagram: @epid_gi_nomics

Twitter: @gieira

Email: gieira.jones@NIH.gov

Welcome to the first episode of Black in Science! In this episode, I discuss my own science journey thus far, including my childhood, educational background and future career plans. I also describe my undergraduate experience at a predominately-white institution and the struggles of finding my niche in such a broad area of study. To close things out, I detail my vision for the podcast, the inspiration behind its creation and the importance of representation.

If you're interested in following Black in Science's journey or participating as a guest on the show, please feel free to follow us or reach out via:

Twitter: @podcast_bis

Instagram: @blackinscience

Email: bisthepodcast@gmail.com

Thanks and make sure to tune in to new episodes released every other Monday!