Black History Month 2022: achievements
We are celebrating Black History Month by interviewing those who are a part of the Black community and work within the field of STEM, as we want to allow more diverse voices to be heard and acknowledge those whose achievements need honoring.
In this piece, we highlight the achievements our experts have attained in their careers whilst working within the STEM industry. We posed the question:
‘What would you say was/is your greatest achievement so far in your career?’
Nicole Fleming, PhD
Scientist II/Bioanalytical Project Manager
Bioagilytix (NC, USA)
To date, my greatest achievement is being the first in my entire family to earn a PhD. I successfully defended my PhD work in Black History Month, on February 4 2019. Then, in May 2019, I was hooded in front of my family, who traveled from the Virgin Islands, along with my friends. What an epic moment! It was also great to see the pride on my mother’s face and to put my graduation cap on my 7-year-old nephew’s head. Despite the obvious reasons why I consider this my greatest achievement, I also think being a Black female scientist serves as encouragement for other Black people that they too can thrive in a scientific field. This achievement has allowed me to pay it forward. With my grad school and current job experiences, I visited my undergrad university to teach biology labs and interact with aspiring STEM majors and faculty. Currently, some of those students are enrolled in graduate programs throughout the US. I also provide advice and assistance to colleagues and mentees in academia and in their careers.
Maria Dixon, PhD
Scientist Training Program Manager
Bioagilytix (NC, USA)
My greatest achievement is being the first African American female to earn a PhD in microbiology from the University of Kentucky (KY, USA). I overcame unimaginable adversity to accomplish this goal. During my first semester of grad school, my husband was involved in a nearly fatal car accident resulting in extreme emotional distress while managing my time as a wife, caregiver and student. My faith and trust in God gave me the strength to not give up and reminded me of the greater days ahead.
William Njoh-Paul
Lab Analyst
ICON plc (KS, USA)
One of the major highlights of my academic career was being recognized at the Kansas Idea Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (KS, USA) for my master’s research and thesis. This was definitely a milestone in my academic career, as this award is only given to the top scientists each academic year. I would say my greatest achievement so far in my professional career has been the ability to navigate my way through the corporate world and continue to advance in my career. During my time at ICON (KS, USA), I have been fortunate to tackle some of the most difficult assay methods and handle some of the larger projects here at the Lenexa laboratory facility.
Tinaya Gray
Senior Director, Project Delivery
ICON plc (NC, USA)
A couple of years ago, I would have said working on a study responsible for curing a disease with a short course of oral treatment that has impacted stigmatized groups dramatically in the US and impacts many people in developing countries with historically limited access to treatments. Hopefully, though, it will be something I am working on now – actively participating in and shaping our corporate culture as it relates to diversity and inclusion, particularly with our own people, trial participants and potential patients who will eventually benefit from the treatments we work to bring to market. It’s obviously connected to what drove me to this industry, to begin with, and I am overcome with excitement about the industries’ stated commitments and goals in this space. It’s allowed me to start a mentoring program specifically for underrepresented populations, participate in workshops directed to change underrepresentation at leadership levels, develop materials to articulate our positions to stakeholders, and partner with community groups and others who are directly working with some of the populations where we hope to increase inclusion and positively impact overall health.
Rebecca Wates, PhD
Senior Program Manager
KCAS (KS, USA)
My greatest achievement was completing my PhD. I faced many challenges during matriculation: my oldest brother passed away during my first year, my department aligned against me and attempted to take away my incentive pay, I suffered a third-degree burn on my hand, I was injured in a car accident, my dad was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. It was a battle to walk across that stage! But I will never forget the moment I walked onto the stage, the Director of Graduate Studies, Dr George Justice (who defended me during the incentive pay fight) greeted me with a smile, a hug and said, “I am so happy to see you on this stage, Rebecca.” For every adversarial experience I’ve had, there has always been an ally who supported me and helped me to get to the next phase of my career. I am grateful to so many people who have been willing to go the extra mile. As a college student, my Honors College Dean Dr Sylvia Carey-Butler always quoted the Biblical scripture, “to whom much is given, much is required.” I have been given many helping hands along the way – I am committed to being that helping hand for the Black scientists who come after me.
Brennon Marcano,
Chief Executive Officer
The National GEM Consortium (VA, USA)
I think my greatest achievement is happening right now at GEM. Over the past 5 years, we have been able to take a small non-profit that was struggling to stay out of the red and turned it into a financially healthy organization, which is slowly growing recognition in the national landscape. GEM has grown three times over the past couple of years, which means that we are now supporting close to 500 of the best and brightest young scientists and technologists in the country to achieve their fullest potential. That means that we have close to 500 opportunities to make scientific impact, change the world and make it a better place. What is exciting for me is that this is just the tip of the iceberg, as even though GEM has grown exponentially over the years, we still release more qualified applicants than we support. That means that GEM has the potential to support 1000 fellows per year. That is what keeps everyone within the consortium forging ahead − 500 opportunities to make a scientific impact is nice, but 1000 is better. We want better. I believe that I am currently living through my greatest achievement because I understand the impact that it can have.
Blessing Okai
Lab Data Analyst
Q2 Solutions (Aberdeen, UK)
My greatest achievement is successfully moving to a new country and excelling in meeting my goals. I graduated with a distinction for my master’s program and got a confirmed position at my company 2 months before I expected for carrying out my job at a very high standard.
René Fuanta
Biochemist and Assistant Professor
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (PA, USA)
My parents surmounted many a challenge to ensure that their children all received a sound education. We were their biggest investment and they poured unto us all virtues that were humanly possible. I am rest assured that the fulfillment I see in their eyes today outstands every hurdle. I have a deep sense of satisfaction and immense gratitude knowing that they are proud of their sacrifices and efforts. My dad is not teary eyed, but I remember on our way to the airport during their last visit, he paused with tears running down his cheeks and said “I have not much to say to but thank you. You have carried yourself with much grace and excellence.” There’s practically nothing more I’d set as achievement – but to see them enjoy the fruits of their sacrifice and labor. Every other is secondary. Seeing them proud and fulfilled is the greatest gift to me.
Olivier Heudi
Laboratory Head
Novartis Pharma AG (Basel, Switzerland)
I think one of my greatest achievements is to be recognized as one of the experts in the field of quantitative analysis of proteins by LC–MS/MS. Also, to have trained several students in the field of mass spectrometry. Additionally, I believe my contribution to the research of new drug development and working on some drugs that are now available for patients is a great achievement. Moreover, my contribution towards the transfers of technologies and helping to build capacity within the field of analytical chemistry in various African countries and participate in the training of several African scientists.
Wonu Adebimpe
Senior Scientist
Recipharm (Queenborough, UK)
Being part of a team that worked at putting a breast cancer drug, AYVAKYT – for Blueprint Medicines (MA, USA) – currently on the market, which led to lives being saved. This was a drug that was under development by the company I had worked for, at the time, for over 3 years, and was fortunate to work with the team before the campaign ended. When both companies celebrated this feat, it was a very emotional day for me because, for the first time, I completely understood how hard it is to get a drug into the market and be part of the reason lives are being saved. It makes it all worth it in the end. All the late nights and overwhelming days did pay off!
A personal achievement for me was becoming a STEM ambassador in 2021 and being given the opportunity to be part of the next generation’s growth and development, by attending school activities and sharing my experiences.
Another personal achievement for me was running the London Marathon in 2021. I partook in it as a personal goal/challenge I set for myself, to raise awareness about Dyslexia – which I suffer from – as well as raise funds for the British Dyslexia Association.