Speakers List

A recurring issue at conferences and seminars is the underwhelming number of URM speakers giving talks. A commonly cited reason for this is not knowing who to invite. To that end, we’ve begun compiling a list of prominent URM researchers across every field of STEM and Medicine. We hope that conference organizers can use this list as a resource when inviting speakers. However we hope that organizers use this list conscientiously. There is a well-known, and well-documented, issue of “tokenism”, i.e. the idea that women and underrepresented minority researchers are included to give an appearance of diversity. We would like to stress that a diverse conference is not just about representation of minority speakers but also about creating an environment that is conducive to sharing ideas and collaborating. See our “Best practices” page for tips on how to create an inclusive environment.

Finally, we would like to stress that: 
(i) Speakers on our list should be compensated properly for their time.
(ii) We are not the only resource out there! Check out this database for more lists of underrepresented researchers.
(iii) Our list is mainly nomination based (we then reach out to the researchers for their consent to be featured on the list). Please consider nominating yourself or others to be on the list! You can do so here or by emailing us at dscnatl@gmail.com.

NOTES ON USING OUR LIST
1) Please see here for the Speakers List in spreadsheet format (useful for more complicated searches), an explanation of all of the fields (and how to search them), and a list of sorted subfields.
2) Our website saves your previous search for future reference!
If you would like to clear your search, press the “Clear” button (next to the “Submit” button).

Degree(s)
Type of Research
Position
Use Command (or Shift) + Click to select multiple Fields
Sort by:
Field (see Notes for sorted subfields)Preferred NamePositionDescriptionWebsiteTags
Biochemistry, Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology Dr. Breann Brown Assistant Professor The Brown Lab at Vanderbilt University studies the structural biology of protein complexes regulating mitochondrial physiology. Lab Website x-ray crystallography, mitochondria, protein structure-function, heme, neurodegenerative diseases, structural biology, biophysics
Immunology, Infectious Disease, Microbiology Dr. Bryan Bryson Assistant Professor The Bryson lab develops new tools to dissect the complex dynamics of bacterial infection at a variety of scales ranging from single cells to infected animals, specifically looking at how we can harness our immune system to improve bacterial control. Lab Website host-bacterial defenses, innate immune system, tuberculosis (TB)
Neuroscience, Psychology Dr. Erica R. Glasper Associate Professor The Glasper Lab investigates structural plasticity in the brain, its alteration by experiences and hormones, with a view toward understanding the functional relevance of these changes. Lab Website hormones, plasticity, hippocampus, paternal
Neuroscience Dr. Carlos Brody Professor The Brody lab investigates the neural mechanisms of decision making by fusing computational modeling with experimental neuroscience. Lab Website behavior, decision making, short term memory, cognition, working memory
Neuroscience, Pharmacology Dr. Leah Mayo Assistant Professor The Mayo lab investigates the role of the endocannabinoid system in stress-related psychiatric disorders. Lab Website endocannabinoids, stress, emotion, reward
Immunology, Pharmacology Dr. Jason Sello Professor The Sello lab investigates the antibacterial activity of molecules targeting CIpP peptidase and how resistance to these molecules arise. Faculty Page antibiotics, peptidases, proteasome inhibitors, drug resistance, gene expression
Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry, Neuroscience Dr. Ismail Ahmed Post-doc Dr. Ahmed investigates the neuromodulatory role of oxytocin in the context of social behavior in rodents. Research Page behavior, oxytocin, neuropeptides, hormones, neuroplasticity, learning
Epidemiology, Immunology, Infectious Disease, Microbiology, Virology Dr. Marcos Ramos-Benitez Post-doc Dr. Ramos-Benitez investigates the pathophysiology and molecular pathogenesis of severe emerging viral infections. Currently, he is leading a project to evaluate the role of Neutrophils Extracellular Traps in COVID-19 severity. Also, he is the principal investigator in a project aiming to elucidate the mechanisms of gastrointestinal fluid loss in Ebola virus disease. Dr. Ramos-Benitez is also the founder and president of “Ciencia en Tus Manos” a non-profit organization that uses social media to create innovative online programs to promote STEM within Hispanics communities. Google Scholar COVID-19, Ebola, virus, molecular pathogenesis, emergent pathogens
Immunology, Veterinary Medicine Dr. De'Broski R. Herbert Associate Professor The Herbert Lab investigates the mechanisms controlling development of alternatively activated macrophages and Type 2 inflammation within the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. Lab Website regulatory networks, immunity, inflammation, tissue repair, mucosal interface, gastrointestinal, respiratory
Neuroscience, Psychology Dr. Crystal Carr Visiting Professor Dr. Carr investigates how the psychomotor activating effects of psychomotor stimulant drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamine, can change (i.e. development of tolerance or sensitization) based on their administration. LinkedIn stimulants, cocaine, amphetamine, tolerance, sensitization, plasticity, behavior, dopamine, substance use