Dr. Oreoluwa Adedoyin received her BPharm in Pharmacy in 2005 from the University of Ibadan (Nigeria). She was then awarded an MS in Kinesiology and Health Promotion in 2008 and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2014, both from the University of Kentucky.

Dr. Adedoyin joined the MERIT Program in 2016, working with Drs. Anupam Agarwal and Jim George for her research training. Together with Drs. Agarwal and George, Dr. Adedoyin examined immune responses in polycystic kidney disease. For her teaching experience, Dr. Adedoyin worked with Dr. Diane Tucker, MERIT Teaching Mentor and Professor of Psychology at UAB, during which she taught an introductory biology and directed an Undergraduate Research Workshop Series.

Dr. Adedoyin completed her MERIT Program training in 2017 and currently serves as Associate Project Manager for Evonik, Inc.

Dr. Akscyn received his BS in Biochemistry from Saint Vincent College in 2010 and his PhD in Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2015. Dr. Akscyn joined the MERIT Program in 2016 and performed his postdoctoral research under the mentorship of Dr. J. Michael Wyss, Professor of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, and Director of the UAB Center for Community Outreach and Development. Dr. Akscyn’s research focused on education assessment, curriculum design and implementation, and fostering Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education in underrepresented, minority populations.

For his teaching experience, Dr. Akscyn worked with Dr. Tracey Wilson, Professor and Chair of Natural Sciences at Lawson State Community College. During this time, he offered courses in biochemistry, introduction to research and scientific research ethics. 

Dr. Akscyn completed his MERIT Program training 2020.

Dr. Kristen Watts received a BS in General Health from the University of Alabama in 2011 and an MPH in Health Care Organization and Policy from UAB in 2014. In 2018, she was awarded a PhD in Health Education and Promotion from the University of Alabama. Dr. Allen-Watts performed her postdoctoral research under the mentorship of Drs. Ronit Elk, Professor of Medicine, and Pauline Jolly, Professor of Epidemiology, examining the efficacy of culturally-based palliative care interventions in rural communities. In addition to her research efforts, Dr. Allen-Watts served as the founding Vice President of the UAB Black Postdoctoral Association and was recognized as a 2021 1,000 Inspiring Black Scientist in America (rising star) by Cell Mentor.

Dr. Allen-Watts received teaching instruction from Dr. Elaine Vanterpool, Professor and Chair of Biology, at Oakwood University. To this end, she served as co-instructor for the General Microbiology course at Oakwood.

Dr. Allen-Watts completed her MERIT Program training in 2021 and currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Public Health at the University of Indiana.

Dr. Hope Amm received her BS in Biological Sciences from St. Mary's College in 2002 and her Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from UAB in 2010 and joined the MERIT later that year.  As a MERIT Scholar At-Large, Dr. Amm performed her research training in the laboratory of Dr. Mary MacDougall, Professor of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Her research focused on molecular mechanisms of tooth development.

Dr. Amm's MERIT Teaching Mentor was Dr. Mary Jane Krotzer, Dean of Arts and Sciences and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at Stillman College. At Stillman College, Dr. Amm provided guest lectures and tutored undergraduates in several biology courses; she also developed and conducted a new, advanced course in cancer biology.

Dr. Amm completed her MERIT Program training in 2013; currently, she is an Assistant Professor at UAB in the department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.

Dr. Sarah Beno received a BS in Biology and a BA in Chemistry from Meredith College in 2013. She was awarded a PhD in Food Nutrition Science from Cornell University in 2017 and joined the MERIT Program later that same year. Dr. Beno performed her postdoctoral research under the mentorship of Dr. Carlos Orihuela, Professor of Microbiology elucidating mechanisms of S. pneumonia gene expression in invasive pneumococcal disease. 

Dr. Beno worked with Dr. Christine Sestero, MERIT Program Alumnus and Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Montevallo. Under Dr. Sestero’s guidance, Dr. Beno has provided guest lectures in biology at Montevallo and assisted with Montevallo’s Spring 2019 Science Fair. In addition, she co-directed the UAB Undergraduate Research Workshop Series.

Dr. Beno completed her MERIT Program training in 2020 and currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Biology at Birmingham Southern College.

Dr. Laurence Boitet received a BS in Microbiology from University of Georgia in 2015 anda PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2019. Dr. Boitet is currently performing postdoctoral research under the mentorship of Robin Lanzi, Professor of Health Behavior in the School of Public Health elucidating the impact of COVID-19 and racial injustice on graduate student and postdoctoral behavioral outcomes.

Dr. Pamlea Brady received her BS in Chemistry from Winston-Salem State University in 2008, and her PhD in Analytical Chemistry in 2015 from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge; she joined the MERIT Program later that year. Dr. Brady performed her research training with Dr. Margaret Johnson, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, studying the structure and dynamics of guanine quadruplex binding proteins.

Dr. Brady taught General Chemistry as her 3rd year course at Stillman College in 2018 under the direction of her MERIT Teaching Mentor, Dr. Mary Jane Krotzer, Dean of Arts and Sciences and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at Stillman College.

Dr. Brady completed her MERIT Program training in 2019 and currently serves as Chair and Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Talladega College.

Dr. Taylor Buchanan received a BS in Physical Activity and Health in 2014 and an MS in Exercise Science in 2015, both from Auburn University. In 2020, she was awared a PhD in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology from the University of Florida. Dr. Buchanan is performing her postdoctoral research under the mentorship of Thomas Buford, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, elucidating mechanisms of exercise and aging. In addition to her research efforts, Dr. Buchanan was a founding member of the UAB Black Postdoctoral Association and served as a poster judge for the 2020 ABRCMS Virtual Conference.

Dr. Patrice Capers received her BS in Biology from Spellman College in 2008 and her PhD in Biomedical Sciences from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2013; she joined the MERIT Program later that year. As a MERIT Scholar, Dr. Capers performed her postdoctoral research training with Dr. David Allison, Professor of Public Health, focusing upon epidemiological meta-analyses of the role of sleep duration on adiposity and energy balance.

Dr. Capers’ MERIT Teaching Mentor was Dr. Tabitha Hardy, MERIT Alumnus and Assistant Professor of Natural Sciences at Stillman College. For her MERIT Program teaching requirement, Dr. Capers taught an advanced course in nutrition science at Stillman College.

Dr. Capers completed her MERIT Program training in 2016 and is currently an Assistant Professor of Biology at The Citadel in Charleston, SC.

Dr. Amanda Clark received a BS in Molecular Biology from the UAB in 2013 and a PhD in Biology from Auburn University in 2022. Dr. Clark is performing her postdoctoral research under the mentorship of Brittany Lasseigne PhD, Professor of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, applying computational biology methodologies to improve understanding of patient-variant disease models.

Dr. Crowder received a BS and BS in 2007 from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, an MS in biology in 2010 from Northern Arizona University and her PhD in 2016 in Integrative biology from Oregon State University.  Dr. Crowder joined the MERIT Program in 2016 and performed postdoctoral research training with her MERIT Research Mentor, Dr. Matthew Might, Professor of Medicine and Director of the Hugh Kaul Precision Medicine Institute at UAB. Her work with Dr. Might focused upon understanding impact of educational resources on the lay-public’s perception of precision medicine. 

Dr. Crowder completed her teaching instruction with Dr. Diane Tucker, Professor of Psychology at UAB and member of the MERIT Executive Committee. Her teaching efforts included implementation of the Molecular Genetics Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (C.U.R.E) laboratory course for the UAB Sci-Tech Honors Program.  

Dr. Crowder completed her MERIT Program training in 2020. Currently, she serves as the Assistant Director of Education, Research and Science Communication for the Hugh Kaul Precision Medicine Institute and as Assistant Professor of Neurobiology at UAB.

Dr. Centdrika Dates received her BS in Biology from Alcorn State University in 2008, her MS in Biology from Jackson State University in 2010, and her PhD in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2015. Dr. Dates-Hurt joined the MERIT Program in 2015 and performed her research training with Drs. Markus Bredel and Susan Nozell in the Department of Radiation Oncology.  Her work examined the mechanisms that drive glioblastoma formation and treatment. As a MERIT Scholar At-Large, Dr. Dates-Hurt participated in teaching experiences at UAB, including workshop presentations in the UAB Undergraduate Research Workshop Series.

Dr. Dates-Hurt completed her MERIT Program training in 2019 and currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Biology at Birmingham Southern College.

Dr. González-Juarbe received his BS in microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo in 2011 and his PhD in immunology from University of Texas Health Sciences at San Antonio in 2016; he joined the MERIT Program that same year.  Dr. González-Juarbe performed his research training under the mentorship of Dr. Carlos Orihuela, Professor of Microbiology, examining novel cell death mechanisms induced by pathogenic bacteria. As a MERIT Scholar At-Large, Dr. González-Juarbe participated in teaching experiences at UAB, including workshop presentations to UAB undergraduates.

Dr. González-Juarbe completed his MERIT Program training in 2018.  Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor in the Infectious Disease and Genomics Medicine Division of the J. Craig Ventner Institute in Rockville, MD.

Dr. Tabitha Hardy received her BS in Biology Education from Alcorn State University in 2000, her MS in Biology from Jackson State University in 2004, and her Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from Indiana University School of Medicine in 2010. Dr. Hardy joined the MERIT Program in 2010 and performed her research training with Dr. Trygve Tollefsbol, Professor of Biology. Her research focused on dietary factors and epigenetic regulation of cancer.

Dr. Hardy's MERIT Teaching Mentor was Dr. O'Neal Wright, Assistant Professor of Natural Sciences at Stillman College. At Stillman College, she provided guest lectures and tutored undergraduates in several biology courses, including a new, laboratory in genetics. Dr. Hardy also taught classes and served as a lecturer in the UAB Department of Biology.  

Dr. Hardy completed her MERIT Program training in 2013; currently, she serves as Assistant Vice Chancellor of Graduate Education and Assistant Dean in the Graduate School at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis.

Dr. Marla Hertz received her BS in Microbiology from University of Maryland, College Park in 2006 and her Ph.D. in Microbiology from UAB in 2011; she joined the MERIT Program that same year. As a MERIT Scholar, Dr. Hertz performed her research training in the laboratory of Dr. Mary-Ann Bjornsti, Professor and Chair of Pharmacology and Toxicology. Her research focused on protein-protein interactions in DNA damage and replication.

Dr. Hertz's MERIT Teaching Mentor was Dr. Marlon Rhem, Professor of Chemistry at Oakwood University. At Oakwood, Dr. Hertz provided guest lectures and tutored undergraduates in chemistry. In addition, she developed and taught an introductory course in pharmacology and was instrumental in organizing a research workshop series for the Department of Chemistry at Oakwood.

Dr. Hertz completed her MERIT Program training in 2014. Currently, she is an Associate Professor and the Research Data Management Librarian at the UAB Libraries.

Dr. Vicky Huang received her BS in Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2005 and her PhD in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior from University of Texas at Austin in 2013; she joined the MERIT Program in 2015. Dr. Huang performed her research training with Dr. Farah Lubin, Associate Professor of Neurobiology, utilizing a zebra fish model to study the environmental influences on neuroepigenetic mechanisms during memory formation with aging.

Dr. Huang’s MERIT Teaching Mentor was Dr. Ken LaiHing, Professor and Chair of Chemistry at Oakwood University.  Under his mentorship, she taught Introductory Biochemistry and Introductory Chemistry. 

Dr. Huang completed her MERIT Program training in 2019 and currently serves as Scientist at Neogenomics Laboratories.

Dr. Keri Kemp received a BS in Biology from Kansas State University in 2001. Following experiences working in the conservation sector, she entered graduate studies earning an MS in Biology from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2011 and a PhD in Ecology from the University of Georgia in 2017. Dr. Kemp served as a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Pathology. She was co-mentored by Dr. Craig Maynard (Pathology), and Dr. Jennifer Pollock (Nephrology). Her research investigated how early life stress (ELS) increases the likelihood of subsequent inflammatory autoimmune diseases.

Dr. Kemp received teaching instruction with Dr. Sami Raut, Associate Professor of Biology at UAB. Under Dr. Raut's guidance, Dr. Kemp served as Instructor of the Bacterial Symbiosis Seminar Course for the UAB Honors College in Fall 2019. Dr. Kemp has also received a non-competing continuation of her NSF-funded PALM Fellowship Award, which provides small grant funds for the development of active learning resources.

Dr. Kemp completed her MERIT Program training in 2021 and currently serves as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine.

Dr. Melissa LaBonty received a BS in Biological Sciences from Ohio University in 2008. She was awarded a PhD in Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology from Tufts University in 2018. Dr. LaBonty performed her postdoctoral research under the mentorship of Dr. Brad Yoder, Professor and Chair of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, investigating mechanisms of ciliogenesis and cilia mediated signaling pathways in C. elegans.

Dr. LaBonty received teaching instruction from her MERIT Teaching Mentor, Dr. Heather Tinsley, Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Montevallo. To this end, she served as guest lecturer for Introductory Biology and Cell Biology courses at Montevallo. She also provided guest lectures and served as lab instructor for genetics courses at UAB.

Dr. LaBonty completed her MERIT Program training in 2021 and currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Biology at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, OR.

 Dr. Lewis received her BS in Chemistry at Alabama State University in 2009 and her PhD in Cancer Biology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2016; she joined the MERIT Program that same year. Dr. Lewis performed her research training in the lab of Dr. Nabiha Yusuf, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, where she investigated the roles of the innate immune system in breast cancer health disparities and in the development of skin cancer.

Under the guidance of her MERIT Teaching Mentor, Dr. Melissa Richardson, Associate Professor of Biology at Oakwood University, Dr. Lewis taught Anatomy and Physiology I and provided guest lectures in biology.

Dr. Lewis completed her MERIT Program training in 2019; currently, she serves as Instructor in the Department of Biology at the University of Montevallo.

Dr. Loyd received her BA in Microbiology from Miami University- Oxford in 2008 and her PhD in Pathobiology and Molecular Medicine from University of Cincinnati in 2014; she joined the MERIT Program in 2016. Dr. Loyd performed her research training under the mentorship of Dr. Cynthia J. Brown, Professor of Medicine and Director of the UAB Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging. Dr. Loyd’s research investigated hospital mobility in older adults and the effectiveness of a hospital walking intervention in promoting recovery of mobility status following hospitalization.

Under the guidance of her MERIT Teaching Mentor, Dr. Elaine Vanterpool, Professor and Chair of Biology at Oakwood University, Dr. Loyd taught Life Science II course and provided lectures in introductory biology.

Dr. Loyd completed her MERIT Program training in 2019. She is currently Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Dr. Matthew Madison received a BS in Biology from Southeastern University in 2013 and received a PhD in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine from the Baylor College of Medicine in 2019. Dr. Madison performed his postdoctoral research under the mentorship of Dr. Amit Gaggar, Professor of Medicine, investigating the role of neutrophil-derived proteolytic exosomes in smoke-related inflammation and pulmonary damage.
Dr. Madison received his teaching instruction with Dr. Brett Noerager, Professor of Biology at the University of Montevallo. In this role, Dr. Madison served as a guest lecturer for Human Anatomy and Immunology courses at Montevallo. 

Dr. Madison completed his MERIT Program training in 2022. He is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Dr. Keri Barksdale Mans received her BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Mississippi State University in 2004 and her Ph.D. in Neurobiology at UAB in 2010; she joined the MERIT Program that same year. As a MERIT scholar, Dr. Mans performed her research training in the laboratory of Dr. Rosalinda Roberts, Professor of Psychiatry. She utilized both rodent and human models to research structural and metabolic deficits that occur in the schizophrenic brain.

Dr. Mans' MERIT Teaching Mentor was Dr. Marion Fintel, Professor of Natural Sciences at Stillman College. At Stillman College, Dr. Mans created and taught a course in molecular biology, served as a guest lecturer, and mentored undergraduate thesis candidates.  

Dr. Mans completed her MERIT Program training in 2013. Currently, she serves as Associate Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences at Georgia Southern University Armstrong Campus.

Dr. Robert Mans received his BS in Neurobiological Sciences from the University of Florida in 2005 and his Ph.D. in Neurobiology from UAB in 2011; he joined the MERIT Program that same year. He performed his research training in the laboratory of Dr. Lori McMahon, Professor of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology. His research focused on mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Mans worked with Dr. Glenn Phillips, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Oakwood University, as his MERIT Teaching Mentor. At Oakwood, Dr. Mans provided guest lectures, tutored undergraduates, and taught an introductory course in biochemistry.  

Dr. Mans completed his MERIT Program training in 2014. Currently, he serves as Associate Professor of Biology at Georgia Southern University Armstrong Campus.

Dr. Kasi McPherson received a BS in Biology from the University of Louisiana in 2010 and an MS in Medical Sciences from Mississippi College in 2011. In 2017, she was awared a PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. McPherson is performing her postdoctoral research under the mentorship of Brittany Lasseigne, PhD, Assistant Professof ro Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, utilizing multipdimensional gemomic data and bioinformatics in disease modeling. 

Dr. Bre’ Minnifield received an MS in Biology from Virginia State in 2015 and a PhD in Genetics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2021. Dr. Minnifield is performing her postdoctoral research under the mentorship of Nicole Riddle, PhD, Associate Professor of Biology, examining the intersection of exercise biology, genomics, and quantitative genetics in the context of aging.

Dr. Michael Nelson received his BS in Biology from Cedarville University in 2005 and his PhD in Microbiology from UAB in 2012; he joined the MERIT Program that same year. He performed his research training with Dr. John Shacka, Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology. Dr. Nelson’s research focused on delineating the role of the lysosomal enzyme alpha galactosidase in regulating the clearance of alpha synuclein.

Dr. Nelson worked with Dr. Onesimus Otieno, Assistant Professor of Biology at Oakwood University, as his MERIT Teaching Mentor. At Oakwood, Dr. Nelson provided guest lectures, facilitated a journal club series, and taught a course in molecular biology techniques.

Dr. Nelson completed his MERIT Program training in 2015; he currently serves as Biosystem Technical Specialist for Nikon Instruments.

Dr. Latoya Paul received her BS in Biological Sciences from Southern University and A&M College in 2003 and her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Louisiana State University in 2010; she joined the MERIT Program in 2011. Dr. Paul performed her research training in the laboratory of Dr. Steve Watts, Professor of Biology, delineating the impact of environmental stressors on embryonic development. 

Dr. Paul worked with Dr. Marlon Rhem, Professor of Chemistry at Oakwood University, as her MERIT Teaching Mentor. For her training, Dr. Paul developed and taught an introductory neurobiology course at Stillman College.

Dr. Paul completed her MERIT Program training in 2014; currently, she serves as Assistant Professor of Biology at Our Lady of the Lake University.

Dr. Christina Morra received a BS in Genetic Engineering from Cedar Crest College in 2011 and, in 2019, was awarded a PhD in Molecular and Biomedical Science from the Baylor College of Medicine.

 Dr. Jessica Perez received her BS in Biology from Universidad de Puerto Rico- Recinto Universitario de Mayaguez in 2001 and her Ph.D. in Physiology and Biophysics from UAB in 2010; she joined the MERIT Program that same year. As a MERIT Scholar At-Large, she performed her research training with Dr. Rosa Serra, Professor of Cell Biology. Dr. Perez’s research focused on TGFβ signaling in chondrocytes.  

Dr. Perez performed her teaching experience in the Department of Natural Sciences at Stillman College with Dr. O’Neal Wright as her MERIT Teaching Mentor. Under his mentorship, she taught Introductory Biology. 

Dr. Perez completed her MERIT Program training in 2013; currently, she is a freelance medical writer.

Dr. Heather Ray received her BS in Biology from Oregon State University in 2006, followed by an MS in Biology from University of Texas at San Antonio in 2009 and her PhD in Cell, Stem Cell and Developmental Biology from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in 2016. Dr. Ray joined the MERIT Program in 2016 and completed her research training in the lab of Dr. Chenbei Chang, Professor of Cell, Development and Integrative Biology. Dr. Ray's research focused on the mechanisms of cell differentiation and migration using the frog Xenopus laevis as a model system, with an interest in how studies of early embryonic development can inform on adult disease mechanisms, such as cancer.

Dr. Ray completed her teaching experience with Dr. Mary Smith, Instructor of Natural Sciences at Lawson State Community College. For her training, Dr. Ray developed an Introductory Research course in partnership with UAB Honors College.

Dr. Ray completed her MERIT Program training in 2020. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor of Biology at Idaho State University.

Dr. Lisa Roberts received a BS in Kinesiology from Kansas State University in 2012 and an MS in Human Performance from the University of Florida in 2014. She was awarded a PhD in Biobehavioral Science in 2018 also from the University of Florida; she joined the MERIT Program that same year. Dr. Roberts performed her postdoctoral research under the mentorship of Dr. Thomas Buford, Associate Professor of Medicine elucidating mechanisms of exercise and aging.

Dr. Roberts worked with Dr. Elaine Vanterpool, Professor and Chair of Biology, at Oakwood University. Under her mentorship, Dr. Roberts served as guest lecturer for the General Microbiology course at Oakwood and provided guest lectures in graduate level Exercise Physiology courses. Dr. Roberts also served as Instructor of the Popular Science elective course for the UAB Honors College. 

Dr. Roberts completed her MERIT Program training in 2020; currently, she serves as a Lecturer of Biology at Boston University.

Dr. Will Ryan received a BS in Environmental Biology in 2007 and an MS in Biology in 2010 from California State University. He was awarded a PhD in Biology from Florida State University in 2017. Dr. Ryan performed his postdoctoral research under the mentorship of Dr. Stacey Krueger-Hadfield, Assistant Professor of Biology, elucidating mechanisms that drive eco-evolutionary mutations within a cancerous tumor at the cell-level.
In addition to his research efforts, Dr. Ryan was co-founder of the Florida State University Alumni Advisory Board for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Dr. Ryan received his teaching instruction with his MERIT Teaching Mentor, Dr. Christine Sestero, Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Montevallo and MERIT Scholar Alumnus. In this regard, he served as the Instructor of record for the Introduction to Biology for Non-Majors online/remote course in the Fall 2020 semester at Montevallo. Dr. Ryan also continued directing the Undergraduate Research Journal Club online for the UAB Department of Biology.

Dr. Ryan completed his MERIT Program training in 2022. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Biology at Towson State University in Towson, MD.

Dr. Ninecia Scott received BS degrees in Biology and Pharmaceutical Science from North Carolina Central University in 2013. She was awarded a PhD in Molecular Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis from Washington University in 2019. Dr. Scott performed her postdoctoral research under the mentorship of Dr. Carlos Orihuela, Professor of Microbiology, elucidating the role of neutrophils in severe pneumococcal infections.
In addition to her research efforts, Dr. Scott served as the founding President of the UAB Black Postdoctoral Association and was also an active member of the Black Microbiologist Association. She was recognized as a 2021 1,000 Inspiring Black Scientist in America (rising star) by Cell Mentor and as a Burroughs Wellcome Fund Postdoctoral 2021 Awardee.
Dr. Scott received her teaching instruction with Dr. Elaine Vanterpool, Professor and Chair of Biology, at Oakwood University. To this end, she has served as guest lecturer for the General Microbiology course at Oakwood.

Dr. Scott completed her MERIT Program training in 2022. She currently serves as a Leadership Policy Fellow at the CDC in Atlanta, GA.

Dr. Christine Sestero received her BS in Biology from The College of Idaho in 2000 and her PhD in Microbiology at Idaho State University in 2006. Following the receipt of her degree, Dr. Sestero began her Postdoctoral training in the laboratory of Dr. Chander Raman, Professor of Medicine at UAB, examining the role of T cell activation in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. In 2009, Dr. Sestero joined the MERIT Program as its first MERIT Scholar.

Her teaching mentor was Dr. Rosianna Gray, Professor and Chair of Natural Sciences at Stillman College, At Stillman College, Dr. Sestero provided guest lectures and tutored undergraduates in several biology courses; she also developed and conducted a new, advanced immunology course.

Dr. Sestero completed her MERIT Program training in 2012 and currently serves as an Associate Professor of Biology faculty at the University of Montevallo.

Dr. Walker received her BS in Biology from X in 2007 and her PhD in X from the University of Michigan in 2013; she joined the MERIT Program that same year. Dr. Walker performed her research training with Drs. Anupam Agarwal, Professor of Medicine, and James George, Professor of Surgery, examining the role of heme oxygenase in immune-mediated in post-transplant vascular disease and end-stage organ failure.

Under the mentorship of Dr. Mary Jane Krotzer, Dean of the Division of Arts and Sciences and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at Stillman College, Dr. Walker taught ‘General Chemistry’. 

Dr. Walker completed her MERIT Program training in 2016; currently, she is a Medical Writer for Salamandra, LLC.

Dr. Williams her BS in Biology from Tuskegee University in 2008, and her MS in Biology in 2010 as well as her PhD in Biological Sciences in 2014 from Tennessee State University; she joined the MERIT Program that same year. Dr. Williams completed her research training with Dr. Brian Sims, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, elucidating the mechanisms that underlie fetal brain injury.

Under the mentorship of Dr. Elaine Vanterpool, Professor and Chair of Biological Sciences at Oakwood University, Dr. Williams taught introductory biology and a new course, entitled ‘Introduction to Bacteriology’. 

Dr. Williams completed her MERIT Program training in 2018. Currently, serves as an Assistant Professor and Integrated Science Division Leader in the Department of Integrated Science at Virginia Tech.

Dr. Zimmerman received his BS in Biochemistry / Molecular Biology from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire in 2009 and his PhD in Pathology from UAB in 2014; he joined the MERIT Program that same year. He performed his research training with Dr. Brad Yoder, Professor and Chair of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, utilizing the C. elegans model system to define mechanisms of cilia-mediated signaling and disease.

Dr. Zimmerman worked with Dr. Corey Harrison, Assistant Professor of Natural Sciences at Stillman College, as his MERIT Teaching Mentor. As a MERIT Scholar At-Large, Dr. Zimmerman participated in teaching and mentoring experiences at Stillman College and UAB. 

Dr. Zimmerman completed his MERIT Program training in 2018. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor of Nephrology at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK.