Ninecia Scott, Ph.D.
Ninecia Scott, Ph.D., was a dedicated postdoctoral researcher in the UAB Department of Microbiology with a notable academic background.
She earned her B.S. degrees in pharmaceutical sciences and biology from North Carolina Central University, historically black college and/or university (HBCU), and later completed her Ph.D. in molecular microbiology and microbial pathogenesis at Washington University in St. Louis, focusing on the immune system's impact on pulmonary Tuberculosis infections.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Dr. Scott has taken on leadership roles, founding UAB's Black Postdoctoral Association and holding an advisory position. She is also a co-founder, executive board member, and programming director of the Black Microbiologist Association, showcasing her commitment to community involvement.
Following her Ph.D., Scott pursued post-doctoral research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where she delved into the study of Streptococcus pneumoniae invasion, particularly in relation to heart-related issues and their role in cardiac injury.
Reflecting on her time at UAB, Scott shares, "I solidified science, community service, and advocacy as my lifelong purpose at UAB. While in lab, I became an independent and grant-funded scientist and trained future science professionals at UAB and Oakwood University. Through advocacy and community service, I met three impactful Black women -Drs. Paulette Dilworth, Jessica Scoffield, and Kristen Allen-Watts. Dr. Dilworth encouraged and shared valuable wisdom. Dr. Jessica Scoffield, the only Black professor in the Department of Microbiology, served as an ideal scientist, a proud HBCU alum, and a mentor. Dr. Allen-Watts showcased complementary leadership and interdisciplinary collaboration. Grateful to UAB and these women because they’ve profoundly influenced my journey.”
Scott currently serves as a Laboratory Leadership Fellow within the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases and the Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Throughout her scientific career, she has been actively advocating for diversity in science and microbiology, earning numerous awards for her contributions. She was recognized as a 2021 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Postdoctoral Enrichment Program Fellow and was honored as one of the "1,000 Inspiring Black Scientists" by Cell Mentor. Additionally, she was acknowledged as one of the "7 women scientists in Birmingham you need to know."
She continues her active involvement in these initiatives as the Georgia ASM Young Ambassador within ASM, a mentor in the Future Leaders Mentoring Fellowship, and a member of the Subcommittee on Minority Education.