Barton discovered that DNA conducts electric current but not as well — or not at all — when its tight organization is disrupted by damage from certain chemicals or mutations. That finding should allow researchers to look for mutations, using chips made of strands of DNA attached to gold on silicon wafers. Barton is investigating whether nature has developed tactics to cope with such damage: “Are there important sites that are insulated? Where are electrons funneled? This makes us think about DNA in an entirely new way.”

Maryam Zaringhalam Ph.D. – Was a molecular biologist (studying RNA biology), but is now devoted to working with science policy. She has completed her Ph.D. in 2017 at Rockefeller University, and is currently based out of D.C. She manages a blog and advocates that science should be, “open, inclusive, and accessible by dismantling racism, patriarchy, and oppressive societal norms.”

Valerie Thomas is an African American scientist and inventor best known for her patented illusion transmitter and contributions to NASA research.

Gabriel Fernández-Cuervo, Ph.D. – A chemical biology scientist who received the majority of her training in Puerto Rico. She is currently based out of San Francisco, California, but we could potentially use Zoom as a resource to contact her?? She is mainly focused on addressing biological questions that could improve global health with concentration in underdeveloped communities.

Barbara Ross-Lee, D.O., was the first African American woman to be appointed dean of an American medical school

Anila Yadavalli Ph.D. – A MathCEP Assistant Professor in the School of Mathematics at the University of Minnesota who teaches math to students and tries to make it enjoyable for people who struggle in that area.

Dr. Rebecca Crumpler was the first African American woman to earn an M.D. degree.  Her ‘Book of Medical Discourses’ is one of the very first medical publications by an African American.

Mary “Missy” Cummings – A professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University Pratt School of Engineering. She was also one of the Navy’s first female fighter pilots and now works with brain sciences and robotics.

Teal Potter – A soil ecologist who studies farming practices and how the microbial communities impact the success of crops. She is based out of Washington State, but could potentially be contacted virtually as well.

Lesley Jonas-Nartey – A technology delivery lead and consultant who assists businesses as they adjust to new, more innovative ways of working. She also works alongside the healthcare system to help solve problems.