Meet the Current Committee
& Our Past Committee Members
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Ashley Williams, MSc | PhD Student in Biology at Auburn
OurSTEMstory Chair and Speaker Contact I am a 4th year PhD student here at Auburn University. I investigate how mitochondria are affected by reproduction and how naturally acquired changes to their genome and function ultimately influence the longevity of female reproductive house mice and the onset of cellular senescence. To me, diversity and inclusion are necessary for success in anything. In biology and evolution, we generally observe biodiversity as a strength of a natural ecosystem. Everything unique and living thing in the system works together to contribute to the overall growth, health, and stability of the system. The same should be true metaphorically for STEM, but diversity and inclusion has not always been encouraged. As a member of an underrepresented group in STEM, I recognize this as an issue and want to increase diversity and inclusion to help promote research growth and breakthroughs. But more importantly, I want to help encourage and recognize the contributions underrepresented groups have made to STEM. OurSTEMstory is designed to educate and to show the truly diverse origins of STEM contributions and to address any unethical steps taken in the name of research at the cost of human life, liberty, and property. Visit Ashley's website at www.ashleyswilliams.com |
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Marie Strader, PhD | Research Assistant Professor in Biology at Auburn
OurSTEMstory Venue/Scheduling I am a marine molecular ecologist interested in mechanisms of organismal responses to the environment. I investigate how marine invertebrates respond to predicted changes in ocean environments from the level of genes to populations in an evolutionary ecology context. I am currently a research assistant professor at Auburn University's Department of Biological Sciences. I am a part of the DEI initiatives in our department to support inclusive science and perspectives of diverse groups. I am excited to help organize ourSTEMstory, which compels us to discuss current and historical ethical violations in STEM. The goal is to bring awareness to the systemic racism and sexism that has created the system of academia as it is today with the hope that we can work to shift the narrative. Visit Dr. Strader's website at mariestrader.weebly.com. |
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Rita Graze, PhD | Associate Professor in Biology at Auburn
OurSTEMstory Research and Materials I am an associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Auburn University. My research is focused on understanding the role of sex differences in gene regulation in evolution, from environmental and genetic variability within populations to divergence between species. We study the mechanisms that regulate sex differences in regulation and the contribution of these mechanisms to diversity in a variety of phenotypes which are sexually dimorphic, for example stress, immunity and aging. Our lab group uses Drosophila as a model system and a variety of transgenic and genomic experimental techniques, as well as statistical and bioinformatics analyses, are employed. There are large disparities in access to the benefits of scientific discovery, participating in science and scientific training and careers. Our lab group participates in programs that promote research experiences for undergraduate and high school students for people from communities that do not have fair access to these types of learning experiences. We love this work – but it has real limitations in terms of who gets to participate. It is my hope that OurSTEMstory will have a broad reach and engage faculty, students and the general public in a complete and truthful conversations about the contributions of people from diverse backgrounds to science, and the ways in which those contributions are made – both through participation and inclusion and the opposite, misuse and abuse done in the name of science. A fair and honest approach to the intersection of diversity, equity, inclusion and ethical conduct of science should motivate members of the scientific community to acknowledge and correct unethical actions, make amends and create systems that result in accountability and promote integrity and ethical conduct in research. Having conversations about ethics in science and working on ways to resolve ethical issues of science are a step toward ensuring equitable and fair access to science, including feeling that scientists are aware of and care about these issues, creating a welcoming scientific community, fair access to a fulfilling career in science, and environments that promote joy in the practice of science. Visit Dr. Graze's website at wp.auburn.edu/grazelab/. |
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Corinthia (Cori) Black, MS | PhD Candidate in Biology at Auburn
OurSTEMstory Marketing and Technology Cori Black served on the committee Fall 2020-Spring 2021. "I am a Ph.D. candidate at Auburn University in the Armbruster lab. My research investigates the evolution of form and function in fishes. I am particularly interested in how skeletal shape has diversified and what functional implications shape has in catfishes. Diversity and inclusion are personal to me, as I am a first-generation college student with a learning disability and LGBTQA+ identity. By creating a more inclusive environment, scientists increase originality and innovation in STEM. OurSTEMStory seeks to tell untold stories of underrepresented people who have shaped science, so we can better understand our history and give credit to the hidden people who have advanced science." Visit Cori's website at coriblack.weebly.com. |
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Chelsea Lawrence, Undergraduate Student | Organismal Biology Major &
Minor in Creative Writing OurSTEMstory Research & Analytics Hey, there! I am a Senior at Auburn University. My major is Organismal Biology, and I have a minor in Creative Writing and Technical Writing for Science Reports. As a first generation Jamaican, I know how important it is to have a diverse and inclusive community free from stereotypes and discrimination. Jamaica's national motto is "Out of many one people", which is the essence of diversity. We can only begin the path to a more expansive field of science and other subjects by embracing diversity. Contributions from people of different backgrounds, socioeconomic classes, and family histories will expand our knowledge in STEM. Diversity and inclusion have gained increased importance in recent years, but we still have a long way to go before racism's irreversible damage has been mitigated. The best way to create an inclusive environment is to examine the history and justifications for unequal care in the medical community and recognize each injustice in order to improve connections between all types of people. |
