Diversity Supplement Program Paves the Way for Talented Researchers

“I hope that one day I’m able to increase our understanding of evolution, and I also hope to increase access to research. I want others to know that this space is open to people who look like me, who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, and who are underrepresented in the sciences,” says Nkrumah Grant, Ph.D., a postdoctoral research associate (postdoc) in microbiology and molecular genetics at Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing. Dr. Grant’s work receives support from the NIGMS Diversity Supplement Program (DSP), which is designed to improve the recruitment and training of promising researchers from diverse backgrounds. Diversifying the scientific workforce can lead to new approaches to research questions, increased recruitment of diverse volunteers for clinical studies, an improved capacity to address health disparities, and many other benefits. Dr. Grant and two other NIGMS DSP-supported researchers—Parmila Kafley and Karen Juanez—share their work, challenges, and advice for future scientists with us. Back on the Right Path Credit: Courtesy of Dr. Nkrumah Grant. Even when Dr. Grant was a child, nature and the sciences intrigued him. Much to his mom’s dismay, he loved to collect bugs and bring them home. But as he neared adulthood, he dropped out of high school and lost sight of his love for science. Dr. Grant’s mom encouraged him to complete his high school education, and he eventually recognized the wisdom in her advice and ...
Source: Biomedical Beat Blog - National Institute of General Medical Sciences - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Being a Scientist Diseases Microbes Profiles Training Source Type: blogs