At ARCS Foundation Oregon, we know that diverse perspectives fuel groundbreaking discoveries. Our mission is to support exceptional scholars shaping the future of research and innovation. This Black History Month, we reaffirm our dedication to fostering a more inclusive scientific community by celebrating Black researchers whose pioneering work is transforming medicine, neuroscience, and bioengineering.
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett: Developing and Leading Development of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett is a prominent immunologist known for her critical role in the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. As a lead scientist at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), she played a key role in designing the mRNA-based vaccine, which became one of the first and most effective vaccines against COVID-19. Her lab at Harvard leads research in viral immunology and vaccine development that has had a significant impact on global public health, helping to curb the pandemic and save millions of lives. She is currently working on a universal influenza vaccine, which just completed Phase 1 clinical trials. Beyond her scientific contributions, Dr. Corbett is a strong advocate for science communication and equity in healthcare, working to build trust in vaccines, particularly in marginalized communities, and to bring more students of color into research science.
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Dr. Jaimie Marie Stewart: Personalized Medicine with Programmable RNA Materials
Dr. Jaimie Marie Stewart leads the Programmable RNA Materials Laboratory, where she explores how RNA structures can be designed and engineered for medical and technological applications. Her work has significant potential for developing targeted drug delivery systems, advancing gene therapy, and driving innovations in regenerative medicine. By creating these programmable RNA structures, Dr. Stewart's work could lead to more precise and effective treatments for a variety of diseases, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing personalized medicine.
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Dr. Gerald Downes: Advancing Epilepsy Research with Zebrafish Models
At the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Dr. Gerald Downes studies the genetic and neural mechanisms that control movement using zebrafish as a model system. His research has been instrumental in understanding seizure disorders, providing critical insights into epilepsy and neurometabolic conditions. By identifying genes and pathways that regulate neural activity, Dr. Downes' work paves the way for new therapeutic approaches, offering hope to individuals living with neurological disorders.
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Dr. Bianca Jones Marlin: Understanding the Neuroscience of Inherited Trauma
Dr. Bianca Jones Marlin, a neuroscientist at Columbia University's Zuckerman Institute, investigates how life experiences can shape genetic expression across generations. Her research focuses on the biological mechanisms underlying parental behaviors and how trauma may be passed down epigenetically. These findings have profound implications for mental health in our communities, potentially leading to interventions that support resilience in families affected by stress and adversity.
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These scientists exemplify how cutting-edge research translates into real-world benefits, improving healthcare and deepening our understanding of life at the molecular and neurological levels. They stand as leaders in a field where diverse perspectives drive innovation, continuing the legacy of Black scientists whose contributions have shaped the world.
At ARCS Foundation Oregon, we celebrate the transformative power of scientific research and the diverse voices driving discovery. Join us in supporting the next generation of innovators!
