Black History in Genetics
Trailblazers, Pioneers, and Leaders in Genetics
Overview
Introduction
This showcase of trailblazing Black pioneers, leaders, and unsung heroes is here to remind you that you are not alone. The people shown here come from small towns and big cities, were first generation college students and legacies, and while some were gifted, others leaned on faith and resilience to push for change.
Though this list does not capture everyone, it represents the mark African Americans and meaning-makers of African descent have made on the field genetics. Their stories are here to inspire you and to provide the representation you may have struggled to find. Because of them, we can. This is for you.
Educator
Doris C. Withers, EdD
Dr. Withers is an emerita Professor of Biology and Education. "Emerita" means that while Dr. Withers is retired, she still retains the title and honor of professor. Dr. Withers focused her efforts on genetic literacy and genealogy during her career.
She was born in Newport News, Virginia.
Educator
Tracy L. Johnson, PhD
Dr. Tracy Johnson is a Keith and Cecelia Teraski Presidential Endowed Chair, Professor of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, and Dean of the College of Life Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Her research focuses on gene regulation (how the cell controls genes), RNA processing (how RNA is formed and maintained), and chromatin modification (a key mechanism of gene expression).
Dr. Johnson calls the state of California "home."
Educator
Shawneequa L. Callier, MA, JD
Shawneequa L. Callier is a lawyer, bioethicist, and legal scholar of the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of genetic research.
She teaches bioethics (ethics applied to biology, health, and technology) as a tenured professor in Washington, DC.
Shawneequa went to high school in Queens, New York and has studied across the globe, in Australia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom!
Educator
Jason Williams, BS
Jason Williams is an outreach educator specializing in bioinformatics and workforce diversity. He studied biology at Stony Brook University and did research in plant phylogenetics and systematics.
Jason is a scientist without a PhD. He has written that humility is part of the reason he has not obtained this degree.
He was born in Long Island, New York, enjoys pop music, and can navigate the NYC subways by smell!
Educator
Ambroise Wonkam, MD, DMedSc, PhD
Dr. Ambroise Wonkam is a Professor of Medical Genetics and Henry J. Knott Director of the McKusick-Nathans Institute and Department of Genetic Medicine at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Wonkam is from Cameroon and studies sickle cell disease, ethics, and hearing loss.
Interestingly, he didn’t always know he wanted to become a geneticist!
Educator
Charmaine E. Royal, PhD, MS
Dr. Charmaine E. Royal is a Robert O. Keohane Professor of African & African American Studies, Biology, Global Health, and Family Medicine & Community Health at Duke University in North Carolina.
Dr. Royal is a scholar of race and genetics, as well as the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of genetic research.
Educator
Shawneequa L. Callier, MA, JD
Shawneequa L. Callier is a lawyer, bioethicist, and legal scholar of the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of genetic research.
She teaches bioethics (ethics applied to biology, health and technology) as a tenured professor in Washington, DC.
Shawneequa went to high school in Queens, New York and has studied across the globe, in Australia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom!
Educator
Jason Williams, BS
Jason Williams is an outreach educator specializing in bioinformatics and workforce diversity. He studied biology at Stony Brook University and did research in plant phylogenetics and sytematics.
Jasonn is a scientist without a PhD. He has written that humility is part of the reason he has not obtained a degree.
Educator
Ambroise Wonkam, MD, DMedSc, PhD
Dr. Ambroise Wonkam is a Professor of Medical Genetics and Henry J. Knott Director of the McKusick-Nathans Institute and Department of Genetic Medicine at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Wonkam is from Cameroon and studies sickle cell disease, ethics, and hearing loss.
Interestingly, he didn't always know he wanted to become a geneticist!