Becoming Dr. Clintoria Williams – My Journey Through Science

Mentoring Career: As an undergraduate student at Clark Atlanta University, my biology lab courses sparked my passion for science and the intriguing unanswered questions it holds. This led me to join a microbiology lab, where my skills earned me recognition and a prestigious NIH-funded fellowship (MARC U*STAR), shaping me as a future biomedical leader. Pursuing a doctorate in Cellular & Molecular Physiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, I became aware of health disparities and the lack of minority representation in research. This motivated me to commit to outreach and professional service to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in science.

 

Outreach Activities: My 16-year journey of ‘lifting while climbing’ began with a K-12 Minority Outreach Fellowship from the American Physiological Society. Through this, I received formal science outreach training and engaged with local elementary students. I created in-class activities to introduce them to scientific concepts and served as a relatable role model, encouraging them to ask questions about a scientist’s life. I also participated in career day panels and judged science fairs, inspiring young minds and showing them the potential to become scientists.

 

Professional Service: As my career advanced, I deepened my commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in science. During my postdoctoral fellowship at Emory University, I co-founded the Postdoctoral Council for Diversity, supporting underrepresented minority postdocs. This network provided vital professional support and remains active. As a faculty member at Wright State University, I established a research program mentoring minority high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, helping them explore animal studies and kidney disease research through programs like STEP-UP, LSAMP, and ASK. Nationally, I contribute to diversity efforts on committees for the American Physiological Society and the American Society of Nephrology. To address underrecognition of minority scientists, I co-founded and currently lead Black in Physiology Inc, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Black Physiologists and inspiring the next generation of researchers in physiology.

 

Research: The opportunities and experiences I’ve gathered have built a strong foundation for my independent biomedical research career. What’s especially rewarding is my role in diversifying the scientific community. I’m now in a position to provide opportunities for minority students to explore biomedical research, similar to the mentorship I received at CAU. In my research lab, I actively teach, mentor, and coach students. Many of them have earned scholarships, internships, and fellowships, won scientific poster awards, received travel grants to national meetings, and contributed significantly to publications. I’m starting to see the impact of my efforts and am eager to collaborate with others to further enhance diversity, inclusion, and equity in science.