Professor Renã AS Robinson
Professor Renã AS Robinson
Dorothy J. Wingfield Phillips Chair
Department of Chemistry
Vanderbilt University
Why DEI must not DIE?
As an underrepresented scientist at the intersection of various identities, I can attest that I have accomplished a lot in my career because of intentional efforts from programs, systems, and institutions that have supported me. My decision to become a faculty member in chemistry was rooted in altruism and the specific goal of ensuring marginalized students would have opportunities in my laboratory. Throughout my career this goal has manifested in various ways and in my professional activities has resulted in people, programs, and pathways that have worked towards diversity, equity, and inclusion. Regardless of what these principles are called, the fact remains that everyone deserves a chance to pursue STEM and especially to the highest levels. Should we all let DEI die, then, decades’ worth of effort that has made tangible impact in many people’s lives will be wasted. And importantly, the STEM ecosystem which directly benefits everyone in our nation will be upheaved placing us all in grave danger of not realizing the full benefit that comes with prioritizing DEI in the chemical enterprise. This presentation will give some examples of how I have contributed to DEI in my journey and perspectives on why we cannot let it die.
Renã AS Robinson
Dr. Renã A. S. Robinson, Professor of Chemistry at Vanderbilt University and inaugural Dorothy J. Wingfield Phillips Chair, received her B.S. in Chemistry with concentration in Business and Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry. She has a nationally and internationally recognized research program and is a leader in the field of proteomics for her work in aging, Alzheimer’s disease, and applications relevant to human health. Her laboratory is especially focused on advancing proteomics and lipidomics technologies to promote health equity in Alzheimer’s disease. Renã serves as the Immediate Past President of NOBCChE (National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers) where she led the organization through tremendous growth in membership, programming, funding, and overall outreach of URMs in STEM. She is the former faculty advisor for the Nashville Student and Professional Chapter of NOBCChE, and currently Co- Director for the Faculty ACCESS Program, and Board Member-at-Large for the US Human Proteome Organization.
Hosted by Rowan Matney
