Workforce Diversity Success Stories

From Potential to Action: NINDS Awardees Navigate Diverse Paths to Success

Here we highlight outstanding neuroscientists who have used NINDS programs to become successful researchers in their field. Below, find personal stories of current and former trainees that showcase the benefits of various NINDS programs in the context of scientific careers and get real-world examples of how NINDS programs could help you.

2024 Success Stories

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Dr. Laura Cocas, Ph.D.
Following Your Passion and Excitement

Predoctoral NRSA Fellowship (F31)
T32 Training Grant
Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) Program (R15)
NIH Loan Repayment Program

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Dr. Xilma R Ortiz-González, MD, Ph.D.
Embracing the Journey

NRSA Fellowship for Dual-Doctoral Degree (F30)
T32 Training Grant
Neurological Sciences Academic Development Award (K12) [No longer available]
Independent Research Scientist Development Award (K02)

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Dr. Nathan Anthony Smith, MS, Ph.D.
Mentoring the Next Generation in Neuroscience

Predoctoral NRSA Fellowship (F31)
T32 Training Grant
IPERT Program (R25)
Faculty Development Award (K01)
Broadening the Representation of Academic Investigators in NeuroScience (BRAINS)
Mentoring Institute for Neuroscience Diversity Scholars (MINDS)

Past Success Stories

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Eduardo Candelario-Jalil, Ph.D.

Successfully transitioning to independence

Research Supplements to Promote Diversity
Grant Writing Workshop for Diversity Investigators

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Daniel Colón-Ramos, Ph.D.

Serving the community as a scientist

Research Supplements to Promote Diversity
Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00)

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Julia Dallman, Ph.D.

Thriving in the face of life’s curve balls

NINDS Faculty Development Award (K01) [No longer supports re-entry; instead consider Research Supplements to Promote Re-Entry]

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Rachel Dreilinger, B.S.

Make a difference by honoring your strength

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II (R44)

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Ukpong Eyo, Ph.D.
Surround yourself with a supportive network

T32 Training Grant
NINDS K22 Award [No longer available, instead consider the MOSAIC K99/R00 Award]

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Brielle Ferguson, Ph.D.
Developing resiliency to overcome obstacles

Predoctoral NRSA Fellowship (F31)
NINDS Postdoctoral NRSA Fellowship (F32)
NIH BRAIN Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00)

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Michelle Gray, Ph.D.

Leveraging your strengths into a robust research program

Minority Biomedical Research Support (comprised of the RISE, SCORE, and IMSD programs)
Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC)
Predoctoral NRSA Fellowship (F31)
Postdoctoral Institutional Training Grant (T32)
NINDS Faculty Development Award (K01)

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Corey Harwell, Ph.D.

Mentorship makes a difference

Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC)
NINDS Faculty Development Award (K01)

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Franck Kalume, Ph.D.

Follow your passion, persevere, and seek the best possible training

NINDS Faculty Development Award (K01)
Grant Writing Workshop for Diversity Investigators
Broadening the Representation of Academic Investigators in NeuroScience (BRAINS)

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Zayd Khaliq, Ph.D.

Making a career at the frontiers of human knowledge

Predoctoral NRSA Fellowship (F31)
Neuroscience Scholars Program
NINDS Intramural Investigator

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Naomi Lee, Ph.D.

Building my identity as a Native American scientist

NIH Intramural Postdoctoral Fellowship
Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award (IRACDA)
Native Investigator Development Program

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Joaquin Lugo, Ph.D.

Leveraging opportunities to define your career path

Predoctoral NRSA Fellowship (F31)
Neuroscience Scholars Program
Postdoctdoctoral NRSA Fellowship (F32)
Grant Writing Workshop for Diversity Investigators
Broadening the Representation of Academic Investigators in NeuroScience (BRAINS)
Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) Program (R15)

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Susan Marino, Ph.D.

The benefits of an unconventional path

Postdoctdoctoral NRSA Fellowship (F32)
Research Supplements to Promote Re-Entry
NINDS Faculty Development Award (K01)

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Cassie Mitchell, Ph.D.

Believe in yourself, take risks, and never give up

NINDS Faculty Development Award (K01)

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Edjah K. Nduom, M.D.

From bench to bedside and back: balancing a career in medicine and science

NINDS Clinical Fellowship

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Ketema Paul, Ph.D.

Following your passions: creativity and science go hand-in-hand

Predoctoral NRSA Fellowship (F31)

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Azizi Seixas, Ph.D.

Addressing inequality through multidisciplinary training and research

NHLBI PRIDE Program
Research Supplements to Promote Diversity
Faculty Development Award (K01)

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Alexis N. Simpkins, M.D., Ph.D.

Integrating scientific and clinical practice

Predoctoral Institutional Training Grant (T32)
Predoctoral NRSA Fellowship (F31)
NINDS R25 Research Education Program for Residents and Fellows in Neurology and Neurosurgery
NIH Intramural Postdoctoral Fellowship
NIH Intramural Loan Repayment Program
NINDS R25 TRANSCENDS program

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Catrina Sims-Robinson, Ph.D.

Embracing opportunities for growth to become a better scientist

NINDS Faculty Development Award (K01)
Grant Writing Workshop for Diversity Investigators

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Mariana Torrente, Ph.D.

Finding your path to a fulfilling career

Postdoctdoctoral NRSA Fellowship (F32)
Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award (IRACDA)
NINDS Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award (K22)

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Audrey Winkelsas, DPhil
Serving my community through translational research

NINDS Intramural Research Program (NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program)

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Tyisha Williams, Ph.D.

Succeeding as a scientist at a primarily undergraduate institution

Grant Writing Workshop for Diversity Investigators
Broadening the Representation of Academic Investigators in NeuroScience (BRAINS)
Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) Program (R15)

Contact

Michelle Jones-London, Ph.D.
Chief, Office of Programs to Enhance Neuroscience Workforce Diversity
jonesmiche@ninds.nih.gov

Marguerite Matthews, Ph.D.
Scientific Program Manager
marguerite.matthews@nih.gov

Lauren Ullrich, Ph.D.
Program Director
lauren.ullrich@nih.gov

Jenny Kim, Ph.D.
Health Program Specialist
jenny.kim2@nih.gov

News and Events

News

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Events

Strengthening a Neural Network: Pathways for Institutional Change Regarding Diversity and Inclusion
April 29 - 30, 2019

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Podcast

Building Up the Nerve is a podcast for neuroscience trainees that takes you through the life cycle of a grant from idea to award.