Dr. Nikea Pittman of Neher lab joins the executive board for the Black Microbiologists Association (BMA), a rising non-profit organization that expands upon the success of Black in Microbiology week.
Dr. Nikea Pittman is a SPIRE postdoctoral fellow in the Neher lab within Biochemistry and Biophysics. She utilizes cryo-electron microscopy to investigate enzymes involved in reactive chlorine resistance (Rcl), which enable Gram-negative bacteria to evade oxidative stress. Her personal goals include combining her roles as a structural biologist and STEM educator, in order to advocate for scientists that are historically marginalized in STEM training programs and professions. Through these efforts Dr. Pittman has been highlighted at the national and international level, including an invited interview for Nature that presents actionable goals for scientists to pursue anti-racism in academia.
Dr. Pittman facilitated the launch of Black In Microbiology week, an inaugural week-long event attracting more than 2,500 participants from 49 different countries. The virtual conference hosted invited speakers and panelists from all sub-disciplines of microbiology. Now, we recognize Dr. Pittman’s most recent honor, as she joins the executive board for the Black Microbiologists Association (BMA), a rising non-profit organization that expands upon the success of Black in Microbiology week. Dr. Pittman will serve in the role of secretary for the upcoming year. In this way, she will continue to amplify the voices of Black microbiologists from around the globe.
Associated press, publication, and website:
New York Times | Black Microbiologists Push for Visibility Amid a Pandemic (9/28/2020)
Introducing the Black Microbiologists Association – The Lancet Microbe (2/16/2021)
If you would like to become a member or affiliate member (ally) of the BMA, you may visit blackinmicrobiology.org to complete the membership form and learn more.
Twitter account for Black in Microbiology