Aurora Marie Washington
Professional Profile
I am a PhD Candidate in the Biotechnology program where I currently study toxicity testing of environmental compounds in species-specific three- dimensional in vitro central nervous system platforms. My scientific background includes assay optimization, peripheral nervous system cultures, NASA bioreactors, nanoparticle synthesis and application for hyper-thermal therapy, as well as international public health. My professional interests also include STEM engagement for underrepresented groups and diversity, equity and inclusion for Black, Indigenous and People of Color in STEM, medicine and therapeutics. (CV is available upon request)
Education
2017 - Present
Doctoral (Ph.D)
Biotechnology
Brown University
2016 - 2017
Post- Baccalaureate
Neuroscience
Brown University
2012 - 2016
Bachelor's of Science
Biology
(Magna Cum Laude)
Tougaloo College
2010 - 2012
Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (High School)
I study in a Tissue Engineering lab where I investigate the response of species-specific three- dimensional in vitro central nervous system platforms to environmental toxicants. In addition to research, courses and conferences, in the summer of 2019, 2020 and 2021 I worked as a STEM workshop leader for Leadership Alliance. I also stay engaged by participating on committees, serving as a graduate student representative for the Carney Institute for Brain Sciences and volunteering with organizations affiliate with Brown and also separate entities.
As a post- baccalaureate scholar I received a foundation of experiences and skills necessary to be successful graduate students in PhD programs. This was achieved using two principal components: (1) an independent research project and (2) graduate coursework.
I matriculated through Tougaloo as a Presidential Scholar. I was also a Jackson Heart Study scholar where I took special courses and participated in research during the academic year to prepare me for a career in STEM. I also participated in research through summer internships and volunteered in with multiple organizations.
MSMS is a residential high school for academically talented juniors and seniors in the state of MS. Students are selected via application and interview process and are the top 5% in their graduating class in the state..
Featured Media
The Reede Scholars "Health Equity and Microaggressions in Academia and Medicine"
Leadership Alliance- Navigating Fellowships & Graduate School Finances- Moderator
Brown Daily Herald: Carney Graduate Student Award
2015 Emerging Researchers National Conference in STEM
2021 Carney Graduate Student Award
