The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has selected two Duke University School of Medicine doctoral students and their advisers among a cohort of 45 to receive Gilliam Fellowships. The Gilliam Fellowships for Advanced Study program provides awards to pairs of students and their dissertation advisers who are selected for their scientific leadership and commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in the sciences.
HHMI created the Gilliam program in 2004 in honor of the late James H. Gilliam, Jr., a charter trustee of HHMI who spent his life nurturing excellence and diversity in science and education. The Gilliam program seeks to increase the diversity of scientists at the college and university faculty level by supporting students who will become scientific leaders, says David Asai, HHMI's senior director for science education.
Brianna Davis
Thesis Advisor: John Rawls
Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
Nina Marie Garcia
Thesis Adviser: James Alvarez
Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology
For up to three years, each adviser-student pair will receive an annual award totaling $50,000. Advisers will participate in a year of mentor training, where they'll learn about cultural identities and how to listen and engage across cultures.