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Neikirk K, Vue Z, Vue N, Barongan T, Vang C, Beasley HK, Marshall AG, Kirabo A, Wanajalla CN, Smith N, Morton D, Shuler HD, Hinton A. Disparities in funding for Nobel Prize awards in medicine and physiology across nationalities, races, and gender. J Cell Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38225913 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Since 1901, the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine has been awarded to numerous individuals for their outstanding contributions. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the Nobel Prize recipients, focusing on gender, race, and nationality. We observe that an alarming disparity emerges when we examine the underrepresentation of Black scientists among Nobel laureates. Furthermore, trends in nationalities show how Americans make up the majority of Nobel Prize winners, while there is a noticeable lack of gender and racial minority winners of the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine. Together, this highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in scientific achievement. We offer suggestions and techniques, including funding opportunities and expanding nominators, to improve the gender, racial, and geographical diversity of Nobel Prizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Neng Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Taylor Barongan
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Chia Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Heather K Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Andrea G Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Annet Kirabo
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Nathan Smith
- Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Derrick Morton
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, California, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Haysetta D Shuler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
- Shuler Consulting, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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2
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Neikirk K, Barongan T, Shao B, Spencer EC, Kabugi K, Conley Z, Vang L, Vue M, Vang N, Garza-Lopez E, Crabtree A, Alexander S, Beasley HK, Marshall AG, Killion M, Stephens D, Owens B, Martinez D, Palavicino-Maggio CB, Jenkins F, Vang C, Morton DJ, Shuler H, Murray SA, Damo S, Vue Z, Hinton Jr A. A pilot study on our non-traditional, varied writing accountability group for historically excluded and underrepresented persons in STEMM. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22335. [PMID: 38144282 PMCID: PMC10746396 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Underrepresented faculty have higher burnout rates and lower grant attainment rates when compared with their non-minority counterparts. Many in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) disciplines, including underrepresented individuals, often have difficulty dedicating time to the writing process, with trainees often being relegated to laboratory tasks in their training years, resulting in a lack of practice in academic writing. Notably, past studies have shown that grant attainment rates of underrepresented individuals are lower than their majority counterparts. Here, we sought to consider a mechanism targeted to underrepresented individuals, although applicable to everyone, to help overcome traditional barriers to writing in STEMM. The authors have hosted a writing accountability group (WAG) that uniquely provides a format focused on physical activity and different forms of writing to strengthen both career development and award/funding attainment. Our objectives were to evaluate this unique format, thus creating a resource for individuals and institutions to learn about WAGs and expand upon the framework to formulate their own WAG. To do this, we performed a small pilot study (n = 21) to investigate attitudes towards the WAG. We present the results of a survey conducted among underrepresented WAG participants, which spanned different career stages and was highly diverse demographically. Our results show that following attendance of our WAG, individuals did not note a significant change in scales pertaining to John Henryism (high-effort coping), resilience, sense of belonging, or grit. However, significant increases were noted in the self-perceived ability to handle stress, confidence in applying for awards, appreciation for mentoring, and satisfaction of WAGs. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that our unique WAG format can have some positive results as a career and writing development opportunity and may be able to support underrepresented individuals in attaining funding at higher education institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Taylor Barongan
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Bryanna Shao
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Elsie C. Spencer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kinutha Kabugi
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Zachary Conley
- Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach, Department of Teaching and Learning, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Larry Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mein Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Nancy Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Amber Crabtree
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Stefanie Alexander
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Heather K. Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Andrea G. Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mason Killion
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Dominique Stephens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Beverly Owens
- Department of Chemistry, Cleveland Early College High School, Shelby, NC, USA
| | - Denise Martinez
- Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Felysha Jenkins
- Department of Basic Sciences, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Chia Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Counseling Department, New Highlands University, Las Vegas, NM, USA
| | - Derrick J. Morton
- Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science, Pasadena, CA, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Haysetta Shuler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Sandra A. Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Steven Damo
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Antentor Hinton Jr
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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Marshall AG, Vue Z, Beasley HK, Neikirk K, Stephens D, Wanjalla CN, Damo SM, Trejo J, Rodriguez-Aliaga P, Headley CA, Shuler H, Liu K, Smith N, Garza-Lopez E, Barongan T, Scudese E, Spencer E, Heemstra J, Vazquez AD, Murray SA, Hinton A. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Laboratory: Strategies to Enhance Inclusive Laboratory Culture. Mol Cell 2023; 83:3766-3772. [PMID: 37922871 PMCID: PMC10986851 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Building a diverse laboratory that is equitable is critical for the retention of talent and the growth of trainees professionally and personally. Here, we outline several strategies including enhancing understanding of cultural competency and humility, establishing laboratory values, and developing equitable laboratory structures to create an inclusive laboratory environment to enable trainees to achieve their highest success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea G Marshall
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Zer Vue
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Heather K Beasley
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Dominique Stephens
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Celestine N Wanjalla
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Steven M Damo
- Center Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA; Fisk University, Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Nashville, TN 37208 USA
| | - JoAnn Trejo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | | | - Colwyn Ansel Headley
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Haysetta Shuler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Winston-Salem State University; Winston-Salem, NC 27110 USA
| | - Kaihua Liu
- Department of Anatomy of Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Nathan Smith
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Taylor Barongan
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Estevão Scudese
- Laboratory of Biosciences of Human Motricity (LABIMH) of the Federal University of State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro Brazil; Sport Sciences and Exercise Laboratory (LaCEE), Catholic University of Petrópolis (UCP), Brazil
| | - Elsie Spencer
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 USA
| | - Jennifer Heemstra
- Washington University in St. Louis, Department of Chemistry, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Arnaldo Diaz Vazquez
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
| | - Sandra A Murray
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Cell Biology, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA.
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN 37232 USA.
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Vue Z, Neikirk K, Vang L, Garza-Lopez E, Christensen TA, Shao J, Lam J, Beasley HK, Marshall AG, Crabtree A, Anudokem J, Rodriguez B, Kirk B, Bacevac S, Barongan T, Shao B, Stephens DC, Kabugi K, Koh HJ, Koh A, Evans CS, Taylor B, Reddy AK, Miller-Fleming T, Actkins KV, Zaganjor E, Daneshgar N, Murray SA, Mobley BC, Damo SM, Gaddy JA, Riggs B, Wanjalla C, Kirabo A, McReynolds M, Gomez JA, Phillips MA, Exil V, Dai DF, Hinton A. Three-dimensional mitochondria reconstructions of murine cardiac muscle changes in size across aging. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H965-H982. [PMID: 37624101 PMCID: PMC10977873 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00202.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
With sparse treatment options, cardiac disease remains a significant cause of death among humans. As a person ages, mitochondria breakdown and the heart becomes less efficient. Heart failure is linked to many mitochondria-associated processes, including endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial bioenergetics, insulin signaling, autophagy, and oxidative stress. The roles of key mitochondrial complexes that dictate the ultrastructure, such as the mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS), in aging cardiac muscle are poorly understood. To better understand the cause of age-related alteration in mitochondrial structure in cardiac muscle, we used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and serial block facing-scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) to quantitatively analyze the three-dimensional (3-D) networks in cardiac muscle samples of male mice at aging intervals of 3 mo, 1 yr, and 2 yr. Here, we present the loss of cristae morphology, the inner folds of the mitochondria, across age. In conjunction with this, the three-dimensional (3-D) volume of mitochondria decreased. These findings mimicked observed phenotypes in murine cardiac fibroblasts with CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of Mitofilin, Chchd3, Chchd6 (some members of the MICOS complex), and Opa1, which showed poorer oxidative consumption rate and mitochondria with decreased mitochondrial length and volume. In combination, these data show the need to explore if loss of the MICOS complex in the heart may be involved in age-associated mitochondrial and cristae structural changes.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This article shows how mitochondria in murine cardiac changes, importantly elucidating age-related changes. It also is the first to show that the MICOS complex may play a role in outer membrane mitochondrial structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Larry Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Trace A Christensen
- Microscopy and Cell Analysis Core Facility, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Jianqiang Shao
- Central Microscopy Research Facility, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Jacob Lam
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Heather K Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Andrea G Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Amber Crabtree
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Josephs Anudokem
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Benjamin Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Benjamin Kirk
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Serif Bacevac
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Taylor Barongan
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Bryanna Shao
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Dominique C Stephens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Kinuthia Kabugi
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Ho-Jin Koh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Alice Koh
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Chantell S Evans
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Brittany Taylor
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Anilkumar K Reddy
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Tyne Miller-Fleming
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Ky'Era V Actkins
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Elma Zaganjor
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Nastaran Daneshgar
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Sandra A Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Bret C Mobley
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Steven M Damo
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Jennifer A Gaddy
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Tennessee Valley Healthcare Systems, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Blake Riggs
- Department of Biology at San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Celestine Wanjalla
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Annet Kirabo
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Melanie McReynolds
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Jose A Gomez
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Mark A Phillips
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
| | - Vernat Exil
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Dao-Fu Dai
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
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5
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Barongan T, Neikirk K, Shao B, Vue N, Spencer EC, Kabugi K, Conley Z, Vang L, Vue M, Vang N, Garza-Lopez E, Crabtree A, Alexander S, Dal A, Beasley HK, Marshall AG, Killion M, Stephens DC, Martinez D, Palavicino-Maggio CB, Jenkins F, Davis J, Damo SM, Morra CN, Murray SA, Vang C, Morton DJ, Vue Z, Shuler H, Hinton A. Project Strengthen: An STEMM-focused career development workshop to prepare underrepresented minority students for graduate school. iScience 2023; 26:107766. [PMID: 37736045 PMCID: PMC10509704 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) programs are aimed to increase diversity in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine (STEMM) fields. However, limited programs and eligibility requirements limit the students who may apply to similar programs. At Winston-Salem State University, we piloted a series of workshops, collectively termed Project Strengthen, to emulate some of the key aspects of MARC programs. Following the workshop, Project Strengthen students showed a significant increase in their understanding of essential educational development skills, such as writing personal statements, applying to graduate school, studying for the GRE, and seeking summer internships. This suggests Project Strengthen may be a potential lower cost comparable option than MARC to make up for current deficiencies in preparedness for graduate school. We also provide educational materials from Project Strengthen, including a clear framework for this seminar series, six ready-made PowerPoints to share with trainees that have been demonstrated to be effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Barongan
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Bryanna Shao
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Neng Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Elsie C. Spencer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
- Teachers College, Columbia University; New York, NY, USA
| | - Kinutha Kabugi
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Zachary Conley
- Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach, Department of Teaching and Learning, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Larry Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mein Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Nancy Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Amber Crabtree
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Stefanie Alexander
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Angyth Dal
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Heather K. Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Andrea G. Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mason Killion
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Dominique C. Stephens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Denise Martinez
- Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Felysha Jenkins
- Department of Basic Sciences, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jamaine Davis
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience, and Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Steven M. Damo
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Christina N. Morra
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Sandra A. Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Chia Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
- Counseling Department, New Highlands University, Las Vegas, NM, USA
| | - Derrick J. Morton
- Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science, Pasadena, CA, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Haysetta Shuler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Winston-Salem State University; Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Antentor Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University; Nashville, TN, USA
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6
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Vue Z, Vang C, Vue N, Kamalumpundi V, Barongan T, Shao B, Huang S, Vang L, Vue M, Vang N, Shao J, Coombes C, Katti P, Liu K, Yoshimura K, Biete M, Dai DF, Phillips MA, Behringer RR. Asian Americans in STEM are not a monolith. Cell 2023; 186:3138-3142. [PMID: 37478817 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Despite tremendous diversity, Asian Americans in STEM are grouped and viewed as a homogeneous monolith, facing stereotypes and disparities. We propose solutions that include disaggregating the Asian American grouping and recognizing the diverse individual ethnic subgroups that comprise Americans of Asian ancestry to implement change within the STEM field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zer Vue
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Chia Vang
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN, USA; Counseling and Guidance, New Mexico Highlands University, Las Vegas, NM 87701, USA
| | - Neng Vue
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Vijayvardhan Kamalumpundi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Taylor Barongan
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biology, University of Hawaii, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
| | - Bryanna Shao
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sunny Huang
- Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Geminii, Inc., Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Larry Vang
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mein Vue
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Nancy Vang
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jianqiang Shao
- Central Microscopy Research Facility, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - CoohleenAnn Coombes
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98795, USA
| | - Prasanna Katti
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kaihua Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Kailee Yoshimura
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaii, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
| | - Michelle Biete
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaii, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
| | - Dao-Fu Dai
- Department of Pathology, The John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Mark A Phillips
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Richard R Behringer
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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7
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Neikirk K, Vue Z, Katti P, Rodriguez BI, Omer S, Shao J, Christensen T, Garza Lopez E, Marshall A, Palavicino-Maggio CB, Ponce J, Alghanem AF, Vang L, Barongan T, Beasley HK, Rodman T, Stephens D, Mungai M, Correia M, Exil V, Damo S, Murray SA, Crabtree A, Glancy B, Pereira RO, Abel ED, Hinton AO. Systematic Transmission Electron Microscopy-Based Identification and 3D Reconstruction of Cellular Degradation Machinery. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2200221. [PMID: 36869426 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Various intracellular degradation organelles, including autophagosomes, lysosomes, and endosomes, work in tandem to perform autophagy, which is crucial for cellular homeostasis. Altered autophagy contributes to the pathophysiology of various diseases, including cancers and metabolic diseases. This paper aims to describe an approach to reproducibly identify and distinguish subcellular structures involved in macroautophagy. Methods are provided that help avoid common pitfalls. How to distinguish between lysosomes, lipid droplets, autolysosomes, autophagosomes, and inclusion bodies are also discussed. These methods use transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which is able to generate nanometer-scale micrographs of cellular degradation components in a fixed sample. Serial block face-scanning electron microscopy is also used to visualize the 3D morphology of degradation machinery using the Amira software. In addition to TEM and 3D reconstruction, other imaging techniques are discussed, such as immunofluorescence and immunogold labeling, which can be used to classify cellular organelles, reliably and accurately. Results show how these methods may be used to accurately quantify cellular degradation machinery under various conditions, such as treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum stressor thapsigargin or ablation of the dynamin-related protein 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kit Neikirk
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, HI, 96720, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Prasanna Katti
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Ben I Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Salem Omer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Jianqiang Shao
- Central Microscopy Research Facility, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Trace Christensen
- Microscopy and Cell Analysis Core Facility, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Edgar Garza Lopez
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Andrea Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | | | - Jessica Ponce
- School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Ahmad F Alghanem
- Eastern Region, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al Hasa, Riyadh 14611, Saudi Arabia
| | - Larry Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Taylor Barongan
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Heather K Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, 37208, USA
| | - Taylor Rodman
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Dominique Stephens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Margaret Mungai
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Marcelo Correia
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Vernat Exil
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Steven Damo
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, 37208, USA
| | - Sandra A Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Amber Crabtree
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Brian Glancy
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Renata O Pereira
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - E Dale Abel
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Antentor O Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
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Marshall AG, Neikirk K, Vue Z, Beasley HK, Garza-Lopez E, Vang L, Barongan T, Evans Z, Crabtree A, Spencer E, Anudokem J, Parker R, Davis J, Stephens D, Damo S, Pham TT, Gomez JA, Exil V, Dai DF, Murray SA, Entman ML, Taffet GE, Hinton AO, Reddy AK. Cardiovascular hemodynamics in mice with tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 mediated cytoprotection in the heart. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1064640. [PMID: 37229235 PMCID: PMC10203617 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1064640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Many studies in mice have demonstrated that cardiac-specific innate immune signaling pathways can be reprogrammed to modulate inflammation in response to myocardial injury and improve outcomes. While the echocardiography standard parameters of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, fractional shortening, end-diastolic diameter, and others are used to assess cardiac function, their dependency on loading conditions somewhat limits their utility in completely reflecting the contractile function and global cardiovascular efficiency of the heart. A true measure of global cardiovascular efficiency should include the interaction between the ventricle and the aorta (ventricular-vascular coupling, VVC) as well as measures of aortic impedance and pulse wave velocity. Methods We measured cardiac Doppler velocities, blood pressures, along with VVC, aortic impedance, and pulse wave velocity to evaluate global cardiac function in a mouse model of cardiac-restricted low levels of TRAF2 overexpression that conferred cytoprotection in the heart. Results While previous studies reported that response to myocardial infarction and reperfusion was improved in the TRAF2 overexpressed mice, we found that TRAF2 mice had significantly lower cardiac systolic velocities and accelerations, diastolic atrial velocity, aortic pressures, rate-pressure product, LV contractility and relaxation, and stroke work when compared to littermate control mice. Also, we found significantly longer aortic ejection time, isovolumic contraction and relaxation times, and significantly higher mitral early/atrial ratio, myocardial performance index, and ventricular vascular coupling in the TRAF2 overexpression mice compared to their littermate controls. We found no significant differences in the aortic impedance and pulse wave velocity. Discussion While the reported tolerance to ischemic insults in TRAF2 overexpression mice may suggest enhanced cardiac reserve, our results indicate diminished cardiac function in these mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea G. Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Heather K. Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Edgar Garza-Lopez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Larry Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Taylor Barongan
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Zoe Evans
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Amber Crabtree
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Elsie Spencer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Josephs Anudokem
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Remi Parker
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Jamaine Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Dominique Stephens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Steven Damo
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Thuy T. Pham
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jose A. Gomez
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Vernat Exil
- Department of Pediatrics, Div. of Cardiology, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Dao-fu Dai
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Sandra A. Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Mark L. Entman
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, United States
| | - George E. Taffet
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Antentor O. Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Anilkumar K. Reddy
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, United States
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Crabtree A, Neikirk K, Marshall A, Barongan T, Beasley HK, Lopez EG, Stephens D, Murray S, Spencer EC, Martinez D, Vang C, Jenkins F, Damo S, Vue Z. Strategies for change: thriving as an individual with a disabilty in STEMM. Pathog Dis 2023; 81:6855226. [PMID: 36449689 PMCID: PMC10111627 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftac045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Disability remains an underacknowledged and underdiscussed topic in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). Social stigma and fear of negative outcomes have resulted in a consistent lack of disclosure. Disabilities cause social and professional difficulties for those that have them. While some faculty can be allies, past literature shows that steps must be taken to make disabilities visible in STEMM at both student and faculty levels. Here, we offer suggestions to better support faculty and students in enhancing the outcomes of individuals who have invisible disabilities. Critically, techniques such as abolishing stigma, universal learning, and better mentoring may improve the challenges faced by those who self-identify as an individual with a disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Crabtree
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Andrea Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Taylor Barongan
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Heather K Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Edgar Garza Lopez
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, IA City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Dominique Stephens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States.,Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN 37208, United States
| | - Sandra Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Elsie C Spencer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States.,Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY 10022, United States
| | - Denise Martinez
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, IA City, IA, United States
| | - Chia Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States.,Counseling Department, New Highlands University, Las Vegas, NM 87701, United States
| | - Felysha Jenkins
- Department of Basic Sciences, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Steven Damo
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN 37208, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
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Neikirk K, Barongan T, Rolle T, Garza Lopez E, Marshall A, Beasley HK, Crabtree A, Spencer EC, Shuler H, Martinez D, Murray S, Vang C, Jenkins F, Damo S, Vue Z. Using quotients as a mentor to facilitate the success of underrepresented students. Pathog Dis 2023; 81:ftad008. [PMID: 37156509 PMCID: PMC10255757 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftad008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Choosing a mentor requires a certain level of introspection for both the mentor and the mentee. The dynamics of mentorship may change depending on the academic status of the mentee. Regardless, mentors should help their trainees grow both academically and professionally. The success of an individual in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) depends on more than intellectual capacity; a holistic view encompassing all factors that contribute to scientific achievement is all-important. Specifically, one new method scientists can adopt is quotients, which are scales and techniques that can be used to measure aptitude in a specific area. In this paper, we focus on these factors and how to grow one's adversity quotient (AQ), social quotient (SQ), and personal growth initiative scale (PGIS). We also look at how mentors can better understand the biases of their trainees. In addressing this, mentors can help trainees become more visible and encourage other trainees to become allies through reducing biases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, United States
| | - Taylor Barongan
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, United States
| | - Tiffany Rolle
- American Society of Human Genetics, Rockville, MD 20852, United States
- National Genome Institute, National Human Research Institute, Rockville, MD 20892, United States
| | - Edgar Garza Lopez
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52245, United States
| | - Andrea Marshall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, United States
| | - Heather K Beasley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, United States
| | - Amber Crabtree
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, United States
| | - Elsie C Spencer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, United States
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States
| | - Haysetta Shuler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, United States
| | - Denise Martinez
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Sandra Murray
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Chia Vang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, United States
- Counseling and Guidance, New Mexico Highlands University, Las Vegas, NM 87701, United States
| | - Felysha Jenkins
- Department of Basic Sciences, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Steven Damo
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN 37208, United States
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, United States
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