Events
Highlighting Hispanic Researchers Forum
Date
October 2, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm
This event spotlights the experiences of Hispanic PhDs in STEM, highlighting both the value and challenges faced by underrepresented professionals. By featuring key speakers who delve into these topics, the forum aims to promote a culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Additionally, it provides a platform for internal researchers to share their work across RTI, fostering networking, collaboration, and expanding opportunities for professional growth and career advancement for researchers and leaders.
Join us on October 2nd from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm for an event featuring two sessions. The first session will explore the topic “Exploring the Educational Experiences of Black and Hispanic PhDs in STEM," led by our key speakers. Following this, a group of Hispanic researchers and professionals from various RTI business units will share valuable insights into their research areas. For those attending in person (RTI employees only), we invite you to an optional 30-minute networking lunch from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm. The first 15 in-person registrants will receive a complimentary boxed lunch.
Featured Topics
Exploring the Educational Experiences of Black and Hispanic PhDs in STEM
Speakers: Erin Dunlop Velez, PhD & Ruth Heuer, PhD
Description: Data shows Black and Hispanic students are significantly underrepresented among STEM PhDs. This talk explores the undergraduate and graduate educational experiences of future Black and Hispanic STEM PhDs, relative to their White and Asian Peers. We find several large differences in the experiences of Black and Hispanic STEM PhDs, including with institution choice, time-to-degree, and the amount of educational debt accrued.
Growing the Landscape of Scientific Opportunity for Students from Underserved Populations with FREETEC
Speaker: Oswaldo Lozoya, PhD
Description: This talk focuses on the establishment of the FLC / RTI Entrepreneurial Education and Technology Exchange Collaborative (FREETEC), a strategic partnership to help de-risk and revamp licensing potential of federal IP through hands-on practicums that will also empower students at minority-serving institutions in North Carolina — and, eventually, all around the US — to pursue technical and business careers in translational innovation.
Real-World Evidence Generation: Epidemiology Contribution to Medicines Regulatory Decisions
Speakers: Lia Gutierrez, BSN, MPH
Description: This talk focuses on the application of the population-based perspective to characterize and quantify populations for specific drug indications and to contribute to advance the knowledge on the patterns of use and safety of drugs in real-world clinical practice settings as part of regulatory requirements.
Use of Non-Targeted Chemical Analysis and In-Vitro Studies to Assess the Effects of Primary-Sourced and Secondary-Sourced Microplastics Dosed in Simulated Lung Leachates and Extracts
Speaker: Leslimar Ríos-Colón, PhD
Description:This research aims to characterize the chemical constituents released from microplastics into water and solvents and determine the impact of microplastic exposure on epithelial lung cells dosed with both primary and secondary sourced microplastics.
Long-Acting Biodegradable Subcutaneous Implants for HIV Treatment in Pediatric Populations
Speaker: Daniela Cruz, PhD
Description: Despite substantial advances in HIV treatment, major challenges remain to ensure simplified, convenient, and effective antiretroviral (ARV) therapy for children living with HIV. To address these challenges, we are developing a long-acting (LA) biodegradable subcutaneous implant system that is co-formulated with two ARVs within a single implant, which can simplify administration and improve adherence by reducing the number of implants required.
Research Based and Locally Led Implementation
Speaker: Santiago Medina, MA
Description: The presentation will show how RTI uses empirical evidence to guide its support to improve local service delivery and highlight the importance of having a local team of professionals leading a key USAID project.
