Thursday, May 27, 2021
Virtual Event

Susan Lankford, Ph.D., NC Biotechnology Center

She joined NC Biotech in September 2014 as a Program Analyst in Science and Technology Development. In this role, she evaluates research proposals submitted to the Center’s research grant funding programs that are designed to support infrastructure, encourage collaboration and drive innovation toward real world solutions at North Carolina academic and not-for-profit institutions. Susan also coordinates the NCBiotech Jobs Network, which supports life science professionals in transition. Susan has a strong background in basic science research, working as a Research Associate in laboratories at NCSU and UNC where she made contributions in various fields including analytical chemistry, pharmacogenomics, pulmonary fibrosis and virology. She earned an undergraduate degree in Zoology from Eastern Illinois University and a Ph.D. in Comparative Biomedical Science from NCSU.

Pamela McCauley, Ph.D., North Carolina State University

Currently serving as the Associate Dean for Academic Programs in the Wilson College of Textiles, NCSU. Pamela McCauley, Ph.D., is an internationally recognized Industrial Engineering researcher in the development of mathematical models, ergonomics, biomechanics and leadership in STEM. She is an energetic and impactful keynote speaker as well as an award-winning educator on a mission to empower others to succeed in STEM educational, career and innovation goals. Author of over 100 technical publications, an internationally-used ergonomics textbook, and several inspiring books on STEM leadership, Pamela McCauley, Ph.D., served as the Director of the Ergonomics Laboratory in the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Central Florida. She previously held the position of Martin Luther King, Jr. Visiting Associate Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT. In addition to her academic leadership, Pamela McCauley, Ph.D., is a seasoned entrepreneur, innovator and expert witness. From January 2018 to June 2020, Pamela McCauley, Ph.D., served as Program Director for the National Science Foundation, Computer Information Science and Engineering Directorate’s I-Corps Program.

Quantil Melendez, Ph.D., North Carolina Central University

Quantil Melendez, Ph.D., is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NIFP Technologies LLC, a drug and diagnostic testing development company under the umbrella of North Carolina Central University. She also serves as Cardio-metabolic Post-Doctoral Research Scientist at North Carolina Central University. Quantil Melendez, Ph.D., contributed to designing, validating, patenting, and commercializing a new diagnostic test optimized to help cardiovascular patients receive personalized cholesterol treatment and prevent the occurrence of therapeutic-induced diabetes. She has published over 10 peer-reviewed articles disseminating her science to colleagues all over the world. As a three-time HBCU graduate, Quantil Melendez, Ph.D., has received a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medical Studies from Saint Augustine's University (College) of Raleigh, NC. She received a Master of Science in Biology from The North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University of Greensboro, NC. She received her Ph.D., in integrated Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences from North Carolina Central University of Durham, NC. Quantil Melendez, Ph.D., is the first Hispanic-native to receive a Ph.D., from her designated program.

Deborah Philp, Ph.D., National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Deborah Philp, Ph.D., received her bachelor’s degree in Biology from the City College of New York, CUNY. She then pursued a Ph.D. degree in Cell and Molecular Biology at the University and Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Her thesis focused on the role of thymic nurse cells in early T-cell development. After completing the Ph.D., she joined the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) as a research fellow conducting research in the field of wound healing and angiogenesis. While conducting these studies, Deborah Philp, Ph.D., made the novel discover of the peptide’s role in the acceleration of hair growth. Upon completion of her research fellowship, she was joined the staff at NIDCR as the Director of the Office of Education and their Intramural Training Director. As Training Director, she established and coordinated intramural programs that have enhanced the training experience for interns at all levels and increased diversity in the biomedical research trainee workforce at NIDCR. As a result of these efforts, Deborah Philp, Ph.D., received the Harvey J. Bullock Equal Opportunity Achievement NIH Director’s award. She was also recognized as a part of the NIH Director’s Award to the NIH Anti-Harassment Policy Development Team in recognition of their commitment to creating a safe learning environment for the next generation of research scientists. In 2020, she joined the Office of Research Training and Special Programs at NIAID as a Research Training Specialist. In her role, she oversees K, T32, and R25 research training grant portfolios for the Institute.