Scientists in Solidarity
Empower and uplift BIPOC individuals in the life sciences
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that aims to empower and uplift BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals within the life sciences, fostering an inclusive and equitable community that nurtures their growth, development, and success.
At the heart of our organization's purpose lies a deep commitment to fostering diversity within the life sciences. We understand that diversity isn't just a checkbox to be ticked; it's a wellspring of innovation, creativity, and resilience. To that end, our purpose revolves around the following key elements: career development, mentorship, and outreach.
Minmin Yen, Ph.D.
Co-Founder & Board Member
Mimi (she/her) 🇹🇼🇺🇸 is the CEO and Co-Founder of the global health biotech startup PhagePro, dedicated to developing antibacterials for everyone, everywhere. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering from MIT, her Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology from Tufts University, and her MPH in Program Management and Global Health from Boston University.
Arnold Castaneda
Board Member
Arnold (he/him) 🇬🇹🇵🇭🇺🇸 graduated from Tufts University with a B.S. in Biology and has 5 years+ of experience in the biotech startup scene, Arnold has developed expertise in assay development in molecular biology, next-generation sequencing, and immunology. Arnold enjoys connecting with his Filipino and Guatemalan heritage through food.
José Delgado, Ph.D.
Board Member
José (he/him) 🇲🇽🇺🇸 is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Los Angeles. He obtained his Bachelor of Science from University at California, Merced followed by his doctorate in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from Dartmouth College. His current work focuses on how mitochondria sense intracellular pathogens to prompt an innate immune response.
Katherine Suarez
Co-Founder & Board Member
Katherine (she/her) 🇲🇽🇺🇸 is a PhD candidate in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences program at Harvard, also participating in the Leder Human Biology & Translational Medicine Program. She earned her B.S. in Human Biology from UC San Diego. Her research in Thomas Bernhardt's lab explores the mechanisms that regulate cell wall biogenesis in E. coli.
OUR initiatives
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
To support and empower BIPOC biomedical researchers, especially graduate students, by providing real talk in a safe space and building a toolkit for thriving as a scientist of color in the biotech industry.
More details coming 2025
PAST INITIATIVES
Professional Development Workshops
Catalysis mentorship program
Thank you to our sponsors and partners that share our mission of fostering an inclusive and equitable community in the life sciences. As a non-profit organization, we are solely supported by sponsorships and donations for our programming.
