Juneteenth Celebration of Black Scientists and Engineers
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION OF BLACK SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS
June 17, 2022
8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
Room M203, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, Virginia
Recognizing and Celebrating the Contributions of Black Scientists and Engineers
The Virginia Tech community gathered at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC for the Juneteenth celebration on June 17 in Roanoke. Black researchers, educators, and leaders described their career paths and research contributions in the health sciences. The program also highlighted the importance of embracing opportunities for all under-represented groups through diversity, equity, and inclusion advocacy.
Location: Room M203, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke Virginia
Event Schedule:
7:30 – 8:00 a.m.: Registration
8:00 – 8:05 a.m.: Welcome Michael Friedlander, Ph.D.
8:05 – 8:15 a.m.: Sylvester Johnson, Ph.D.
8:15 - 9:00 a.m.: Manu Platt, Ph.D.
9:00 - 9:45 a.m.: Kaela Singleton, Ph.D.
9:45 – 10 a.m.: Break
10:00 – 10:45 a.m.: Margie Lee, D.V.M., Ph.D.
10:45 - 11:30 a.m.: Lance Collins, Ph.D.
11:30 – 12:30 p.m.: Facilitated Round Table Discussion/Lunch
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: Panel: Vernal Branch, Aziza Platt, Ph.D., Pernessa Seele, Ph.D.
1:30 – 1:45 p.m.: Closing remarks, Sylvester Johnson and Michael Friedlander
Speakers and Panelists
Vernal Branch
Independent Research Patient Advocate
Lance Collins, Ph.D.
Inaugural Vice President and Executive Director
Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
Virginia Tech
Sylvester Johnson, Ph.D.
Assistant Vice Provost for the Humanities
Director, Center for Humanities
Virginia Tech
Margie Lee, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Professor and Department Head
Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology
Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Virginia Tech
Aziza Platt, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist and Health Disparities Researcher
Manu Platt, Ph.D.
Wallace H. Coulter Distinguished Professor
Associate Chair for Graduate Studies and Diversity Director
Georgia Tech
