Brittany J Bush, MSBR
Brittany began her STEM journey as a high school senior finding interests in reproductive biology and human behavior. Her interests drove her to apply for a biology degree at Savannah State University, where she graduated top of her class and received multiple awards in academic achievements. During her time at Savannah State, she had the opportunity to conduct research at the University of California, Davis under the advisement of Dr. Keith Barr studying the effects of estrogen on ligament constructs. Additionally, she received the Minority Access to Research Careers Undergraduate Student Training in Academic Research (MARC U-STAR), pushing her to become more passionate about research.
Following her matriculation through Savannah State, Brittany started her journey at Morehouse School of Medicine, allowing her to realize her passion for mentoring aspiring scientists. Currently, she is a 3rd year PhD student studying the sleep related changes in the limbic cortex following a social stressor. She also received her Master of Biomedical Research with her thesis focusing on the role of sleep in social defeat stress. Because of her interests in reproductive health, Brittany began her journey as a doula starting The Birth Artist Doula Services which focuses on providing positive birthing experiences for soon to be mothers. Brittany joined Sha’Kayla on this path to increasing minority representation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics because she has experienced the biases and witnessed the obstacles that prevent the success of minorities in these areas. Her overall goal is get young people excited about STEM and assist them in making the best possible career choices. Her hope is that Let’s Get STEMulated will be a pioneer for the increase of young minorities committing to a lifelong career in STEM. |
Sha'Kayla K Nunez, MSBR
Sha’Kayla K Nunez is a native of Houston, TX. She is currently a PhD candidate at Morehouse School of Medicine. Her research interest is in colorectal cancer (CRC) with a specific focus of combating chemokines and chemokine receptors as key driver markers in CRC disease progression. Sha'Kayla primarily focuses on how chemokines serve as a driver for CRC metastasis and progression by identifying gene networks and transcription factors that are activated following chemokine responsiveness. Prior to entering the PhD program, she completed her Master of Science Degree in Biomedical Research at Morehouse School of Medicine. Sha'Kayla's thesis focused on the role of RBP-JK in leptin-induction of breast cancer progression and chemoresistance. Her early research involved environmental research which focused on lead and arsenic contamination which was conducted while obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at Dillard University.
Outside of academia, Sha'Kayla is actively involved in community programs involving health awareness, mentoring, and educational programs with her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In addition, she serves as a student leader working with curriculum department chairs and associated personnel to create strategic plans to improve the Graduate Education curriculum at Morehouse School of Medicine. Sha'Kayla is also a member of the Georgia Bio Emerging Leaders program, serving as a student liaison and promoting diversity in the biotechnology industry. Throughout her training, she has witnessed a lack of diversity in science for both minorities and women. Sha'Kayla is passionate about mentorship and promoting diversity in science, engineering, technology, and math (STEM). It is Sha'Kayla's hope that Let's Get STEMulated, LLC will bridge the diversity gap in STEM. |