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Taylor SouthwardResearch Technician - Johns Hopkins, Vivien Thomas PREP Scholar (Postbacc)
"Taylor Southward is a recent graduate of Howard University and currently serves as a lab technician in Dr. Jessica Queen’s lab, as made possible by the Johns Hopkins Vivien Thomas PREP program. What served as her catalyst for pursuing a career in medicine came from her experience growing up in Pontiac, Michigan and witnessing firsthand the impact that the lack of health education and diverse doctors has on minority communities. With this, she has made it her goal to make movements towards removing racial disparities in medical research. |
She is quite interested in clinical applications of cancer immunology and has aspirations of pursuing a career in translational science. Southward believes that this training will allow her to pursue critical questions regarding current cancer care, and provide comprehensive therapies for patients of all backgrounds. Studying at Howard provided Taylor with the unique opportunity of being trained at an institution that is known for producing the largest number of black scientists. While at the university, she had the opportunity to work alongside many Black professionals that served as mentors and role models throughout her undergraduate career.
As a member of an organization dedicated to providing a space for underrepresented minorities in STEM, Southward has found a community of individuals within the greater Johns Hopkins community from whom she has received much support. By establishing programs like the Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative, universities are able to create spaces for marginalized individuals, where they are able to flourish in spaces where they may feel like an outsider. This is also a great way for schools to make it clear that they value all of their students, and hope to see everyone succeed. Prior to being accepted to PREP, Taylor had never considered Johns Hopkins to be a place she could claim for her own. However, after joining the program, she quickly found her place amongst the Hopkins community and spaces in which she feels seen."
As a member of an organization dedicated to providing a space for underrepresented minorities in STEM, Southward has found a community of individuals within the greater Johns Hopkins community from whom she has received much support. By establishing programs like the Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative, universities are able to create spaces for marginalized individuals, where they are able to flourish in spaces where they may feel like an outsider. This is also a great way for schools to make it clear that they value all of their students, and hope to see everyone succeed. Prior to being accepted to PREP, Taylor had never considered Johns Hopkins to be a place she could claim for her own. However, after joining the program, she quickly found her place amongst the Hopkins community and spaces in which she feels seen."