A graduate of Clark Atlanta University, Poston received her PhD in BioAnalytical Chemistry from Brown University. Following her PhD, she transitioned into a full-time science policy and communications role through the AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship to analyze diversity and inclusion in STEM education programs. Dr. Poston brings to the Project SHORT decades of experience supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives - she previously served as the associate director of the Leadership Alliance at Brown, as well as the assistant Vice President of strategic initiatives in Brown’s diversity and inclusion office. Today, she serves as Associate Vice President for strategic initiatives in the Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity at Dartmouth University, where she leads the diversity and inclusion team, ultimately aiming to create a more welcoming, inclusive, and equitable learning and working environment.
Cynda Ann Johnson, MD, MBA is founding dean emerita of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. Dr. Johnson is a family physician, who during 30 years of clinical practice, focused on maternal and child health, including obstetrics and gynecological procedures. Dr. Johnson has spent decades mentoring women in medicine. She was the first woman chair of the American Board of Family Practice (now Family Medicine) and of the umbrella organization, the American Board of Medical Specialties. She and her husband, Dr. Bruce Johnson, authored two editions of “Women’s Healthcare Handbook.” In her retirement, Dr. Johnson continues to serve on multiple boards, including executive board leadership for Hollins University and Friendship Health in Roanoke, VA. Cynda and Bruce are very proud to be parents of two adult sons, Kevin and Drew, and their wives, Sarah and Megan. They have three grandchildren with one on the way.
Dr. Jurado is a Presidential Assistant Professor of Microbiology at the University of Pennsylvania, where her lab examines how the immune system interacts with viral infections. As a first-generation Latina, Dr. Jurado has always poured back into her communities, mentoring undergraduates and within underserved middle and high schools. She continues to empower and uplift other female and underrepresented scientists, in Philly and beyond. You can find more on her work at jurado-lab.com!
Hannah is a Neuroscience PhD candidate at the University of Pennsylvania! Project SHORT (Students for Higher-Ed Opportunities and Representation in Training) began with a vision to provide mentorship and resources for students from smaller liberal arts schools like her alma mater, SUNY Geneseo (and also she's 4' 11 3/4" so the name felt apt). Her passion lies in creating change, and supporting underperforming and underserved populations. As she pursues graduate studies, she hopes to continue creating platforms that enable the development of creativity and innovation. A little bit about her: Hannah was born and raised in NYC, and currently studies glia-glia interactions in demyelinating disorders in the Orthmann-Murphy lab. Outside of Project SHORT, she has her degree in Vocal Performance, competes as an Olympic weightlifter, and is involved in her local church. In addition to her Executive Board role as the Executive Director, Hannah also serves as the President of Project SHORT.
Steven is a PhD candidate in organizational psychology at George Mason University, where he studies leadership, psychometrics, and the academic-practitioner gap. He immigrated from China when he was young and grew up in California, then attended a small liberal arts school in California. Now at Mason, a large state school, he frequently works with prospective students from similar backgrounds to help shed light on the "hidden curriculum" of graduate school. Steven plans on pursuing an academic career in higher education administration in hopes of tackling some of the challenges in academic infrastructure and policy. In addition to his role on the Executive Board as Director of Finance and Administration, Steven also serves as the Secretary/Treasurer of Project SHORT.