Johnson–Winters, Kayunta

Statement of interest

I’m seeking this position because I want to continue to contribute to the ASBMB, an organization that I truly have grown to love and that inspires me. The ASBMB has not only supported my growth as a scientist and faculty member but has more importantly been very intentional about diversity, equity and inclusion and has shown unwavering support for all, including people of color and the LBGTQ community. Such support through programs, mentorship, outreach and engagement is critical for the future of STEM professionals, and I’d like to bring my experiences and expertise to further assist, and support, the organization through service as a member of the Council.

It has been a privilege to be a member of ASBMB’s Maximizing Access Committee (2017 to 2023) and the Nominating Committee. As a member of the Nominating Committee, I have been able to recruit outstanding leaders from the scientific community to important committees and attract a broader group of people to ASBMB, while enhancing that sense of belonging for scientists of all backgrounds, which was my mission! As a member of the MAC, I have championed issues of DEI in STEM, areas about which I have a deep and abiding passion.

At my home institution, I have served as the director of our LSAMP–BD program and organizer and faculty adviser of the College of Science Black Graduate Student Association, which provides extensive mentoring for underrepresented and first-generation STEM Ph.D. students. As the Women’s Faculty and Staff Network faculty chair, I have supported the advancement of women across campus and was a key leader in this role. At my home institution, I have served as a member of the President’s Advisory Council.

As a member of ASBMB Council, I hope to continue my support of the society by adding an important perspective to the president’s and executive director’s work as we create an innovative strategic plan and direction to take ASBMB to the next level.

Education and training

• B.A., Alverno Collge
• Ph.D, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
• Postdoc, University of Arizona

Awards and honors

• Academy of Distinguished Service Leaders, University of Texas at Arlington (2022)
• Silver EXCEL Award, Association Media & Publishing, for essay “Being Black in the Ivory Tower” in ASBMB Today (2021)
• Arlington Sunrise Rotary, Professor of the Year Award (2019)
• University of Texas at Arlington, Division of Student Affairs, Advisor of the Year (2019)
• Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award, National Institutes of Health (2007 to 2009)

Experience

• Member, ASBMB Maximizing Access Committee (2017 to present)
• Member, ASBMB Nominating Committee (2021 to present)
• Co-PI and Committee Member, ASBMB IMAGE Workshop
• iASPIRE Leadership Academy (2021 to present)
• Texas Academic Leadership Conference (TALA) (2020 to 2021)
• Texas Alliance of Black School Educations & Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education (2021)
• Director, Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation–BP, UT–Arlington (2018 to 2020)
• Faculty Chair, Women’s Faculty and Staff Network, UT–Arlington (2017 to 2022)