Aisha Burton PhD, BA

Dr. Aisha Burton is currently a post-doctoral fellow in the lab of Dr. Gisela Storz, where she studies how small proteins modulate bacterial stress responses. She was recently awarded a research award from NIGMS and is listed in Cell Mentor’s list of 1,000 Inspiring Black Scientists in America. In addition to her research, she teaches intro biology as an adjunct instructor at Montgomery College. In her spare time, she is working towards becoming a 200-hr. registered yoga teacher.

Burton is an adjunct instructor at a community college and teaches mentors students and volunteers her time to support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives dedicated to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) trainees through the Black in Microbiology (BiM) movement. Burton emphasizes and confirms what the ASM SMIIM identified through their national survey published in CBE—Life Sciences Education in 2018 – the success of individuals from historically underrepresented groups in STEM careers depends on important factors— having early research experience opportunities and access to mentors throughout all stages of training. In this interview, Burton discusses her background, reflects on her career, and provides advice for future students from historically underrepresented groups that are pursuing STEM professions.