Alzheimer ’s Disease Genetics: The Need for Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Sponsored by the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation Lectureship Dr. Goldie S. Byrd joined the faculty at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in 2018 as Professor of Social Sciences and Health Policy and Director of the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity. She is the former Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Chair of the Department of Biology, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Nathan F. Simms Endowed Distinguished Professor of Biology at A&T. Dr. Byrd conducts research on the Genetics of Alzheimer's disease in African Americans. Her research also focuses on the inclusion of special populations in Alzheimer's research and clinical trials. At NC A&T, Dr. Byrd founded the Center for Outreach in Alzheimer's Aging and Community Health (COAACH) to complement her genetics of Alzheimer's work by increasing awareness of the disease in minoritized communities, improving access to care and increasing opportunities for learning and research participation. At Wake Forest, Dr. Byrd directs the Integrating Special Populations Program for the CTSI and is co-director of the Outreach Recruitment and Engagement core of the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. Dr. Byrd has received numerous awards for her leadership, teaching, research, student mentoring and service, including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM).This award was received from President Barak Obama, at a White House ceremony. She was also recently honored as a Most Influential Person of African Descent, Sponsored by the United Nations. Link to join: https://duke.zoom.us/j/98318919146?pwd=WjE3L3JHNTNCZS83Qytxdk1Pc3Zzdz09