(Throughout Black History Month, we’re lifting up Black leaders in the life sciences and those who have made a difference in the lives of countless BTI students.)
BTI board member since 2019, and current board president, Dr. Tonya J. Webb, Ph.D., currently works at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where she is a professor, a mentor, and a researcher focused on the critical work of investigating the immune system and developing new treatments for cancer.
Dr. Webb is a graduate of Prairie View A&M in Texas, an HBCU. After conducting research at Dartmouth, she discovered her passion for biomedical research. She continued her education at Indiana University and conducted a postdoctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins. After her training, Dr. Webb started her own research group at the University of Maryland.
Speaking about her work, Dr. Webb says she “really appreciates the ability to share scientific discoveries, and to see how our work can be used to elevate the work of others. In addition, it is great to take an idea or concept from another field and use it to address an unmet need in our field or help advance our current understanding of how things work.”
Dr. Webb shares that she ” enjoys working with scientists at every level. There is a bit of fun and excitement in that we have the potential to discover something new everyday. I have the opportunity and flexibility to design experiments that address questions that are important to me.”
Dr. Webb particularly enjoys helping others to “discover that spark of excitement when they learn something new or make a discovery about how new treatments can have a positive impact on human health.”
Along the way, Dr. Webb has faced many challenges that seemed to occur just as she reached a major milestone in her academic career. For instance, a close family member experienced cancer, and she had to juggle being a caretaker with showing up for her career. “[These challenges] have taught me how to prioritize, appreciate the small things, be patient and give grace to myself and others.”
She first learned about BTI from Dr. Laundette Jones, a strong advocate for community engagement who lauded the opportunities BTI was providing for talented folks in our local community. Dr. Webb values “the impact that BTI is having on the community. It is amazing to hear BTI graduates talk about their accomplishments and the change in their career trajectory after participating in the program.”
When she’s not at work, or managing BTI board matters, Dr. Webb enjoys reading, dancing, taking long walks, and spending time with family and friends.
Words of advice for the rest of us? Dr. Webb reminds us that “You can pick up hobbies at any time. I recently learned that I have a knack for growing things and was able to get a starter plant from a mango seed. I have a houseplant from 1996.”
Her final words of wisdom: “Don’t let anyone steal your joy!”
