Dr. Monica Frazier, interim Director of the Biology Department in Columbus State University’s College of Letters and Sciences, was named to the 2020 list of “1,000 Inspiring Black Scientists” by the Community of Scholars.

“I am very honored to be included in this publication. It wasn't until college that I started to see people of color conducting scientific research and pursuing careers in STEM,” said Frazier. “It is my sincere hope that this publication convinces thousands of students of color from kindergarten and beyond that a career in STEM is attainable and that we, STEM professionals of color, do indeed exist!”

Frazier also serves as the director of the Southwest Georgia Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation. The alliance’s overall mission is to increase the number of qualified underrepresented minorities receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees in STEM, and enter the STEM workforce.

“As a scientist, educator, leader and mentor, Dr. Frazier makes a positive impact on the lives of our students everyday,” added Dr. Deborah Bordelon, provost and vice president. “She has a strong commitment to making sure underrepresented students see themselves succeeding in the STEM fields. Being recognized for her work as an inspiring scientist is truly a well deserved honor. We are all so proud of Dr. Frazier.”

Frazier earned a bachelor of science degree  in chemistry from Alabama State University and obtained her Ph.D. in virology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She completed her postdoctoral work at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University. Her ongoing research focuses on identifying chemotherapeutic agents against cancer.

“We are very proud of Dr. Frazier for her inclusion on the list of ‘1,000 Inspiring Black Scientists,’” said Dr. Annice Yarber-Allen, dean of the College of Letters and Sciences. “She is an inspiring example of scientific curiosity and persistence. We celebrate her achievement and are proud of her commitment to STEM, our students, and our campus community.”

The Community of Scholars is a group of Persons Excluded because of their Ethnicity or Race (PEER) and composed of postdoctoral fellows, early-stage investigators, instructors, and consultants with a common passion to advance scientific discovery while innovating diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. It is committed to developing and promoting professional scientists from all backgrounds, with a particular focus on those excluded based upon ethnicity/race, gender, LGBTQ status, ability/disability status, first-generation status, socioeconomic status and beyond.