Stories of STEM: Brittany Rice

Brittany Rice received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Elizabeth City, a historically black college in North Carolina. She participated in research during her undergraduate years, before completing a molecular nutrition post-baccalaureate research experience at Virginia Tech. She then received her Master’s Degree in Biology from Eastern Kentucky University. She is now a first-year doctoral student in the program of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science here at UK. Currently she is studying differences in gene expression of infants of varying races to determine if health disparities exist right after birth. She inspires to become a professor and work at either a community, small liberal arts, or historically black college. She hopes to introduce those students to cutting edge research since many of them are not exposed to it during their education. Brittany became involved with I Am A Woman in STEM as a mentor last year. She explains her experience was invaluable, “I am really grateful that I participated. All you have to do is support someone a little bit and encourage them. If you give them the right environment, you can see them flourish.” She hopes to give this support to her future students, “When I look back, on my time to get to where I am now I notice the great things I had and some of the things I didn’t get. And so, my reflection on what I didn’t get is what inspires me to give students and that’s what makes a difference.” Brittany is a determined and dedicated student, mentor, and educator who hopes this generation of women in STEM never give up despite financial stress, family issues, or their own scientific confidence, “This may be hard but don’t give up.”