Kimberly M. Jackson, Ph.D, chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, professor of biochemistry, and director of the Food Studies program at Spelman College, identifies two major research areas in her statement on scholarship: 1. cancer therapeutics and 2. advancing equity in STEM research and education.
She serves as co-director of the LINCS Scholars program, a new living and learning community for STEM scholars, an initiative whose goal is to improve access to STEM research careers for women of color through professional and social networks and social justice empowerment.
A Fulbright scholar, Dr. Jackson maintains robust and active research programs focused on novel therapeutic agents for advanced prostate cancer and the role of minority-serving institutions and women of color in diversifying the STEM pipeline. Each of her research programs has garnered a host of publications, presentations, and funding from multiple agencies.Dr. Jackson has listed eleven peer-reviewed publications since being awarded tenure.
Awards
For her work in cancer research, Dr. Jackson was awarded the 2012 American Association for Cancer Research Minority Serving Institution Faculty Research Award.
Dr. Jackson is a recipient of three Presidential awards including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mentoring (2016), the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching by a Senior Faculty (2012), and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Scholarship by a Junior Faculty (2007). It is a rare and unique achievement by a faculty member to receive all three presidential awards
Quotes About the Impact of Dr. Jackson's Work
Dr. Jackson has carefully chartered a robust, culturally-responsive, and systematic course of research study to successfully navigate and pair a critical quality of life need by males in black and broader communities with therapeutic treatments using naturally-occurring products.”
"Her publications expose and address a crucial gap [in] research."
"Mirroring her innovative disciplinary research is a trailblazing scholarly pursuit that holds significant promise for mitigating barriers to success of women of color in STEM."
"Dr. Jackson created the programs that allow students to obtain research experience and mentoring. She is the founder and Co-Director of the LINKS Scholars (2015 - present), Director and Founding faculty member for the Food Studies Program (2012 - present) and the CHEM*RXNS program. She has received three large NIH grants to support student development.