The DPSS is a trainee-hosted event that contributes to the ongoing, university-wide discussion on diversity, inclusion and equity in academia. DPSS also provides opportunities for under-represented trainees to share personal experiences and discuss strategies to thrive in graduate school, postdoctoral training, and subsequent scientific careers. The series is organized by Stanford University Postdoctoral Association, Stanford BioAIMS and the Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences.
The keynote speaker this year is Dr. Raychelle Burks, a nationally recognized scientific communicator and associate professor of analytical chemistry at American University. After working in a crime lab, Dr. Burks returned to academia, teaching, and forensic science research. Her research team is focused on the development of colorimetric and luminescent sensing systems for detection of samples of forensic interest. Beyond the bench, Dr. Burks is a popular science communicator appearing regularly on TV, radio, podcasts, and print outlets. Most recently, she was a series regular in Smithsonian Channel show “The Curious Life and Death of..” and writes a science-meets=true crime column called “Trace Analysis” for Chemistry World. In 2020, she was awarded the American Chemical Society’s Grady - Stack Award for interpreting Chemistry for the public.
