Meet Dr. Kamilah Grant
Written by Karen Schindler as part of the Women's History Month Highlights
Dr. Kamilah E. Grant is an assistant professor of animal science and biotechnology and current IACUC chair at Alcorn State University (ASU). Her courses taught include reproductive physiology, advanced reproductive physiology, advanced molecular biology, molecular genetics, and anatomy and physiology. Dr. Grant obtained both a BS and MS (reproductive physiology) in animal and poultry sciences from Tuskegee University (TU). She went on to earn her Ph.D. in Agriculture Life Sciences (Genetics) from Mississippi State University. She completed her postdoctoral appointment at Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in pathobiology before matriculating into a faculty position first at her alma mater, TU, and later at ASU.
Dr. Grant’s interests include the dissemination of the molecular mechanisms of microRNAs as a potential marker of fertility in male livestock species, hormonal effects on pregnancy sustainability in livestock, and identifying non-toxic chemical means of sterility as a control and eradication nuisance species.
When not in the lab or teaching, Dr. Grant has cultivated her passion for mentorship and diversification of biological sciences by serving as co-director of Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Math (STEAM) co-directed summer programs for high school and community college students as well as served as a mentor to undergraduates participating in the Integrative Biosciences Research Experience for Undergraduates (IBS-REU) summer program. From 2009 until the recent ending of the program, Dr. Grant served as a mentor for the Federation of Societies for Experimental Biology/Maximizing Access to Research Careers (FASEB/MARC), a student-focused developmental program. Additionally, she has served as an advisor to several student organizations including Minorities in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS). She remains a member of SSR, AALAS, MANRRS.
Dr. Grant has also spearheaded and collaborated on numerous workshops focused on reproductive physiology and hands-on training centered around Artificial Insemination and Assisted reproductive techniques in small ruminants and cattle for limited-resource farmers. Dr. Grant continued this effort in 2017 by volunteering to teach for one month in Bangladesh along with fellow reproductive physiologist Dr. Melissa Mason for Winrock International’s Farmer2Farmer program.
Throughout the years, Dr. Grant has collaborated and participated in multiple projects, conference proceedings, and referred journal articles. These contributions have earned her various conference awards for travel and merit including the Burroughs Welcome Fund through SSR and most recently being identified as one of the 1000 Inspiring Black Scientists in America ( http://crosstalk.cell.com/blog/1000-inspiring-black-scientists-in-america).