Today we’d like to introduce you to Eisha Clyde.
Hi Eisha, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My science journey began at North Carolina Central University where I majored in biology. Following graduation in 2015, my interest in scientific research led to my graduate school career at Towson University, where I gained wet lab research experience and opportunities to teach biology courses to undergraduates. Here, I discovered mentorship as a passion and considered various ways to give back to college students in STEM. After graduate school, I worked at Duke University in a laboratory with an HIV-1 research focus, and now I’m a scientist for a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on gene therapies for patients living with rare genetic diseases.
My passion for science and mentorship birthed my nonprofit organization, The HBCU STEMulUS, Inc. Our mission is to educate, train, and develop students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for successful careers in science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
As a clinical immunology scientist and founder of a nonprofit, I get to do two things: 1.) further advance genetic therapies and 2.) mentor the next generation of STEM professionals. By day, I examine immune responses to genetic therapies for individuals with rare diseases, and by night, I use my nonprofit to develop programming and events for students interested in STEM careers.
My entrepreneurial and science journey has taught me that the path to success is not linear and more support is needed for students in STEM at HBCUs. I’ve quickly realized that this journey is no longer about me but the generation behind me.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The journey to entrepreneurship has not been easy! While only being in the nonprofit sector for 3 years, I’ve struggled with the fear of failure (yikes!), intimidation (bite fingernails), self-doubt (taps desk), and even comparison (ouch!). I struggled with all these things because I felt I had to 10 steps ahead. I quickly realized that I couldn’t move to the next step until I mastered the current step. Now, when I face a familiar struggle, I search for the root cause, extend myself grace and patience to face it, and then remove it with the help of family and friends. No, it’s not always easy, but it takes courage and perseverance to continue to move forward.
Through my nonprofit, I’m able to share struggles I’ve faced to encourage and empower students pursuing careers in STEM. During my academic career, I faced several struggles that included failed courses, but my biggest struggle was making the decision to change my career goal. Since I was a little girl, I had the dream of becoming a dentist. However, on the path to dentistry, I found my true passion for research and mentorship. Many students experience career goal changes and don’t know how to navigate the change. I want to ensure through my nonprofit that students are aware of the various careers in STEM while also being encouraged to pursue their passions.
While my experiences were challenging, I’m now able to pass along direction and motivation to students interested in STEM and/or entrepreneurship.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The HBCU STEMulUS, Inc is a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The organization was founded in 2020 with the mission to educate, train, and develop students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for successful careers in Science, Technology, and Engineering, and Math (STEM). We operate under two initiatives: Educate.Train.Develop., and #TheConnect.
The Educate.Train.Develop. initiative was developed to expose students to various careers in STEM through professional networking events, career panels, and social media events. We also host events on resume writing, mock interviews, and more to prepare students for the job interview process.
Under #TheConnect initiative, we plan to develop partnerships with local biotech/biopharma corporations for students to access internship-job pipelines, gain experience in wet lab research, manufacturing, and tech, while also building a corporate connection through these opportunities.
These initiatives were created because I noticed students lacked knowledge of careers outside of healthcare and needed guidance on accessing careers in STEM. Also, there is a lack of diversity in STEM. I’m one of few that sits at tables representing African Americans. It’s no longer intimidating because I now understand what I possess and the change my voice can make. I want to ensure the next generation is not only prepared for the job interview process but also the tables they will sit at as one representing an entire demographic.
As an organization, we are set apart because we consist of professionals with backgrounds in academia, biopharma, marketing, and even the state crime lab. We sit on job interview committees and know first-hand the internship and job market requirements because we work in these spaces. It’s important that we relay all resources to students that we are made aware of. It’s a disservice to not pass this information along.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Our organization consists of Board and Operational Team members. We are in search of a Treasurer, Secretary, Fundraising Coordinator, and general members to join our Board of Directors. A background in STEM is not required. We just ask that you have a passion to serve students! Those interested can apply through our website.
As a 501 (c)3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization, our efforts are made possible through grants and donations. Donations are accepted through our website or the Paypal Giving Fund here.
Potential sponsors and collaborators can reach us directly at info@thehbcustemulus.org.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thehbcustemulus.
- Facebook: @thehbcustemulus.
- Linkedin: @thehbcustemulus.
