49. Owning Your Imposter Status: Biomedical Scientist Turned Education Researcher w/ Dr. Kilan Ashad-Bishop

The Research Her

Title: Owning Your Imposter Status: Biomedical Scientist Turned Education Researcher

Subtitle: The Power of Work Outside of Lab While Pursuing Your PhD

Dr. Kilan C. Ashad-Bishop is a biomedical scientist and advocate for inclusion who has carved her niche at the intersection of science, health, and social change. She is a proud alumna of Morgan State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology, and the University of Miami, where she earned her Ph.D. in Cancer Biology. Dr. Kilan is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Miami School of Education and Human Development and the Director of College Access for Breakthrough Miami.

Black woman researcher who inspires Dr. Kilan: Beronda L. Montgomery, PhD

In this episode, we discuss:

• The importance of participating in activities and finding a passion outside of your Ph.D. studies despite societal norms.
• How to secure letters of recommendation when you have a challenging relationship with your research advisor.
• Her experience getting a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology and transitioning to a postdoc in Education and Human Development

Connect with her:

Website: kilanbishop.com/

Instagram: @kilanbishop

Twitter: @kilanbishop

Connect with me:

Website: TheResearchHer.com

TikTok: @TheResearchHer

Instagram: @TheResearchHer

Twitter: @TheResearchHer

Facebook: @TheResearchHer

More about Dr. Kilan

Dr. Kilan's professional experience spans academic research, policy, and the nonprofit and private sectors, but her goal remains to improve the health and well being of communities of color.

Dr. Kilan is an outspoken advocate for equity and inclusion in health, science and society and the responsibility of science (and scientists) to advance positive social change. She is a regular volunteer and advisor to various K-12 and collegiate STEM programs designed to mentor, uplift, and support the next generation of scientists. In this interest, Dr. Kilan co-founded STEMNoire, a research and wellness community for Black women in STEM. Her advocacy efforts are interdisciplinary, as she also serves as the Vice Chair of the City of Miami Climate Resilience Committee, where she leverages her research background and community outreach to advance policies that prioritize low-income communities in resilience planning.