January Thinker: Kizzmekia Corbett

Happy New Year! As we begin this fresh start, we're excited to announce a new series called "Monthly Thinker." Each month, we'll be highlighting an influential figure in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). Our goal is to celebrate the contributions of these remarkable individuals and inspire our readers to learn more about the groundbreaking work they have accomplished.

To kickstart our year, we're featuring Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a gifted viral immunologist whose research played a critical role in the development of the COVID-19 vaccine. She is an Assistant Professor of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and a Shutzer Assistant Professor at the Harvard Radcliffe Institute since June 2021. 

Early Life:

Kizzmekia “Kizzy” Corbett’s story is one of hard work, dedication, and determination. Born on January 26, 1986, to Rhonda Brooks, Corbett grew up in Hillsborough, North Carolina, alongside her step-siblings and foster siblings. 

From a young age she was an exceptional student, catching the attention of her teachers with her vast knowledge and intellectual curiosity. Myrtis Bradsher, one of the few Black teachers at Oak Lane Elementary School, recalls saying to Brooks, “She’s so far above other children. We need to send her to a class for exceptional students. I need you to say we have your permission” (Washington Post, 2020). 

Indeed, Corbett was destined for greater things. She realized she wanted to pursue a scientific career and be the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Medicine. Brooks recognized her daughter’s unwavering focus and noted that when Corbett set her mind to something, she could accomplish anything. During her summer holidays, Corbett worked in labs under the Project SEED program instead of taking on a retail job, demonstrating her commitment to her scientific pursuit.

Her hard work paid off when she graduated with a B.S. in biological sciences and sociology from the University of Maryland in 2008, followed by a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in 2014.    

Work and Contribution:

Corbett’s career trajectory has been nothing short of impressive. After earning her Ph.D., she went on to complete her postdoctoral work at the Vaccine Research Center (VRC) at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institute of Health (NIAID NIH).

Photo Source: PBS

At the VRC, Corbett focused on the development of vaccines for emerging infectious diseases, including the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) viruses. Her work in the field was already recognized and respected by her peers.

In late 2019, when the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread rapidly across the globe, Corbett and her team at NIH quickly pivoted their focus to formulating a vaccine against the virus. Given her previous experience, she was the ideal candidate to lead the vaccine development efforts.

Corbett and her team worked tirelessly, leveraging their expertise and innovative approaches to create a vaccine that would be safe, effective, and accessible to people around the world. Their groundbreaking work culminated in the development of the Moderna vaccine, which has been instrumental in the ongoing fight against the pandemic.   

Outside of her research, Dr. Corbett is an advocate for increasing diversity in the STEM fields and has spoken on the importance of representation in science. She is also a mentor to many students and young scientists and works to inspire the next generation of researchers.

Are you excited to learn more about the incredible Monthly Thinkers we'll be featuring on the blog? Who will be next? What groundbreaking discoveries and innovative ideas will we uncover? Join us on this journey of discovery and let's celebrate the remarkable contributions of STEAM leaders together!

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