Additionally, Burton worked on isolating bacteriophages from environmental samples so that they could potentially create a transduction system for DvH. Judy Wall’s lab, studying Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough (DvH) metabolism and aiming to develop a markerless genetic exchange system in DvH using the tryptophan pathway. However, she was determined to pursue a career as a microbiologist, so she applied to several post-baccalaureate programs and was admitted to the University of Missouri where she flourished in Dr. "I was so captivated by bacteria that I dropped a guaranteed admission into the Pharmacy College to follow my passion for bacteriology research." She then applied to graduate schools her senior year but did not get in. Although she was a chemistry major, she found that she wanted to learn about microorganisms, particularly bacteria. In her pursuit to become a scientist, Burton took a microbiology class as an elective for her biology minor during her senior year at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), and she quickly fell in love. Burton thoroughly enjoyed every minute of her summer research experience and realized, through the program, that she could become a scientist. Prior to joining this program, Burton had the notion that scientists were all white men, but this program changed that perception and in turn changed her career trajectory. Burton indeed applied, and was accepted into the program. In this interview, Burton discusses her background, reflects on her career and provides advice for future students from historically underrepresented groups that are pursuing STEM professions.ĭuring her senior year of high school, Burton was encouraged by her AP Chemistry teacher to apply for a summer research opportunity program (CURE) at Northwestern University. Burton emphasizes and confirms what the ASM SMIIM identified through their national survey published in CBE-Life Sciences Education in 2018 – the success of individuals from historically underrepresented groups in STEM careers depends on important factors- having early research experience opportunities and access to mentors throughout all stages of training.
Jorge Vidal, a member of the ASM subcommittee on Microbiological Issues Impacting Minorities (SMIIM) interviewed Burton, a post-doctoral researcher at the National Institutes of Health.īurton is an adjunct instructor at a community college and teaches, mentors students and volunteers her time to support diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives dedicated to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) trainees through the Black in Microbiology (BiM) movement. In celebration of the Black in Micro Week, Dr. She used to believe that becoming a scientist was restricted to white men with "wild hair," just like Albert Einstein but, because she identifies as a change maker, she went against the stereotype and beyond the lack of opportunities for individuals from historically underrepresented groups. Aisha Burton is an African American woman who grew up in the southern suburbs of Chicago and, despite roadblocks, has succeeded in her journey to become a scientist. How do you take advantage of an opportunity you don’t know? Dr.
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