Kishana Yvonne Taylor, Ph.D., M.S.
Co-Founder, Black Microbiologists Association
EDUCATION
Ph.D. University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, Interdisciplinary Biomedical Science, 2018 Dissertation: Development of an In-Vivo Model for Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus.
M.S. The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., Public Health Microbiology and
Emerging Infectious Disease, 2013
Thesis: The Effects of Confined Poultry Feeding Operations on Discharges of Antimicrobial- Resistant Pathogenic E. Coli and Nutrients from Watersheds.
B.S. University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, Animal Science, 2011
Thesis: Zoos and Aquariums of the Past Present and Future: An Ethical and Scientific Critique of Zoos and Aquariums in the 21st Century and the Future of Zoos.
PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS
May 2021 – Current Postdoctoral Associate, Rutgers University
Earth and Environmental Sciences
October 2021-June 2022 Maternity leave
August 2020 – May 2021 Postdoctoral Researcher, Carnegie Mellon University, Biomedical Engineering
July 2020 – Current HHMI Inclusive Excellence Teaching Fellow, Mercy College, Natural Sciences
August 2018 – January 2019 Maternity leave
May 2018 – August 2020 Postdoctoral Researcher, Univ. of California at Davis,
Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
AWARDS AND HONORS
William A. Hinton Award, 2023, American Society for Microbiology
Distinguished Young Alumni, 2021, University of Delaware
Cornell Rising Star, 2020, Cornell University
University Senior Thesis, 2010, University of Delaware
Summer Institute Scholar 2009, University of Delaware
Woman of Promise 2008, University of Delaware
Science and Engineer Scholar 2008, University of Delaware
EPSCoR Scholar 2008, University of Delaware
FORTHCOMING PUBLICATIONS
Bilynksy, C., K. Taylor, M. Annand, E. Wayne. 2022. TCID50 Measurements of antiviral efficacy on metal printed masks. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.10.13.512105
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS
Taylor, K. Ilechukwu Agu, Ivy José, Sari Mäntynen, AJ Campbell, Tsui-wen Chou, Bin Zhou, David Gresham, Elodie Ghedin, Samuel L. Díaz Muñoz. 2023. Influenza Virus Reassortment is Strain Dependent. PLos Pathogens. In Press. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.09.26.509616
Spriggs, C., N. Pittman, N. Scott, K. Taylor, A. Kozik. 2022. A Talent Network of Black Microbiologists. Nature Microbiology. Nature Microbiology 7, 469. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-022-01085-0
Carlson, C., M. Farrell, Z. Grange and 32 authors including K. Taylor. 2021. Zoonotic Risk Technology Enters the Viral Emergence Tool Kit. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B 376: 20200358. Published September 20, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2020.0358
Taylor, K, Wilson, J.J., Park, A., Nemeth, N. M., Yabsley, M., Fenton, H., Keel, M.K., and Gottdenker, N. L. 2021. Temporal and spatial patterns in Canine Distemper Virus cases in wildlife diagnosed at the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS), 1975- 2019. J Wildl Dis. 2021 Aug 30. https://doi.org/10.7589/JWD-D-20-00212
Taylor, K., A.J. Kozik, C. Spriggs, N. Scott, N. Pittman. 2021. Introducing the Black Microbiologists Association. Lancet Microbe. February 16, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2666-5247(21)00038-0
Taylor, K. 2020. mSphere of Influence: That’s Racist –COVID-19, Biological Determinism, and the Limits of Hypotheses. mSphere 5:e0094520. https://doi.org/10.1128/mSphere.00945-20
Taylor, K., M.G. Ruder, D.G. Mead, D. E. Stallknecht. 2020. An Embryonated Chicken Egg Transmission Model for North American Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Viruses. Zoonotic and Vector borne Diseases 20:9; 728-730. https://doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2019.2590
Wong, N, J. Graham, C. Pelc, K. Taylor, L. B. Price, M. Altabet, T.E. Jordan. 2020. Effects of Confined Poultry Operations on Antimicrobial-Resistant Escherichia coli and Nutrient Pollution in Chesapeake Bay Watersheds. Science of The Total Environment 735: 15 September, 139401 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139401
Soler-Garcia, A.A., A.J. De Jesus, K. Taylor and E.W. Brown. 2014. Differentiation of
Salmonella Strains from the SARA, SARB and SARC Reference Collections by Using Three Genes PCR-RFLP and the 2100 Agilent Bioanalyzer. Frontiers in Microbiology 5:417.
PRESENTATIONS
Research
Taylor, K. (2021) Centering Equity in Infectious Disease Research. Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. (Invited Talk)
Taylor, K. (2021) Centering Equity in Infectious Disease Research. Virginia Tech, Blacksburg Virginia, VA (Invited Talk)
Taylor, K. (2021) Integrating Equity into Emerging Infectious Disease Research. Microbes and Social Equity Seminar Series. University of Maine, Orono, ME. (Invited Talk)
Taylor, K. (2021) Integrating Equity into Emerging Infectious Disease Research. BIO Colloquium. San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA (Invited Talk)
Taylor, K. (2021) Centering Equity in Emerging Infectious Disease Research: From scientific methods to scientists. Womxn in Science Outside the Lab and Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology Seminar Series. Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR. (Keynote)
Taylor, K. Samuel L. Diaz1, Ilechukwu Agu1, Ivy José1, Mirella Salvatore2, Tsui-wen Chou3, Timothy Song3, Bin Zhou4, David Gresham3, Elodie Ghedin. (2019) High Frequency of Reassortment Among Diverse Influenza Viruses Revealed by High-Throughput Experimental Coinfection. American Society for Microbiology. San Francisco, CA. (Short Talk and Poster)
Taylor, K. Samuel L. Diaz1, Ilechukwu Agu1, Ivy José1, Mirella Salvatore2, Tsui-wen Chou3, Timothy Song3, Bin Zhou4, David Gresham3, Elodie Ghedin. (2019) High Frequency of Reassortment Among Diverse Influenza Viruses Revealed by High-Throughput Experimental Coinfection. Gordon Research Seminar: Viruses and Cells. Barga, Italy. (Short Talk and Poster)
Taylor, K. (2019) The Enemy Within: North American Bunyaviruses and Their Potential to Be the Next Big Pathogen. California State University, Sacramento. (Invited Talk)
Taylor, K., D. E. Stallknecht, M.G. Ruder, D.G. Mead and E. Howerth (2017). The Development of a Murine Model for Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus. Poster Talk and Poster presented at the American Society for Virology Conference. Madison, WI. (poster)
Taylor, K., D.E. Stallknecht, M.G. Ruder, D.G. Mead and E. Howerth (2017). The Development of a Murine Model for Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus. American Society for Microbiology Conference. New Orleans, LA. (Rapid Fire Talk and Poster)
Taylor, K., J.P. Graham, (2012). The Effects of Confined Poultry Feeding Operations on
Discharges of Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogenic E. Coli and Nutrients from Watersheds. George Washington University Research Day Symposium. Washington, D.C. (poster)
Science Communication and Community Outreach
Virulent Viruses. 2021. Teen Science Café @AMNH. American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY.
Don’t Miss Your Shot. 2021. West Chester University, Westchester, PA.
Basic Science and Public Health Perspectives on Vaccination. 2021. Mercy College, Dobbs
Ferry, NY (Panelist)
COVID Vaccine Townhall. 2021. Teaneck Town Council. Teaneck, NJ. (Panelist)
“Scientist Roundtable on COVID-19 Vaccines”. Dec. 18, 2020. WDIV Detroit News.
Inside the Attempt to Build Trust About the COVID-19 Vaccine in Black Communities. Dec 12, 2020 PBS News Hour.
Fact or Fiction: from Coronavirus origins to vaccine safety. 2020. Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY (Invited Talk)
“Black In Microbiology Week, Virology Day”. September 29, 2020. Black In Microbiology Week. (Panelist)
“Flattening Our Curve: A conversation with Black Scientists and Professionals On The Current
and Future Impact of COVID-19”. July 29, 2020. Harvard University, Boston, MA. (Panelist)
Podcasts
“Black In Microbiology With Ari Kozik and Kishana Taylor.” Oct. 15, 20202. This Week In Virology Ep. 672
“Let’s Talk About COVID-19.” April 2020. PhD Divas Podcast S5E8
DEI and Outreach
Taylor, K. (2020) Journey to the Center of a Pandemic: From Dolphins to Viruses and More. STEM Scholars in Biology 2020 Virtual Institute: Pathways to STEM Careers. Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY. (Invited Talk)
(2020) Career Path Panel Women+ of color in STEM PhD Programs. Harvard University, Boston, MA (Invited Panelist)
(2020) Making Graduate Science More Inclusive. Stanford University, Stanford, CA (Invited Panelist)
Taylor, K. (2020) Increasing Diversity in the Microbial Sciences: Trainee Perspectives. Strengthening Career Pathways in Science for Underrepresented Groups, American Society for Microbiology Congressional Briefing on Diversity and Inclusion in STEM. (Invited Talk)
Taylor, K. (2020) Journey to the Center of a Pandemic: From Dolphins to Viruses and More. STEM Scholars in Biology 2020 Virtual Institute: Pathways to STEM Careers. Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY. (Invited Talk)
Taylor, K. (2016). STEM Diversity and Inclusion, Perspectives on Why It Matters, University of Delaware Seminar. Newark, DE. (Invited Talk)
TEACHING AND MENTORING
Teaching
Rutgers University – Newark, Newark, NJ
Invited Guest Lecturer, Department of Biological Sciences, October 2022
General Microbiology
Rutgers University – Newark, Newark, NJ
Invited Guest Lecturer, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, April 2021
Evolution
University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
Invited Guest Lecturer, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, April 2021, March 2022, March 2023
Global Impact of Microbes (MICRO 450)
Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY
Adjunct Professor, Department of Biology, September 2020 – August 2021
Immunology (BIO 310)
Kenyon College, Gambier, OH
Invited Guest Lecturer, Department of Biology, October 2019
Virology (BIOL 375)
University of California, Davis, Davis, Ca
Invited Guest Lecturer, Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, April 2019 Biological Science for Social Justice
The University of Georgia, Athens, Ga
Instructor, Biology, Peach State LSAMP, July 2016
Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Summer Bridge Program
University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Instructor, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, June 2009
Emergency Poultry Disease Response (EPDR) Certificate Course
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
The University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Graduate Research Assistant, Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, May 2014- May 2018
Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD
Microbiology Intern, Center for Food Safety and Nutrition, July 2012 –March 2013
The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, January-November 2012
University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Undergraduate Research, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, January 2008-August 2010
GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS
Completed
Loan Repayment Program Award, 2018-2020, National Institutes of Health 2018 Role: PI, Amount: $70,000
Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students Judge Travel Award 2019
Role: Judge, Amount: $1250
Gordon Research Conference Carl Storm Underrepresented Minority Fellowship 2019 Role: Presenter, Amount: $600
American Society for Virology, Graduate Student Travel Grant 2017
Role: Presenter, Amount $500
The George Washington University Epidemiology and Biostatistics Practicum Research Award
Role: Scholar, Amount: $1200 2012
Submitted
Burroughs Wellcome Fund Postdoctoral Enrichment Program 2021
Role: PI, Amount: $60,000
National Institutes of Health Career Development Award (K99/R00) 2020
Potential role of reassortment and co-infection in Orthobunyavirus emergence
Role: PI, Amount: $987,000
Burroughs Wellcome Fund Postdoctoral Enrichment Program 2019
Role: PI, Amount: $60,000
National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology 2018
Role: PI, Amount: $210,000
SELECT MEDIA
Interviews
“Black Microbiologists Push for Visibility Amid a Pandemic.” Sept. 28,2020. The New York Times
“Navigating virtual Conferences as a junior researcher.” Nat Commun 11, 5019 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-18656-6
“Will a COVID Vaccine be as unreliable as the seasonal flu vaccine?” July 2020. Global Health Now. John Hopkins School of Public Health
“Will COVID-19 make the coming flu season worse?” July 2020. Global Health Now. Hopkins School of Public Health
“What Black Scientists Want from Colleagues and Their Institutions.” Nature 583, 319-322 (2020) doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-020-01883-8
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Navigating NIH Programs to Enhance Your Career, NIH Regional Seminar, October 2018
Writing an Effective K Application, NIH Regional Seminary, October 2018
Data Intensive Biology Summer Institute, July 2018
Mosquito and Arbovirus Identification Methods, Pre-Conference Workshop, American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, November 2016
Scientific Writing and Publishing Institute (SWPI) Online Workshop; American Society for Microbiology, January 2015.
LEADERSHIP & SERVICE
Professional
Co-Founder and President, Black Microbiologists Association 2021
Co-Founder, Black In Microbiology Week 2020
Postdoctoral Councilor, American Society for Virology 2020-2023
Poster Judge, Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students Nov. 2019
Journal Reviewer (PLoS One, PLoS Neglected Tropical Disease, Journal of General Virology)
University
Mentorship and Fundraising committee member, Girl Outdoor Adventure in Leadership and Science (GOALS) April 2019 – January 2020
Mentor, Girl Outdoor Adventure in Leadership and Science (GOALS) 2018 – Janaury 2020
Graduate Research Assistants Diversifying STEM (GRADS), University of Georgia, Community Outreach co-chair, 2016-2017
Student Chapter of The Wildlife Disease Association (scWDA), University of Georgia, Co- President, 2014-2016
Sigma Alpha, Alpha Kappa, Alumni Chapter, University of Delaware, President, 2014- 2018
Ag Day Planning Committee, University of Delaware, 2009 and 2011
Community
Outreach Ministry Leader, Cornerstone Church of God, 2016-2017
Athens-Clarke County Science Fair Judge, January 2016 & January 2017
Small Group Leader, Cornerstone Church of God, 2015-2016