Endocrine Society’s 2024 Future Leaders Advancing Research in Endocrinology program participants Ebony Hargrove-Wiley, a graduate student in the lab of Barbara Fingleton, has been selected to participate in the Endocrine Society’s Future Leaders Advancing Research in Endocrinology program. This program provides individuals underrepresented in endocrinology research with leadership training, expanded knowledge of hands-on training, and access to a network of future colleagues and leaders in endocrinology. The 2024 FLARE cohort joins more than 185 scientists who have completed the FLARE program since its launch in 2013.
According to Hargrove-Wiley, the FLARE program serves as a network of basic, translational, and clinical scientists who study hormones in various contexts. She is looking forward to attending the FLARE workshop that all participants are required to attend. There, the 2024 FLARE group will discuss various topics related to the “business of research,” including the grant review process, lab management, navigating diverse personalities, leadership styles and more.
“I am thrilled at the opportunity to learn more about the field of endocrinology through the FLARE mentorship program,” Hargrove-Wiley, who studies sex differences in breast cancer immunity, said. The program’s focus areas “are important for success in academia and beyond,” she said.
In addition to Hargrove-Wiley, Sydney Jamison and Claude Fitzgerald Albritton II have secured participation in the program. Jamison and Albritton are Meharry Medical College students who are co-mentored by Annet Kirabo, associate professor of medicine and molecular physiology and biophysics, and Antentor Hinton Jr., assistant professor of molecular physiology and biophysics.
“Dr. Kirabo and I are so proud,” Hinton said. Hinton himself is an alumnus of the FLARE program.
According to Jamison, Kirabo and Hinton have been essential in encouraging her to approach science with an explorative mind, step outside of her comfort zone, and push herself. “They have helped me pursue a wide range of opportunities as well as to appreciate the value of collaboration,” Jamison said. “Their mentorship has truly taught me how to persist through obstacles, become a more effective communicator, develop my leadership skills, and be a better networker.”
Jamison is looking forward to the FLARE program and its potential to expand upon the useful lessons she has learned from Kirabo and Hinton’s mentorship. Such a unique experience is invaluable and will help all three trainees thrive in their futures as leaders in the endocrinology field.
“Sydney and Claude are both outstanding students and this is well deserved,” Kirabo said.
