Dr. Kilan C. Ashad-Bishop (she/her) 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. Kilan is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Miami and the Inaugural Director of the First Star National STEAM Academy. Her 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.

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, Kilan co-founded STEMNoire, a research and wellness community for Black women in STEM. Her advocacy efforts are interdisciplinary, as she previously served as the Vice-Chair of the City of Miami Climate Resilience Committee, where she leveraged her research background and community outreach to advance policies to prioritize low-income communities in resilience planning.

Colleagues and supervisors have recognized Kilan for excellence in her endeavors. She has been recognized as a Black Woman in Excellence (2020); National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Fellow (2019); Edward Bouchet Graduate Honor Society Inductee (2018); New Leaders Council Fellow (2016); Legacy Magazine, 40 Under 40 (2016); and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Defining Pearl (2015).