2024 HBCU Doctoral Career Pathways Conference

Through a joint collaboration between the Graduate School and the Center for Career and Professional Success (CCPS), this (annual) HBCU virtual event brings together doctoral alumni, recent doctoral graduates, and current doctoral students to explore the diverse career pathways available to those with doctoral degrees.

The event features panels of doctoral alumni focused on the following: non-profits/foundations, the federal government, biotech/pharma, international/world issues, data science, postdoctoral careers, education, communications/marketing, policy/advocacy, research careers (Social Sciences), research careers (STEM), start-ups/entrepreneurship, academia, health and consulting.

How to Prepare for Alumni Career Panels                                         

  1. Create or update your LinkedIn (see best practices from the Academic Designer here).
  2. Register to have your CV/Resume reviewed on Howard University’s Handshake site.
  3. Read this document to take full advantage of career panels.
  4. Get to know the panelists by clicking on the panel links below (most are on LinkedIn).
  5. Use your networking skills to connect with the speakers or other colleagues.

Conference Sponsorship | New for 2024

Organizations/Companies have approached the Graduate School about involvement.  While, the conference itself works with Howard and other HBCU doctoral alumni speakers, for the first time in 2024, the conference is open to sponsors.  All funds benefit graduate fellowships. Further information can be found here:

HBCU Doctoral Career Pathways Conference Sponsorship Packet 2024

Registration and Information

Conference Registration Resources

Schedule | Monday - March 25, 2024

Speakers | Biographical Information

11:00 AM – Academia Panel

  • Dr. Sean J. Upshaw
  • Dr. Sherice Janaye Nelson
  • Dr. Shameka Stewart
  • Dr. April Copes
  • Dr. Tarek Zidan
  • Dr. Kendra R. Parker

12:15 PM – Federal Government Panel

  • Dr. Jessica Forbes
  • Dr. Sean J. Goliday
  • Dr. Sherri Lynn McFarland
  • Dr. Brittani Saafir-Callaway
  • Dr. Kar'retta Venable

1:30 PM – Nonprofit Panel

  • Dr. Laurie Samuel
  • Dr. Temika Michael Simmons
  • Dr. Gerald Johnson
  • Dr. Jocelyn Imani

2:45 - Health Careers

  • Dr. Oganya Udenyi
  • Dr. Damian M. G. Elias
  • Dr. Chmaika Mills
  • Dr. Brandi Walker
  • Dr. Teneisha McIntyre

Tuesday - March 26, 2024

11:00 AM – Education Panel

  • Dr. Francine Edwards
  • Dr. Thomas Hardy
  • Dr. Eric Durham
  • Dr. O'Shan Gadsden
  • Dr. Natalie Muñoz

12:15 PM – STEM Research Panel (non-academic)

  • Dr. Danielle Ferguson
  • Dr. Ayo Doumatey
  • Dr. Bryan Ramson
  • Dr. Hassan Karim

1:30 PM – Data Science/Cybersecurity Panel

  • Revell Bell

2:45 PM - Biotech/Pharma Panel

  • Dr. Grace Mavodza

Wednesday - March 27, 2024

10:00 AM - Consulting

  • Dr. Felisha Lawrence
  • Dr. Charnetta Gadling-Cole
  • Dr. Zaidoon Almassad
  • Avery Allen
  • Dr. Veronica Womack

11:00 AM – International Issues/Careers Panel

  • Dr. Angela Pashayan
  • Dr. Keleli Nuviadenuk
  • Dr. Clarissa Ndjungu

12:15 PM – Policy and Advocacy Panel

  • Dr. Deanna Nara
  • Dr. Lia N. Rohlehr
  • Rachel White, JD

1:30 PM – Communication and Marketing Panel

  • Dr. Davia J. Crutchfield
  • Dr. Keena Blackmon
  • Dr. Shamilla Amulega
  • Dr. Ashla Hill Roseboro

2:45 PM - Social Science Research Panel (non-academic)

  • Dr. Ngoma Evelyn Moghalu
  • Dr. Keri F. Kirk
  • Dr. Ayo Sekai
  • Dr. Asha Layne
  • Dr. Aitza Haddad Nuñez

Thursday - March 28, 2024

10:00 AM - Start-ups and Entrepreneurial Panel

  • Dr. Vernon Ruffin
  • Dr. Monique Caruth
  • Dr. Mahkada Taylor
  • Dr. Jazz Walker

11:15 AM – Postdoctoral Panel

  • Dr. Kemet Azubuike
  • Dr. Junia Jean-Gilles Beaubrun
  • Dr. Anirban Paul
  • Dr. Brittany Lee-Wright

1:30 PM – Doctoral Program Preparation: A Guide for Undergrads

  • Miriam Okine Davies