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Brittanny Polanka, Ph.D.
Polanka’s interest in medicine came after her dad experienced a health scare when she was 16 and her family was uninsured. It was at this time that Polanka’s interest in how people think about and manage their health began to…
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Demario Overstreet, Ph.D.
Even as a child, Demario Overstreet, Ph.D. knew he would pursue a career in the sciences. After school, he would tune into the famed 90s television production – Bill Nye the Science Guy – to watch experiments, learn about natural…
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Jessica Jaiswal, Ph.D.
Department of Family and Community Medicine Assistant Professor Jessica Jaiswal, Ph.D., did not even consider attending college until her junior year of high school. A native of Kansas City, Kansas, Jaiswal joined the debate team in 10th grade—a decision that…
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Kirsten Schoonover, Ph.D.
Originally from rural West Virginia, Kirsten Schoonover, Ph.D., obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Japanese studies from West Virginia University. First eyeing a career as a lawyer, Schoonover realized after completing a law internship that the…
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Kristen Allen-Watts, Ph.D., MPH
Born and raised in Birmingham, Kristen Allen-Watts, Ph.D. began her academic career with a degree in Health Sciences from the University of Alabama (UA). Afterward, she attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s (UAB) School of Public Health to work…
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Stacy Lloyd, Ph.D.
Stacy Lloyd, PhD, MPH, began her academic career in her home state of Texas, where she attended Prairie View A&M University. During her senior year, Lloyd became a co-survivor to her grandma’s breast cancer diagnosis—a defining moment for Lloyd and…
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Taylor Taylor, Ph.D., M.Ed.
Before becoming a Benjamin-Carver FIRST Scientist, Taylor Taylor was Tennessee born and raised in Huntsville. Taylor began her academic career at Auburn University with a degree in Health Promotion and Wellness and a Master of Education in Exercise Science. In…
