About

     My computing successes began in 1988 with creation of an AI/ML model. Summer internships brought industry experience in computing hardware, software and AI/ML. My scientific successes include the development of the first fruit fly genetic database (The Waksman Institute), a prototype for multi-omic analysis of disease data (Boston University and MIT), algorithms in precision medicine using AI/ML (MIT), and the development of protocols for selecting the biomarkers used in drug discovery (Harvard Medical School). Details and references can be found here. While cost of DNA sequencing was still prohibitively expensive limiting the amount of discovery that could take place, I began a consultancy to help executives with their marketing strategies. Returning to science, I work where drug discovery and business prowess meet, leading a successful boutique consultancy, Biopharmix, which serves startups in SAAS, medtech, and biotech worldwide.

"Key to releasing the truth about Black people's and women's capabilities is our willingness to shed our inclination toward professional modesty, and to broadcast and amplify our successes so that everyone can benefit from the inspiration, enlightenment, and challenge they bring."

-Rhonda Harrison

     This work, telling my stories, is my own, small way of fostering diversity in the STEM fields, being a guide to organizational understanding of what learning and changes are useful for societal progress, and counteracting the implicit bias that many of us don't even know we have.

~Rhonda

     I have always sought to serve humanity in the ways that my offerings are most unique. Now I intentionally share my stories, skills and knowledge so others can benefit from learning and being inspired by my experiences as

• a Black and female scientist

• an academic and entrepreneur

• a compassionate community leader

• a scientist with tech and business roles

• a biotech science herstorian

I hope you will join me in this journey.

The exercising of our inherent right to an education and a fulfilling profession, regardless of one’s identity, requires motivation. For many Black youth, the example of successful Black adults can provide vital inspiration. One goal of this project is to provide all young people with that inspiration, a small step toward a more diverse and equitable society.

Racism, sexism and other forms of oppression impact everyone, regardless of our identity. It takes effort and openness to perceive oppression that others experience when it’s different than our own. It’s real work bearing witness to inequality and injustice, but it’s necessary to enable us to recognize and internalize what is true. The second goal of these presentations is to provide adults of all backgrounds opportunities to acknowledge where change is needed. Data shows that organizations thrive where diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices are understood, adopted and celebrated.