Mind of a Goddess

Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett, an accomplished immunologist, has etched her name as the first Black woman to lead a team in developing a vaccine. Her pivotal role in creating the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine not only contributed to combating a global pandemic but also revolutionized the future of vaccine development.

“If you can unwind and be true to who you are, it helps to reckon with things. My team is responding to the world’s most devastating global pandemic in the last hundred years. And so, there’s something to be said about knowing who you are.” – Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett

Dr. Corbett’s groundbreaking work in virology was essential to the rapid development of one of the first COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use. Central to her research was a deep understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, particularly its spike protein—critical for the virus to enter human cells. This knowledge allowed Dr. Corbett and her team to leverage innovative mRNA technology to create the vaccine.

Her blend of scientific expertise and strong leadership played a crucial role in achieving this monumental accomplishment in record time. Dr. Corbett was directly responsible for designing the spike protein, a key element that triggered the immune response necessary to fight the virus.

A Lifelong Passion for Science

Dr. Corbett’s journey into science began long before the pandemic. As a young girl, her fourth-grade teacher, Myrtis Bradsher, recognized Dr. Corbett’s love for science and encouraged her to pursue advanced courses. In a 2020 interview with The Washington Post, Bradsher fondly recalled, “I always thought she was going to do something one day. She dotted i’s and crossed t’s. The best in my 30 years of teaching.” This early encouragement, along with the support of her parents and community, helped nurture Dr. Corbett’s intellectual curiosity and set her on a path to success.

Dr. Corbett attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), earning a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. She later earned her Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she developed a passion for virology—a passion that would eventually shape her contributions to global health.

The Pandemic and a Groundbreaking Vaccine

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, Dr. Corbett and her team at the National Institute of Health were already well-versed in studying coronaviruses. They possessed critical insights into the virus’s spike protein, which enabled them to develop a vaccine in record time. By partnering with Moderna and utilizing mRNA technology, Dr. Corbett and her team created a vaccine in just a few months—a process that usually takes several years.

Dr. Corbett’s leadership was instrumental in this achievement. As one of the key figures in the development of the vaccine, she earned widespread recognition for her contributions, particularly as a Black woman in a field traditionally dominated by white men. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Recognizing Her Legacy

Beyond her technical expertise, Dr. Corbett’s unwavering commitment to advancing global health has earned her numerous accolades. In 2022, she was awarded the prestigious J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding, alongside Dr. Anthony Fauci, for their collective work on the COVID-19 vaccine.

Today, Dr. Corbett continues to contribute to science as a faculty member at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where she will continue her groundbreaking research and inspire the next generation of scientists. As she puts it, “My role as a scientist is really about my passion and purpose for the world and for giving back to the world.”

Empowering the Future of Science

Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett’s extraordinary journey is an inspiring reminder that trailblazers come in many forms. Through passion, perseverance, and dedication, she has not only changed the course of history but also left a lasting impact on the future of science and public health.

Her work demonstrates the critical importance of diversity and representation in driving innovation. As we celebrate her achievements, let’s continue to uplift and support women of color in STEM fields, ensuring that they too have the opportunity to shape the future of global health.

Call to Action

Let’s celebrate and support the incredible work of trailblazers like Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett! Share her story, encourage young women of color to pursue careers in STEM, and help foster diversity in science. Together, we can create a future where innovation thrives for everyone.