(From left): Keira Darden, Nakia Epps, and Dominique Lamaute
Three Durham Technical Community College students have been selected for the third cohort of the Clinical Research Equity Scholars Program.
The two-semester program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative strategies for improving equitable practices and diversity in clinical research. Scholars will receive a stipend and be matched with a Duke mentor on a clinical research project at Duke.
The three students in this year’s cohort are:
- Keira Darden
Keira is a first-year student in the Clinical Trials Research Associate program at Durham Tech. She hopes to contribute to efforts that improve diversity in clinical research at multiple levels. “Equity in clinical research, to me, means that all aspects of clinical trials are diverse. Not just the participants but the clinicians and researchers.” She understands the value of representation to our study participants. Kiera is interested in public health and hopes to pursue a career in epidemiology.
- Nakia Epps
Nakia is a second-year clinical research student at Durham Tech. She looks forward to being a champion of DEI ideals as she enters the field of clinical research. “I want to actively involve marginalized populations to foster trust and make it easier for them to participate in research projects.” Nakia is also a recipient of the Greater Gift Mary Hofmann Murphy Scholarship for Clinical Research Leadership.
- Dominique Lamaute
Dominique is studying clinical research at Durham Tech to help her make a career transition from teaching to the clinical research field. She is excited to apply her 15+ years of experience working with diverse student populations to improve equity in clinical research. “I hope to promote equity in research through grassroots interactions with marginalized members of society.” Dominique holds a BA in French Literature from Fordham University and a post-baccalaureate Paralegal Studies Diploma from NYU School of Professional Studies.