Kolin Clark
He/Him
I am queer and and I am a biologist.//
I am a PhD candidate in Molecular Genetics and Genomics, and I study novel approaches for HIV prevention and cure. Through my years of working in STEM and science policy, I have realized how much LGBTQ+ identities not only shape who we are but also how we do our research. I want to ensure that we are studying HIV from a queer lens by understanding how HIV is acquired through sex to better inform prevention strategies. I am also working on a novel HIV cure method using non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors to eliminate viral reservoirs. Prior to my PhD studies I worked at the NYC department of health where I studied HIV drug resistance.
In addition to my science, I am actively involved with the National Science Policy Network as a part of a science diplomacy fellowship (SciDEAL). I am part of a team of early career researchers, in collaboration with the UK Science and Innovation Network, working on addressing the issue of LGBTQ+ representation in STEM in both the US and UK from a policy perspective. There are myriad systemic issues that still need to be addressed before LGBTQ+ people are properly counted and represented in STEM.