Carcia Carson Makes History as First Black PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Vanderbilt University
Carson attributes her success to her time at JSU, emphasizing the institution's role in preparing her for achievement and fostering professional networking skills. Grateful for the support of family, friends, advisors, and mentors, she envisions diversifying the industry and continuing discussions on representation in high-level research environments.
AKACHI NOEL 
Carcia Carson, a distinguished alumna of Jackson State University, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first Black woman to earn a PhD in biomedical engineering from Vanderbilt University. Carson's pioneering dissertation focused on engineering cancer cell surfaces using nanomaterial drug carriers to enhance the immunogenicity of whole cell-based cancer vaccines.
Graduating from JSU in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in physics, Carson expressed that her grandmother's cancer diagnosis and participation in an immunotherapy clinical trial served as profound inspiration. Determined to contribute to translational research, she aims to directly impact the lives of cancer patients through her innovative work.
Carson attributes her success to her time at JSU, emphasizing the institution's role in preparing her for achievement and fostering professional networking skills. Grateful for the support of family, friends, advisors, and mentors, she envisions diversifying the industry and continuing discussions on representation in high-level research environments.
Upon graduation, Carson plans to pursue a postdoctoral position in cancer immunotherapy, aspiring to become a leader and innovator in the field of biomedical engineering. Her overarching goal is to inspire the next generation of Black women scientists and engineers.
