Adriana Bankston is awarded the Linda H. Mantel Next Generation Women’s Leadership Award by Sigma Xi

Established in 2022, the Linda H. Mantel Award honors Dr. Mantel’s legacy of service, leadership, and generosity. Learn about the Award

Dr. Adriana Bankston, PhD, received the award at the Sigma Xi iFoRE 2024 Conference and provided some remarks and reflections afterward. She emphasized the critical role of scientific research in maintaining U.S. leadership in innovation during her inspiring keynote address. Reflecting on her journey from immigrant origins to her current work in Congress, she encouraged young scientists to pursue bold ideas and leverage their unique talents. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something,” she stated, urging the next generation to embrace their role in solving the greatest challenges of our time.

Bankston highlighted systemic issues in U.S. research, including diversity and engagement with underrepresented communities, such as rural areas and minority-serving institutions. She called for collective action across universities, national labs, and policymakers to create a “robust research ecosystem” supported by funding, mentoring, and diversity. “We need to strengthen partnerships between the various players involved so that we can move forward as a nation in a unified front,” she emphasized.

Addressing the audience, she remarked: “You’re the future, and our nation depends on you.” She dedicated the award to educators, advocates, and young scientists shaping the future of STEM, concluding with a call for collaborative innovation to secure the nation’s competitiveness.

Chapters

0:08 Disclaimer

0:42 The charge

1:15 Mentorship matters

2:38 Don’t be afraid

3:04 Adriana’s journey

4:25 The main question

5:06 Science impacts all of us

5:30 Diversity in STEM

7:12 Many players

7:40 Strengthen relationships

8:30 Investing in research

9:04 Message to young people

Learn about Adriana Bankston

Learn about Sigma Xi

Learn about Sigma Xi iFoRE

Learn about the Award

Eileen Tucci

Eileen has a BA in Comparative Literature and Studio Film/Videommaking from Harvard University. She coordinates multiple programs on the CivicSciTV Network, and manages the social media posts, and newsletters.

Fanuel Muindi

Fanuel Muindi is a former neuroscientist turned civic science ethnographer. He is a professor of the practice in the Department of Communication Studies within the College of Arts, Media, and Design at Northeastern University, where he leads the Civic Science Media Lab. Dr. Muindi received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology and PhD in Organismal Biology from Morehouse College and Stanford University, respectively. He completed his postdoctoral training at MIT.