STEM Center and Learning Community Speaker Series

STEM Speaker Series

Diversity and Inclusion in STEM. The Long Journey.

Tuesday, March 30, 2021
3:40 pm — 5 pm

Join by Zoom Livestreamed on Youtube

About Dr. Karis Boyd-Sinkler

Karis Boyd-Sinkler has been named the new Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Pratt School of Engineering, beginning in March 2021.

In this vital role, Boyd-Sinkler will work with Duke Engineering’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community (DEIC) Committee, and the school’s four departments to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and community through activities, programs, relationships, and the development and implementation of a strategic plan with measurable outcomes.

Boyd-Sinkler received her Bachelor's in Engineering Science from the University of Virginia with a concentration in nanomedicine engineering, and her Master's in Industrial and Systems Engineering with a concentration in human factors from Virginia Tech. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Engineering Education at Virginia Tech, with an expected degree completion date of May 2021. A recipient of a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, she has focused her dissertation research on exploring the interpersonal relationships of Black men in engineering. In addition, she actively supports and conducts research related to students from traditionally underserved and underrepresented populations in engineering.

As a program assistant in Virginia Tech’s Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, Boyd-Sinkler has led multiple mentoring, outreach, and professional development programs focused on recruitment and retention of engineering students at all levels. She has also led or participated in numerous local and national panels, workshops, and seminars related to engineering education and diversity in engineering. Prior to starting graduate school in 2016, Boyd-Sinkler worked at the University of Virginia as the associate director of student affairs in the Center for Diversity in Engineering.