Guest
Speakers
Dr. Nikki Traylor-Knowles
BWEEMS Founder, Director, and Chief Financial Officer
BWEEMs was founded by Nikki Traylor-Knowles, an Associate Professor in Marine Biology and Ecology at the University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Sciences. Nikki leads the Cnidarian Immunity Laboratory, which investigates the mechanisms of immune function in corals.
Dr. Kilan
Ashad-Bishop
Dr. Kilan C. Ashad-Bishop (she/her) is a biomedical scientist and advocate for inclusion who has
carved her niche at the intersection of science, health, and social change. She is a proud alumna
of Morgan State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology, and the
University of Miami, where she earned her Ph.D. in Cancer Biology. In her various professional
capacities, Kilan works to improve the health and well-being of communities of color and
expand opportunities for the next generation of innovators.
Hazel Wong
Born in Seychelles, Hazel has been at the forefront of researching how to engage communities of color in conservation and has been an advocate on diversifying the conservation community. Hazel has spent the last 20 years leveraging her knowledge of communication, and the political and policy process to promote The Nature Conservancy’s legislative agenda in support of its mission to protect the lands and waters on which all life depends. She has used this experience in public opinion research, strategic message development, and political campaign tactics to create a groundswell of public support for conservation funding and policy initiatives.