Todd Blakely Jr.
Graduate Student, Biochemistry
Todd is a graduate student studying Biochemistry. Before joining the Zanic Lab, Todd obtained his B.S. Biochemistry at the University of Puget Sound. He was also a Northwestern University NUIN Post-Baccalaureate Scholar. He joined the lab in May 2022, and he uses biochemical and in vitro tools to explore the mechanism by which SSNA1 attenuates microtubule dynamics. A fun fact about him is that he was an all-conference football player and a competitive lumberjack while pursuing his undergraduate degree.
Honors and Awards
2023
- Gilliam Fellowship Finalist
- Vanderbilt’s Suit & Tie Unsung Hero Award
2022
- NIH Diversity Supplement
2019
- Keith Berry Memorial Scholarship
2018
- McCormick Scholar Award recipient
- John M. Fluke Research Scholar
Outreach
2021 – Present
- Graduate Assistant to Senior Advisor to Chancellor of Diversity Equity and Inclusion
2021 – Present
- Micro-Communities in STEM
2021 – 2023
- Public Relations Chair for Nashville NOBCChE Chapter
Organization Involvement
2021 – Present
- National Organization for Advancement of Black Chemists and Biochemists
2021 – Present
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
2019 – Present
- Organization for Black Graduates and Professional Students
Research Positions
2020 – 2021
- Post-Baccalaureate at Northwestern University
2020
- Associate Scientist at Abbott
2019 – 2020
- Process Chemist at Pfanstiehl Inc.
2019
- Laboratory Technician at Engis Corp.
2015 – 2019
- Undergraduate Researcher at University of Puget Sound