Yale University and Howard University established the Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society in 2005. Named for the first African American doctoral recipient in the United States (PhD in physics from Yale University in 1876), the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and promotes diversity and excellence in doctoral education and the professoriate.

The Bouchet Graduate Honor Society at WashU seeks to develop a network of preeminent scholars who exemplify academic and personal excellence, foster environments of support, and serve as examples of character, leadership, advocacy, scholarship, and service for students and postdocs who have been traditionally underrepresented in the academy. In the spirit of  Edward A. Bouchet‘s commitment to these pursuits both in and out of the academic realm, inductees into the honor society bearing his name also exhibit these qualities.

Edward Bouchet (1852-1918) graduated from Yale College in 1874. He went on to be the first African American to earn a doctorate from an American university when he earned a PhD. in physics at Yale University in 1876. At that time, Bouchet was the sixth person in the western hemisphere to earn a doctorate in physics. He was also one of the first African Americans to be elected to the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.

BGHS Member Qualities

Character	Bouchet Graduate Honor Society members exhibit the highest values of their university, through their integrity, honor, and exemplary conduct and behavior. Character may be exemplified through an individual’s emotional courage, principles, endurance, and perseverance. He or she must be reliable and consistent. At each member’s core must be an awareness of the importance of contributing and working for the good of society.
Leadership	Bouchet Graduate Honor Society members take their responsibility for their departments and their academic fields of study seriously. Bouchet Society scholars are the embodiment of the ideals of their respective universities. They not only represent the mission of their university, but they also demonstrate strong initiative. WashU. Bouchet Scholars play a leadership role in extending access to the university to a wider community by creating and sharing knowledge.
Advocacy	Bouchet Graduate Honor Society members should advocate for broader access to graduate education and other resources within the academy. Activities might include advocating for the concerns of diverse faculty members and students, serving as a mentor, helping to address the needs of communities, and educating others on the issues that may be at the heart of the continued inequities and disparities in our society, particularly in education.
Scholarship	The Bouchet Graduate Honor Society is an academic honor society that is committed to the goals of lifelong education, as well as the production and dissemination of knowledge in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Bouchet Society members are committed to contributing to the development of their field(s) of study and to the application of knowledge into action that improves the lives and conditions of their communities.
Service	Bouchet Graduate Honor Society members are expected to actively contribute to the well-being of society by giving, remaining involved, sharing personal gifts and talents, and exhibiting a Bouchet-like commitment to the service of others. Examples of service might include participating in an educational program for youth, serving in local or state politics, or volunteering with a local non-profit organization.

Jennifer Beatty is currently a social psychology Ph.D. candidate at WashU studying bias and emotion regulation, intergroup relations, and intergroup anxiety. She tests novel interventions around this line of research. She holds three master’s degrees- two from The University of Pennsylvania in Applied Positive Psychology and Education and the third from Washington University in St. Louis in Psychological and Brain Sciences. During her PhD, Jenn has served as the Psychological Graduate Student Association chair and a member of the Psychological Graduate Student Association Diversity Committee. She is a former AmeriCorps and Teach for America corps member and 8th-grade English teacher, where she was awarded Rookie Teacher of the Year and Teacher Mentor of the Year. At the undergraduate level, she recently received an award for Outstanding Assistant Instructor in Psychological and Brain Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis in the Spring of 2023.

Before beginning her Ph.D. program, she worked as a research coordinator at Wharton People Analytics, where she supported the research of Dr. Adam Grant, Dr. Angela Duckworth, Dr. Cade Massey, and Dr. Matthew Bidwell in culture, careers, and character in various work contexts. She has presented bias trainings to hundreds of individuals in a range of contexts, from education to the United Nations Global Compact.

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Tyler Cargill

Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering

Tyler Cargill is a candidate for the Ph.D. in Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering (EECE) at WashU. His research focuses on implementing data correction algorithms to improve the reliability of air quality measurements from low to mid-cost particulate matter sensors. Tyler’s passion for this work stems from using these sensors in St. Louis to inform residents of potential air quality disparities throughout the region. His undergraduate experience at the University of Kansas (KU) solidified his commitment to people-centric research. At KU, Tyler was inspired to pursue graduate studies through his participation in the McNair Scholars Program. After learning the foundations of research from this program, Tyler studied abroad in Tanzania to learn Swahili and explore the interactions between Tanzanians and their built and natural environments. As he approaches the end of his Ph.D. program, Tyler is planning in his next endeavor to remain committed to promoting healthful environments for people. 

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Akilah Collins-Anderson

Public Health Sciences

Akilah Collins-Anderson is a Ph.D. candidate in Public Health Sciences and a National Institute of Mental Health T32 Predoctoral Fellow. Her research interests include mental and behavioral health disparities, social determinants of health, social stratification, and health inequities. Prior to moving to Missouri, Akilah contributed to a range of research studies at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, the New York City Department of Education, and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. While pursuing her doctoral degree, Akilah collaborated on several studies, including two projects centered in St. Louis – a community health worker-led intervention and an inter-district school study. Currently, Akilah is conducting research that examines the role of social and structural factors shaping psychosocial stressors and mental health outcomes among underserved populations. Through her work, Akilah aims to investigate mechanisms that contribute to health inequities and improve overall well-being through research and evidence-informed interventions. Additionally, Akilah’s dedication to uplift the next generation of interdisciplinary scholars has led to student-focused positions on professional committees and various teaching and mentorship experiences.

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Bria F. Dunlap

Molecular Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis

Bria F. Dunlap is a candidate for the Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis within the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences. Her research focuses on examining the impact of interferon signaling on non-immune, stromal cells during Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection. Through her ongoing efforts, she will gain insight into how different stromal cell populations shape the early immune response to CHIKV infection. Since stromal cells are among the first cell types exposed in the skin in vector-transmitted diseases, as well as present at sites of vaccination, her work has the potential to greatly impact human health. In her pursuit of academic scholarship, Bria was awarded a fellowship through the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program in 2022. As an editor for WashU’s trainee led scientific communication network, InPrint, Bria is committed to making scientific research comprehensible to multiple audiences. Additionally, she is passionate about enhancing diversity in science and works as a science facilitator for Girl’s Inc. St. Louis to further expose young girls to different topics within the STEM field. Alongside her scientific outreach, Bria focuses on broader community outreach to help those in need throughout the St. Louis City area as she believes that every person deserves the basic necessities to survive. Ultimately, Bria aspires to continue promoting diversity in science, make science more accessible, inspire young scientists, and support the basic needs of her community at any institution she enters.

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Shelby Leverett

Neuroscience

Shelby Leverett is a Ph.D. candidate in neuroscience at WashU. Her research focuses on better understanding how prenatal experiences influence the neurodevelopment of the developing baby, and how variability in those prenatal environments correlate with variability in offspring outcomes. She is particularly interested in better understanding biological mechanisms (e.g., inflammation, placental responses) through which prenatal environments exert their effect on the developing brain. Prior to her work at WashU, Shelby earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Duke University, and a Master of Science in Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Both within WashU and through her work with PROJECT Short, she serves as a mentor for those in various stages of the graduate school journey- from curiosity to matriculation. She is an avid volunteer for community outreach actives in the broader St Louis area. She advocates for increasing representation of underrepresented minorities in science through her leadership roles such as orchestrating programming for the annual division-wide Neuroscience Retreat. At the heart of all of it, Shelby is passionate about addressing barriers to the entry, retention, and success of black trainees in science and in the academy.

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Sierra L. Napoleon

Chemistry

Sierra L. Napoleon is a Ph.D. candidate in the Chemistry program at WashU. Her research focuses on elucidating the specific mechanisms that enable glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumors to maintain growth. Since 2020, Sierra has been recognized as a GEM Fellow. Sierra received her M.A. in Chemistry from WashU in 2022. She also received a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Louisiana Tech University, where she was a recipient of the Louisiana Tech Outstanding Student Scholarship, TOPS Performance Award, and the Ruston Hospital Endowment Scholarship. Sierra engaged in several service activities during her undergraduate studies, and her passion for service has continued in graduate school. She participates in several safety committees and activities, including ExxonMobil’s Partners in Academic Laboratory Safety Workshop, ensuring adequate safety measures for her peers. Sierra currently serves as Co-Volunteer Coordinator for Catalyst for Change, a graduate student run STEM outreach program aimed to increase young women’s interests and exposure to STEM fields. Ultimately, Sierra aspires to pursue a career in academia to ensure all communities are provided the resources and support needed for success.

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Jhan Carlos Salazar

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Jhan Carlos Salazar Salazar, an Afro-Colombian ecologist and evolutionary biologist, is pursuing a Ph.D. in Dr. Jonathan Losos’ Lab. He is originally from Puerto Tejada, Colombia and received a B.S. in Biology in Universidad Icesi (Cali, Colombia) in 2018.  Jhan’s research focuses on the impact of temperature on the ecology and evolution of tropical lizards, particularly within mountainous regions like the Colombian Andes. Jhan investigates the adaptation and diversification of anole species across varying elevations, seeking to unravel evolutionary intricacies.

Jhan published four papers in different journals and served as a reviewer for six others. One of these papers is focused on emphasizing accessibility in science, showcasing that sophisticated equipment isn’t always necessary to conduct research. Additionally, Jhan contributed to a large-scale collaboration addressing barriers in ornithology, highlighting the systematic exclusion of professionals from the Global South.

Beyond research, Jhan has engaged in fostering diversity and inclusion. Jhan has been active in associations both within and outside WashU, such as the Society for Systematic Biologists, where he served as a Student Representative. At WashU, Jhan has contributed to DEI efforts within the Department of Biology, served as secretary for ABBGS (Association of Black Biomedical Graduate Students), and program coordinator for SACNAS/GALNACS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science/ Graduate Association of Latinx, Native American and Caribbean Students), creating safe spaces and organizing community service and outreach initiatives. In 2018, Jhan received the Afro-Colombian of the Year award in the Youth, a recognition given by El Espectador and Color de Colombia Foundation.

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Savannah Scruggs

Chemistry

Savannah Scruggs is a candidate for the Ph.D. in Chemistry with a concentration in bioanalytical chemistry at WashU. She received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Le-Moyne Owen College in just three years, where she was the recipient of the Presidential Scholarship. Her research focuses on developing and utilizing methods in Mass Spectrometry to prove G-quadruplex existence utilizing photoproduct probes. She has worked in other research collaborations as well, completing an article in the American Chemical Society Biochemistry Journal, titled “Post- and Pre-Radiolabeling Assays for anti Thymidine Cyclobutane Dimers as Intrinsic Photoprobes of Various Types of G‐Quadruplexes, Reverse Hoogsteen Hairpins, and Other Non‐B DNA Structures.” Outside of research, her leadership roles within the Chemistry Department, such as serving as a safety officer and a diversity, equity, and inclusion ambassador, showcases her commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment. Savannah also loves to reach her community through mentoring young scientists. As a mentor for various on-campus organizations, such as the Chemistry Graduate peer mentor program, DBBS young scientist program, and the Black Graduate Student Association, she advocates for the concerns of diverse number of students. Savannah’s passion for mentoring extends beyond the academic realm, encompassing a fervent desire to one day contribute to a mentorship organization focused on guiding underprivileged students to become successful scientists.

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Dr. Aishwarya (Ash) Rajesh

Psychology

Aishwarya (Ash) Rajesh is a postdoctoral research associate at WashU’s School of Medicine, working under the guidance of Dr. Evan Gordon. Her research has closely focused on understanding the neurobiology of acquired brain injuries (especially traumatic brain injury, TBI), how those injuries cause disrupted brain activity, and how they result in clinical symptoms such as cognitive impairment and emotional dysregulation. Dr. Rajesh has garnered prestigious accolades throughout her academic journey, including the Grand Rounds Speakership Research Award from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, an esteemed NIH-sponsored Fellowship for training in neuroimaging techniques at the University of Pittsburgh/Carnegie Mellon, as well as scholarships for academic excellence at the University of Texas at Dallas. In addition to her research, Dr. Rajesh actively chairs various diversity-focused committees, showcasing her commitment to creating an inclusive scientific environment. Her dedication to making science a safe and nurturing space permeates her personal and professional life, fostering continuous improvement, reflection on biases, and a deepened appreciation for diverse contexts. This commitment positions her as a researcher, clinician, leader, and individual who continually strives for openness, impartiality, and a well-rounded perspective.

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Dr. Khalil I. Thompson

Psychology and Neuroscience

Khalil I. Thompson is a postdoctoral research associate working in the Laboratory of Child Brain Development housed in the Department of Psychiatry at WashU’s Medical Campus. His research focuses on illuminating the underlying brain mechanisms that contribute to prosocial behavior and social dysfunction in young children and adolescents, and exploring how these factors may interact to precipitate future psychopathology. Khalil earned his position in the lab though an application for a NIH-NIMH minority supplement grant, where is primary project revolves around the impact of divorce as an environmental stressor on the behavioral and neural synchrony of parents and their children. During his time in the lab, he has also published a manuscript in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry exploring irritability as a temperamental factor in brain network response to social frustration and he has submitted a second manuscript to the Journal of Personality investigating how family structure and personality interacts with neural synchrony during parent-child interaction. Khalil also holds both leadership and service positions on campus as the current president of the WUSTL Black Postdoctoral Association and a collaborator with the Center for Rural Parents non-profit organization. He received his Bachelor of Science in psychology with a minor in chemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA), a renowned Historically Black College/University (HBCU) and would go on to obtain his Ph.D. in cognitive and affective neuroscience from Georgia State University, where he was the recipient of the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship and the Second Century Initiative Fellowship.