Yvette Pittman, PhD
About Yvette Pittman, PhD
Yvette Pittman, PhD, serves as the Director of the Office of Research Training and Career Development at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 2008, where she focuses on enhancing the skills of scientists and promoting career development. She holds a PhD in Molecular Genetics, Microbiology, and Immunology from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and has a strong background in complex data analysis and scientific outreach.
Work at National Institutes of Health
Yvette Pittman, PhD, has served as the Director of the Office of Research Training and Career Development at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 2008. In this role, she oversees programs aimed at enhancing the training and career development of researchers within the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Her responsibilities include leading initiatives that support postdoctoral researchers and implementing outreach programs to promote diversity in biomedical research.
Education and Expertise
Yvette Pittman earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, summa cum laude, from Delaware State University, completing her studies from 1998 to 2002. She then pursued her Doctor of Philosophy at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, specializing in Molecular Genetics, Microbiology, and Immunology, from 2002 to 2008. Her academic background provides her with expertise in complex data analysis and interpretation, which she applies in various scientific presentations.
Background
Prior to her current position at NIH, Yvette Pittman worked as a Graduate Student Researcher at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School from 2002 to 2008. This experience contributed to her foundational knowledge in research methodologies and scientific inquiry. Her transition to NIH allowed her to focus on research training and career development, where she has been instrumental in shaping programs for emerging scientists.
Achievements
Yvette Pittman leads several key initiatives at NIH, including the Leadership Development and Grant Writing Seminar for Postdocs, which is designed to enhance career advancement and grant acquisition skills. She also participates in the 'Scientists Teaching Science' course, aimed at improving teaching skills among scientists. Additionally, she serves on the Steering Committee for the NIH Annual Career Symposium, focusing on career development opportunities for scientists.
Community Engagement and Outreach
Yvette Pittman is actively involved in promoting educational opportunities in biomedical research through the Student and Teacher Internship Program at NIH. She has developed and implemented scientific outreach initiatives that emphasize diversity in research. Her engagement in peer grant reviewing and technical writing ensures that high standards are maintained in scientific literature, contributing to the overall quality of research outputs.