A mentor made all the difference for Dr. Alexandria K. Graves. As an undergraduate at Winston-Salem State University, her microbiology professor, the late Dr. Arnold Lockett, inspired her with his enthusiasm for the subject and made her want to learn more. He believed in her when she was unsure of herself and encouraged her to pursue her dream. From then until now, she has been intent on becoming the same positive influence on students that Dr. Lockett was for her.
“I take pride in my career as a soil microbiologist,” Graves says. “There are numerous STEM career opportunities that exist in agriculture, but few students from underrepresented backgrounds are pursing them. It’s very important for me to educate middle school and high school students and their parents as well as undergraduate students about the career options and pathways in agriculture. I find it important and absolutely necessary to serve as a ‘role model’ who promotes diversity and inclusion.”
Graves’ research interests involve efforts in detecting potential pathogenic microorganisms in environmental waters using bacterial source tracking techniques. The information she gathers is needed by regulatory agencies that develop standards to protect the public from risk of disease.
She strives to be a role model for everyone, regardless of background. Part of that involves sharing her mistakes and failures as well as her successes. This allows others to identify with her as a real person, striving to be the best she can be.
Her work as interim director for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion involves leading comprehensive diversity, inclusion and community engagement efforts and strategies to improve cultural competency within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She is appreciative of the diverse environment cultivated by numerous people at CALS and a diversity council that serves as catalyst to foster inclusiveness.
“Specifically, I work to develop and communicate a shared understanding of how diversity and inclusion are essential drivers of innovative excellence in academia,” says Graves. “This typically involves, one, creating programmatic opportunities for the CALS community to understand, value and appreciate our differences, while also recognizing the many shared identities among us; two, improving college climate by increasing cultural competency among our community; and, three, promoting education and implementing appropriate services for marginalized populations.”