Synphane Gibbs-Shelton is a Ph.D. candidate in the Pharmacology Department at the University of Virginia, holding a Biology degree from North Carolina A&T State University and a master’s in Biological and Physical Sciences from the University of Virginia. Her research centers on microglia’s role in experimental seizure models, working closely with her advisor, Dr. Ukpong Eyo. As a co-founder of the Society of Black Biomedical Scientists & Engineers and a member of multiple professional societies, Synphane is deeply committed to diversity and staying at the forefront of her field.