Meet Dr. Korie!
Hi! I’m Dr. Korie “with a K” Grayson-- a policy-savvy biomedical engineer, keynote speaker, personal branding strategist, and advocate for inclusion in STEM.
As the daughter of two Army veterans, I grew up “everywhere and nowhere,” instilled with resilience and a commitment to education. My parents dreamed of a future where their children would achieve what they hadn’t—college degrees. I delivered on that dream and became a first-generation college student, earning a full-ride scholarship to Norfolk State University’s prestigious Dozoretz National Institute for Mathematics and Applied Science (DNIMAS) program. There, I found my calling at the intersection of chemistry, medicine, and my identity as a scientist.
After earning my Bachelor’s in Chemistry: Pre-Med at this transformative HBCU, I delved into the medical device industry, assembling life-saving technology for dialysis patients. But my hunger for innovation propelled me into Cornell University’s Biomedical Engineering PhD program, where I explored cutting-edge prostate cancer therapies in 2D and 3D environments. My postdoctoral work at the University of Michigan further advanced the boundaries of therapeutic solutions for acute inflammatory diseases and colorectal cancer.
But……I left academia.
I entered the world of science and technology policy through the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science & Technology Policy Fellowship. At the National Science Foundation, I learned so much working on funding programs authorized by the 2022 CHIPS & Science that support diverse innovation ecosystems, capacity building, and experiential learning learning in emerging technology fields.
Today, I channel my expertise into shaping the future of research and policy as a Science for Development Fellow at USAID. My work unites emerging technologies and inclusive pathways to tackle global challenges. Through every step of my journey, one message remains constant: representation matters.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I gained national attention for my advocacy and outreach, going viral on social media and being featured on BET and in Forbes, Essence, Yale Scientific and on the cover of BEHOLD, my alma mater’s magazine. These platforms have allowed me to connect with a broader audience and amplify my message of inclusion and belonging in STEM.
I regularly speak to K-12, college, and graduate students, as well as nonprofits, Fortune 500 companies, institutions about a variety of topics: my STEM journey, my research, science policy, science communication, self-advocacy, and personal branding. I continue to tell my story through keynotes, workshops, podcast interviews, panels, and my content.
Throughout the years, I have been honored and awarded: List of Influential African American Women to Follow on LinkedIn (2020), Cell Press 1000 Inspiring Black Scientist in America (2020), Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society (2020), Cornell Diversity Programs in Engineering (DPE) Graduate Student of the Year (2017), Cornell DPE Robert Mozia Graduate Distinguished Service Award (2016), National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (2014), and Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship (2014).
I am a proud and active member of the Biomedical Engineering Society, National Society of Black Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. But the true reward lies in every connection, mentorship, and spark of inspiration I help ignite.
Let’s redefine what’s possible—together. Join me in creating a future where science knows no limits and every voice has a place at the table.
Get in touch today for more information!
Dr. Korie Grayson would love to speak at your next in-person or virtual event.
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