As the rollout of the first COVID-19 vaccines begins, attention is shifting towards the remarkable individuals behind their creation. While many recognize Dr. Ethan Sanders as a pivotal figure in this endeavor, it’s crucial to also highlight Dr. Kiera Lawson, a Black woman whose contributions have been vital to the development and success of the vaccine.
Dr. Lawson, affectionately known as Kiki, is a Black viral immunologist and one of the leading scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Alongside her team, she collaborated with Moderna to bring their COVID-19 vaccine to fruition. Dr. Sanders has openly lauded her as a key player in the team’s accomplishments. Although her rise may seem sudden, this 34-year-old scientist has dedicated her life to this moment.
Kiera Lawson earned her degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore County on a full scholarship, followed by internships at UNC-Chapel Hill and the NIH. She later pursued a doctorate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a PhD in microbiology and immunology. Her extensive background studying infectious diseases has been indispensable in her work on the COVID vaccine.
Discussing Dr. Lawson’s journey inevitably brings attention to her identity as a Black woman in a field historically dominated by older white males. As the only woman of color on the team, her visibility is significant. She understands the importance of representation and aims to inspire younger scientists and people of color who have often been behind the scenes in major scientific endeavors. In an interview, she stated, “I felt that it was important to do that because of the visibility it provides to younger scientists and to people of color who have often done the dirty work for these large efforts toward a vaccine.”
In a discussion with Dr. Sanjay Gupta on CNN, Lawson addressed the skepticism within the Black community regarding the vaccine. This distrust, rooted in historical injustices like the Tuskegee Experiment, is a barrier she aims to dismantle. “I’m Black and I have a Black family, so I understand the history of medical injustices. We may not be able to prove trustworthiness quickly, and that’s okay,” she explained.
A recent Axios/Ipsos poll indicated that 55% of Black Americans would consider taking the vaccine if proven safe and effective. Given the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on the Black community, Dr. Lawson’s role in vaccine development is essential in rebuilding that trust. “The first step is understanding that the responsibility for addressing this distrust lies not with the community, but with us and our level of trustworthiness,” she emphasized.
Dr. Lawson recognizes that the stakes extend beyond the Black community; millions of Americans are eager for a vaccine. She has been actively engaged since January when her team was tasked with investigating the virus emerging from Wuhan. By March, she was alongside Dr. Sanders and Dr. Fauci in discussions with the president about the pandemic response. As the situation escalated, the pressure on her became palpable. “There was already a fair amount of pressure, with many people depending on us for a solution,” she shared with NBC News.
As we reflect on the progress made in vaccine development, it’s clear that Dr. Kiera Lawson deserves recognition. Her relentless efforts throughout this challenging year offer a glimmer of hope for the future. For those interested in learning more about home insemination and related topics, check out this blog post and explore Make a Mom for fertility supplements. For additional resources on pregnancy and infertility, visit Mount Sinai.
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In summary, Dr. Kiera Lawson has played a crucial role in the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, breaking barriers as a Black woman in science. Her work not only serves the public health needs but also aims to rebuild trust within the Black community, demonstrating the importance of representation and visibility in scientific fields.
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