Dr. Triscia Wharton Hendrickson, from the north-eastern community of Marigot, has been promoted to full Professor at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. Notably, she left Dominica as a child and relocated to St. Thomas where she gained her secondary education. According to her, the transition to St. Thomas was tough but she developed a greater love for books and knowledge acquisition.

Interestingly, Dr. Hendrickson got introduced to research at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. In 1995, she moved to Georgia to pursue a PhD in Biochemistry, Cell, and Developmental Biology from Emory University.

Having been raised by a family of teachers, it is no surprise that she developed an intellectual curiosity. In 2004, she joined the faculty of Morehouse College where she has advanced from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor (Tenured) and now, Professor.  Fascinatingly, Dr. Hendrickson is the first black woman to achieve this milestone in the Biology Department at Morehouse College.  

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Upon interview with Emonews, she expressed that she has contributed to Morehouse College specifically in the field of cell biology because of her keen interest in the health of black men. “There is a huge disparity in the mortality rate of black men who develop prostate cancer and white men. So I am seeking to make an impact and contribute to the knowledge field as well as to help others understand the biological underpinnings of cells,” she articulated

Moreover, she highlighted that she is seeking to facilitate training and development of young black men. “I teach my students to leave something better than you have found it. What is your impact? When you are no longer here, what will your legacy be?” she voiced.

According to her, the last two years has been particularly challenging due to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic. However, she seeks to give hope to her students and prays that she continues on the path geared towards student training. Furthermore, she noted that she is not only focused on student opportunities but also the development of research at Morehouse College.   

In addition, Dr. Hendrickson pointed out that she has a great passion for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). She voiced, “Growing up in Dominica and the VI, I did not know what it meant to be a minority. However, while pursuing my PHD in a predominantly white institution I understood what it meant to experience racism. I had an epiphany that racism is real.”

Historically, black people could not go to white colleges so they created their own institutions like Morehouse. These institutions train the majority of black students and make up approximately 13% of all institutions across the US. She expressed, “There is something about HBCUs that create an environment that allow black students to flourish without the issue of race and they generally tend to be more nurturing.” Thus, it is through her role as professor that she seeks to educate on the significance of HBCUS.

Pointedly, during her 18 years of service to Morehouse College, Dr. Hendrickson has trained over 25 students, raised over six million dollars in grant funding and has led strategic initiatives on student training, faculty development, curricula review, and reaffirmation of accreditation.  Among her achievements are also scholar publications particularly in the areas of cell biology of cilia and disease and the broadening participation in STEM.

When asked whether she seeks to expand her contributions to Dominica, she responded, “Partnership between Morehouse and Dominica would be great to create a pipeline for students to get a Morehouse education so that they could come back to contribute to the island.” Furthermore, she used the opportunity to encourage persons seeking to pursue a career within the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). “If you are interested in STEM, look for opportunities to engage. Think about what it is that drives you. It has to be intrinsically motivated as you should be your biggest motivator. Lastly, if you have the opportunity to network you should embrace it,” she advised.

Remarkably, as of July 1, 2022, Dr. Hendrickson will assume the role of Associate Provost for Research and Student Training. Through this role she will be responsible for the development of research as well as the task of creating better training opportunities for the men of Morehouse.

As she continues to blaze her path in the field of science, Emonews wishes to extend sincere congratulations and wishes her a bright and successful future.