Diversity in Life Sciences

Professor Glenn E. Simmons, Jr., PhD, is a cancer investigator and award-winning spoken word artist.

As a Professor of Cancer Biology in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Cornell University, his work as a molecular biologist focuses on understanding the connection between inflammation and cancer and the disparities of cancer diagnoses and treatment in communities of color.

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, he has focused his investigative efforts to test wastewater samples from wastewater plants in several communities in Minnesota, to assist in identifying and tracking asymptomatic outbreaks.

A gifted orator, Simmons uses his storytelling skills to bring forth personal narratives, legacy and his origin story. He has received top honors from both regional and national spoken word events. He routinely delivers keynote addresses and presentations across the medical community, corporations and non-profit organizations.

In 2020, before joining Cornell he was named Outstanding Junior Mentor of the Year from the University of Minnesota Clinical and Translational Science Institute, one of approximately 60 medical research institutions working together to improve the way clinical and translational research is conducted nationwide, enhancing its efficiency and quality.

Simmons believes the key to inspiring Black communities and particularly, young men and boys, is through representation and creating a love of science. Through mentoring across a wide array of organizations, Simmons’ gift for oration and explanation inspires curiosity and confidence in his pupils.

Simmons resides in Ithaca, New York with his family. In his time out of the lab and off stage, he enjoys being outdoors and playing with his two boys