Diversity in Life Sciences

Dr. Naima Dahir was raised in Columbus, Ohio, as a first-generation college student. She received her B.S. at the Ohio State University. She then completed her Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences, specializing in Neurobiology, at Utah State University and University of Central Florida under the mentorship of Dr. Timothy Gilbertson. During this time, she elucidated mechanisms underlying sex differences in fat sensation and perception. Currently, she is a postdoctoral fellow at the Life Sciences Institute at the University of Michigan, working under the mentorship of Dr. Roger Cone. Her research focuses on exploring the role of the central melanocortin system in ingestive behaviors. Her long-term research goal is to examine central metabolic-sensitive processes that go awry in maladaptive eating conditions by leveraging multidisciplinary tools and hopefully discovering therapeutics for metabolic disorders. Drawing from her personal journey, Naima is deeply committed to advancing the accessibility of science and promoting inclusivity.