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Johnna M. Frierson

Assistant Professor of the Practice of Medical Education
Medical Education
203 Research Drive, Box 2604, Box 90271, Durham, NC 27708
203 Research Dr, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


Johnna M. Frierson, PhD, a native of Rock Hill, SC, received her bachelor’s degree in Biology at Furman University, and PhD in Microbiology & Immunology at Vanderbilt University. Currently, her interests and expertise lie in examining and identifying solutions to challenges at the intersection of STEM, education, and equity. Dr. Frierson translates this expertise into developing innovative programs and initiatives to enhance recruitment and retention of trainees from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds, support scientific development, and expand community outreach to inspire the next generation of STEM scholars.

Bringing over a decade of experience at both public and private institutions, she has a demonstrated track record of developing successful diversity recruitment and educational initiatives, spearheading cross-campus and inter-institutional partnerships, and implementing impactful mentoring programs for trainees from groups historically excluded in STEM. She has obtained funding from a variety of sources to support her programmatic efforts including donor-funded gifts, and grants through the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, NSF, and NIH. Her passion and work have drawn notice nationally as Dr. Frierson has been interviewed by The New York Times, featured in Science magazine, and identified as one of “1000 Inspiring Black Scientists in America” by Cell Mentor.

In her current role as the Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for the Basic Sciences at Duke University School of Medicine she leads the IDEALS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advancement, and Leadership in the Sciences) office. Dr. Frierson and her team develop and implement educational interventions, pathway programs, and partner with basic science departmental faculty and leaders to cultivate an equitable and supportive research environment for all.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Assistant Professor of the Practice of Medical Education · 2019 - Present Medical Education, School of Medicine

In the News


Published January 19, 2023
Johnna Frierson: Doing Our Part to Make Duke More Welcoming
Published January 11, 2021
Eight School scientists make Cell Mentor's 1,000 Inspiring Black Scientists list
Published September 28, 2020
Black Microbiologists Push for Visibility Amid a Pandemic

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Recent Publications


Utilization of Sialylated Glycans as Coreceptors Enhances the Neurovirulence of Serotype 3 Reovirus

Journal Article Journal of Virology · December 15, 2012 ABSTRACTMammalian reoviruses display serotype-specific patterns of tropism and disease in the murine central nervous system (CNS) attributable to polymorphisms in viral attachment protein σ1. While all reovirus s ... Full text Cite

The Reovirus σ1s Protein Is a Determinant of Hematogenous but Not Neural Virus Dissemination in Mice

Journal Article Journal of Virology · November 15, 2011 ABSTRACTNonstructural protein σ1s is a critical determinant of hematogenous dissemination by type 1 reoviruses, which reach the central nervous system (CNS) by a strictly blood-borne route. However, it is not known whether ... Full text Cite

Intestinal Microbiota Promote Enteric Virus Replication and Systemic Pathogenesis

Journal Article Science · October 14, 2011 Commensal microflora promote the pathogenesis of mucosally acquired viruses. ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


Duke Preparing Research Scholars in Biomedical Sciences- Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMECo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of General Medical Sciences · 2022 - 2027

Medical Scientist Training Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by National Institute of General Medical Sciences · 2022 - 2027

REU Site for Meeting the Grand Challenges in Engineering

Inst. Training Prgm or CMECo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2017 - 2022

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Education, Training & Certifications


Vanderbilt University · 2012 Ph.D.