Dr. Daphney Chery is a change agent, dedicated scientist, educator, and supportive mentor with a passion for driving innovation and fostering knowledge-sharing. Currently serving as the Innovation Lead at the Chief Information Office at Northrop Grumman, she thrives in creating environments that encourage focused innovation and resourcefulness.
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Before her current role, Dr. Chery made significant contributions as an AAAS Science & Technology Fellow hosted at the Department of Defense. In this capacity, she served as a lead action officer, instrumental in implementing and program managing the largest federally funded education program. Her ability to navigate complex challenges and drive impactful change marked her as a standout professional in the field.
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Dr. Chery's academic journey is marked by achievements and expertise. She earned her BS from the School of Environmental and Biological Science at Rutgers University in 2010, followed by an MS degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 2012. Her academic pursuits culminated in a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems at Drexel University in 2018. Subsequently, she contributed as a post-doctoral researcher at the Orthopaedic Surgery department at the University of Pennsylvania. Here, she served as a subject matter expert in utilizing nanobiomedical tools to explore the microenvironment of knee cartilage.
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Breaking barriers, Dr. Chery made history as the first black woman to sit on the Orthopaedic Research Society’s Board of Directors. In this role, she led initiatives aimed at recruiting, retaining, and providing support to Black ortho researchers, making significant strides in promoting diversity within the field.
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Dr. Chery is not only a trailblazer in her professional life but also a passionate STEM education activist. Committed to improving access to STEM education in inner-city schools, she curated and taught a class for the Office of Special Programs at Rutgers University since 2014, offering crucial support to Biology students. Her dedication extends to organizing workshops, conferences, and community events to inspire underrepresented individuals to pursue STEM careers, earning her recognition and awards from national and state-wide organizations.
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In addition to her myriad accomplishments, Dr. Chery plays a pivotal role as the Digital Media Chair for STEMNoire. STEMNoire, a groundbreaking research conference and holistic wellness retreat, is the brainchild of black women in STEM, and Dr. Chery's involvement reflects her ongoing commitment to fostering inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment in the scientific community. With a remarkable blend of leadership, expertise, and advocacy, Dr. Daphney Chery stands as a luminary in the world of science and innovation.