Samantha Williams is a rising senior from Dallas, TX. While studying biology at Spelman College, she has been involved with the Pre-Dental Society, AUC Orchestra, Chapel Assistants at Sister's Chapel, and Protege Mentorship Program. Additionally, she has served as secretary for Knitten's Yarn Club, first-floor representative for LLC1’s Community Leadership Council, and vice president of Operation Smile.
Passionate for her community, she volunteered as a Westside Atlanta Charter School and SpelREADS tutor. Williams also worked at Spelman's Office of Admissions as an office assistant. Samantha's recognition as a LINCS Scholar, Target Scholar, HCOPPP Scholar, and an Alpha Epsilon Delta Health Honor Society and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society member has demonstrated her dedication to achieving her goals.
Since her freshman year, Samantha has been involved with several research experiences. At Texas A&M School of Dentistry, she studied collagen IX in the periodontal ligament with their Summer Undergraduate Research Program. Additionally, she studied Leishmaniasis parasites for potential apoptotic treatment methods at Morehouse College for the past two years and will continue to do so throughout the next school year. Samantha completed Spelman’s Data Science Summer Program, where she researched sleep differences in various sex chromosomes.
Williams plans to pursue dentistry by receiving her D.D.S. and Ph.D. degrees to practice and study patients with cleft lip and palate to determine the cause behind craniofacial disorders. In pursuit of these desires, she participated in the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine's Destination Dental School program and the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry's Discover Dental School program to prepare for a future in dentistry. Throughout the summer, Samantha will complete a research internship at Oregon Health and Sciences University School of Dentistry.
“LINCS Scholars are two-year cohorts of women scientists at Spelman College, who aspire to become leaders in STEM. These students contribute dynamic science and diverse perspective to a growing field. Typically, most of our LINCS Scholars reside in Laura Spelman Residence Hall, a social justice dorm on Spelman’s campus."