Dr. Kimberly Mulligan serves as the Auburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) Assistant Dean for Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity. In this position, she works to develop and implement initiatives which create an inclusive environment for a diverse student body, faculty, and staff, particularly those from traditionally underrepresented groups in STEM.

Prior to joining COSAM, Dr. Mulligan worked for the Vanderbilt University Center for Science Outreach where she was able to merge her love of science and desire to enhance STEM education at the K-12 level. In this position she was tasked with the development and implementation of elective scientific curriculum for interdisciplinary science programs at the high school level as well as providing professional development opportunities for teachers to foster scientific learning across curriculum in the US and abroad. She also served as the Program Coordinator for the Research Experience for High School Students, a 6-week scientific research internship for rising high school seniors and Director of the Day of Discovery, a middle school enrichment program aimed at students who are interested in STEM.

Dr. Mulligan received her B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University. She received her Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics. Her dissertation research examined the mechanism by which insulin stimulated skeletal muscle glucose uptake is impaired in the presence of inflammation. While at Vanderbilt Dr. Mulligan was a founding member of the Alliance for Cultural Diversity in Research (ACDR) where she was able to initiate key outreach activities including Family Science Night and Volunteer Scientist in the Classroom at several middle schools during her tenure. In 2009, Dr. Mulligan became a FASEB/MARC Mentor, where she has had the opportunity to provide students with the academic and professional guidance she received as a former MARC program scholar.

Dr. Mulligan’s service includes the Auburn University Commission on Women Faculty, the Vanderbilt University Chancellor’s Dores of Distinction Advisory Board, and faculty advisor to several student organizations aimed at increasing inclusion and diversity. Additionally, Dr. Mulligan was a 2018-19 University of Michigan New Leadership Academy Fellow. She was also COSAM’s Outstanding Faculty Member for the 2018-19 school year. Outside of academia, she serves as the Vice President of the Board of Directors for Lupus Detroit, a non-profit organization that provides emergency assistance to Lupus Warriors.

Dr. Mulligan’s experiences have given her first-hand knowledge of the importance of cultivating talent from different cultures to ensure many voices and perspectives are represented in scientific fields. Her career path has allowed her to continue to explore new avenues to promote inclusion in higher education and help shape a STEM workforce that reflects our diverse population.