Meet Dr. Carmen Banks, 2026 AdaMarie Expert
At AdaMarie, we’re intentional about partnering with experts whose work sits at the intersection of technical excellence, real-world impact, and a commitment to bringing others along.
Dr. Carmen Banks embodies all three.
Carmen is joining AdaMarie as a 2026 Expert, and we’re excited to feature her across upcoming workshops and conversations focused on biotech, visibility, and building resilient pathways into STEM careers. Her journey spans research, early-stage biotech, education, and entrepreneurship, all grounded in a deep belief that access, curiosity, and community are essential to innovation.
Stay tuned for workshops and fireside chats featuring Carmen. In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about her path, what she’s building now, and the experiences that shaped her approach to science, leadership, and impact.
Meet Dr. Carmen Banks!
Name: Carmen Banks
Major & Minor – If you went to college!: Animal Biology & Reproductive Physiology, Ph.D., UC Davis
Field of Work: Biotechnology, STEM Education
Expertise In: Cell & Molecular Biology, Workforce Development
Current Company: Root Applied Sciences; MelanInScience
Job Title: Senior Scientist; CEO
One-liner about what you’re working on: Building molecular-based assays to enhance crop production and agricultural resilience; Creating pathways into biotech and biopharma careers through education, industry exposure, and community
Currently geeking out over: Applying synthetic biology to solve global challenges
STEM hero (alive or dead!): Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett
Do it scared. Growth happens when you keep showing up, even before you feel ready.
Tell us about your professional journey – how did you get where you are now?
I started college as a pre-vet major at the University of Maryland, fully convinced vet school was the plan. It wasn't until I spent time in a poultry nutrition lab when I realized I HATED working with chickens and vet school was not for me.
In an attempt to build my resume and explore other options in science, I took a chance on an internship at the USDA in a plant molecular diagnostics lab. Even though it felt completely unrelated at the time, that’s where things started to click. I realized I actually loved research; the independence, creativity, flexibility, autonomy, and real world impact really fueled me. That realization led me to pursue a PhD in cell and molecular biology at UC Davis.
Since completing my doctorate, I’ve worked across early-stage biotech startups, leveraging my expertise to support more sustainable food systems, discover new therapeutics, and enhance crop production.
We’re also curious to know your personal story and upbringing. What has made you “you”?
I was raised to be curious, resilient, and self-directed. Growing up, I learned early how to navigate spaces where I didn’t always see myself reflected, which pushed me to become both independent and adaptable. I’ve also always been someone who asks questions, relentlessly tries things, and figures it out as I go.
Being a Black woman in science has also shaped how I move through the world. I've learned to balance confidence with humility, ambition with purpose, and individual success with a responsibility to bring others along.
We know that real life isn’t a smooth and linear journey. What was your initiating moment that led you to your calling - can you tell us about that moment, what helped you moved forward, what you learned/discovered?
My path into biotech was definitely not linear. The initiating moment that led me to my calling came while working in a plant diagnostics lab, where I realized I genuinely loved research. From that point on, I committed not only to pursuing research, but to staying open to opportunities that didn’t always look aligned with my original goals.
Some of my most formative experiences didn't make sense at first; Working in a plant diagnostics lab seemed unrelated to my animal science degree, yet it sparked my passion to become a scientist. Similarly, my graduate work at UC Davis didn’t seem directly relevant to my first industry role in lab-grown meat, but it ultimately introduced me to the biotech startup world. Each time I leaned into curiosity, even without a clear path, it led me exactly where I was meant to go.
You’re a working person in a performance-driven industry. Where do you find balance?
I find balance by intentionally making space for the things and places that ground me. Although I do love being on the beach or in nature, peace and solitude doesn’t always mean taking a vacation. To me, balance also looks like spending time with people I love, staying connected to friends, carving out time for myself, and slowing down enough to be present where I'm at. Community work is another big source of balance for me. It truly fills my soul in a way nothing else does.
Let your geek flag fly! You choose one: if you were a part of the human body, outer space, or a scientific process, what would you be and why?
Tastebuds because I absolutely love food!!
We’d love to feature your work! How can we spread the word about what you’re doing? Some examples you might want to share:
I founded MelanInScience to create clearer pathways for underrepresented talent into biotech and biopharma. Through culturally competent education, industry exposure, and meaningful partnerships, we help bridge the gap between education and industry.
If you’re passionate about biotech, inclusive innovation, or closing the opportunity gap in science, I’d love for you to follow along and be part of the community!
Do you have a favorite motivational quote or song?
"Rejection is just redirection!"
Any final advice for early-career STEM professionals?:
Do it scared! Growth and success happens when you continuously show up despite feeling "ready"
Follow Carmen on LinkedIn to stay connected to her work and stay tuned for upcoming AdaMarie sessions featuring her.
