Modern Lab Leader 2024

Dr. Kabrena Rodda, Col, USAF (ret) leads the Analytical Chemistry and Instrumentation Group at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Prior to her appointment as a Group Lead, she served the laboratory as a Strategic Advisor, providing strategic direction on research to improve U.S. capabilities against chemical threats. She is a retired U.S. Air Force (USAF) Colonel. During her USAF career, she managed a nonproliferation program and later advised on chemical issues at the National Counterproliferation Center. Dr. Rodda was a United Nations Special Commission inspector and laboratory chief in Iraq in 1995 and 1998 and provided consequence management advice for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. In 2012, she published a book-length policy paper against synthetic drugs titled Legal Highs: US Policy for the New Pandemic. In 2017 and 2018, she led chemical threat response workshops at the Organisation for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and headed the writing team for the American Chemical Society (ACS) policy statement, “Preventing the Reemergence of Chemical Weapons.” Dr. Rodda is a recipient of the OPCW Director General’s Medal, the Secretary of Energy Appreciation Award, and the Secretary of the USAF Research and Development Award. She is a member of ACS' International Activities Committee, the American Academy of Forensic Science, and the International Society for the Study of Emerging Drugs. She holds a Ph.D. in forensic toxicology; three M.S. degrees in chemistry, project and systems management, and national security studies; and a B.S. in chemistry.

Oluwatoyin A. Asojo, Ph.D., is the Associate Director for Strategic Initiatives at the Dartmouth Cancer Center. Asojo was most recently Associate Professor and Chair Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Hampton University, an HBCU. Asojo has served as PI of ACS, NIH, NSF, Sloan, and corporate grants and programs that broadened participation in STEM and biomedical careers. Asojo’s research interests include the chemistry of life processes and deploying evidence-based interventions to increase the recruitment and persistence of URM in biomedical careers. Asojo’s education and training include a BSc in Chemistry and Economics from Trent University Peterborough, Ontario, Canada; a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Houston, Houston, Texas; and a post-doc at the National Institute of Health’s National Cancer Institute in Frederick, Maryland. Asojo’s previous positions include Associate Professor of Pediatrics Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Assistant Professor in the Pathology and Microbiology Department of the University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, Nebraska; and staff scientist at Tibotec in Rockville, Maryland.

Sean Tucker is the Director of Laboratory Services at North Kansas City Hospital in Kansas City Missouri. He received his B.S. from the University of Kansas Medical Center in Clinical Laboratory Science and Molecular Biotechnology. Sean received his Masters in Business Administration with Healthcare Emphasis from Rockhurst University. Sean has been an active member of the American Society of Clinical Pathology on both the local chapter and national level. He currently is the Council of Laboratory Management and Administration Chair-Elect for ASCP. Sean received the ASCP Forty under 40 award in the 2014 inaugural ceremony and was also awarded the KUMC Early Career Achievement in Health Professions Alumnus by his alma mater in 2017. Sean enjoys cooking, coaching soccer, riding motorcycles and spending time with his wife Angel and two children Payton and Genevieve.

Rigoberto Advincula is a Governor’s Chair Professor of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the University of Tennessee, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. He is also a Group Leader at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS), ORNL. His area of expertise is in organic and polymer chemistry, nanomaterials, flow chemistry and reaction engineering, additive manufacturing, and biomaterials. He has led major projects including a machine learning (ML) flow chemistry lab at ORNL and advanced nanocomposite manufacturing with DOE. He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, Fellow of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Fellow of the Polymer Science and Engineering Division (ACS), Fellow of the Polymer Chemistry Division (ACS), Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and the Netzsch NATAS 2023 Fellow. In 2024, he received the International Prize of the Society of Polymer Science of Japan (SPSJ) He has been appointed to the World Economic Forum, Advanced Materials Council. He has held several visiting Professor positions including Waseda University in Japan and the Max Planck Institute for Polymers (MPI-P) Research in Germany. He obtained his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Florida and had Post-doctoral Positions at the MPI-P and Stanford University. He is passionate in mentoring students and establishing interdisciplinary STEM programs.

Antoni Lacinai is a renowned global speaker and expert in workplace communication, motivation, and engagement. With a deep understanding of how communication impacts employee performance, Antoni has helped countless organizations improve their workplace dynamics and achieve higher levels of productivity and satisfaction. His engaging presentations and practical insights equip leaders with the tools to foster a more motivated and connected workforce. Antoni is the author of several books and a sought-after consultant, known for his ability to transform teams through enhanced communication strategies. He is a regular columnist in various magazines and is often interviewed on Swedish national TV. Antoni lives in Sweden where he loves to create illustrations for his keynotes, songs for his friends, and business blueprints for his customers

Bamidele Farinre personifies excellence in biomedical science and STEM, demonstrating exceptional leadership that has garnered her an array of esteemed awards, such as the Inspirational Woman accolade at the 2024 Women of Inspiration awards and the 2022 Biomedical Scientist of the Year title at the Advancing Healthcare Awards. As a Chartered Scientist and certified Scrum Master, her expertise extends beyond her impressive credentials, establishing her as a pioneer in the STEM sector. As a trailblazing Black British female leader, Bamidele has broken down barriers, serving as a positive role model, STEM ambassador, and mentor to inspire the upcoming generation. Her multifaceted roles include being a distinguished professional and an active participant in educational initiatives. She contributes to the science community and the public at large through educational articles, podcasts, and diverse outreach programs, emphasizing her commitment to knowledge sharing and fostering inclusivity in STEM. Bamidele's dedication to community service is commendable. As a Freedom to Speak Up Ambassador, school governor, BAME Staff Voice Representative, and Deputy Chair of IBMS Virology Specialist Advisory, she champions a fair and inclusive work environment, giving voice to underrepresented groups. Her impact is recognized on national platforms and in major publications, with features in Voices in the Shadow Volume 3 by GTA Black Women in Tech and Disruptors 3 highlighting her as a field leader, inspiring others to pursue similar paths. Her keynote speeches at national conferences and her role as a committee member on the British Standards Institute showcase her global influence and leadership. Bamidele's diverse contributions and pioneering spirit make her an exemplary leader, deserving of the accolades she has received. She not only excels in her field but also actively works towards a more inclusive and empowered future for STEM aspirants.