Devyn Gillette
Education
- Post-Doc-University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Microbial Pathogenesis (2014)
- Ph.D.-The Ohio State University, Biomedical Sciences (2013)
- B.S.-Winston-Salem State University, (2010)
Areas of Expertise
Innate Immunology, Host-Pathogen Interactions, Cell Signaling Mechanisms, Airway Epithelial Cell Biology, STEM Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, STEM Education, STEM Program Leadership
Biography
Dr. Devyn D. Gillette is an immunologist and educator whose career bridges biomedical research with advancing equity in STEM education. A proud graduate of Winston-Salem State University, an HBCU, she went on to earn her Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences with a specialization in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis. Her scientific expertise centers on host–pathogen interactions and innate immune signaling, with a particular focus on how airway epithelial cells regulate cytokine production and inflammatory responses to bacterial pathogens, including Francisella tularensis and Burkholderia cenocepacia. She has published widely in this field, expanding knowledge of the underexplored role of epithelial cells in innate immunity.
Beyond her laboratory research, Dr. Gillette is committed to broadening participation in science through education and mentorship. She is Co-Principal Investigator on an NSF Noyce grant supporting the preparation of diverse K–12 STEM educators and Principal Investigator on an NSF-funded project developing culturally responsive mentoring communities to build equitable pathways to graduate education. Currently an Assistant Professor of Biology at Bowie State University, Dr. Gillette also serves actively in her community as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She enjoys reading, spending time with family, and once appeared as a contestant on Wheel of Fortune.
Research Interests
Dr. Gillette’s research program centers on understanding how airway epithelial cells contribute to innate immune defense against bacterial pathogens, with a particular emphasis on Gram-negative organisms. Her work investigates the intracellular signaling mechanisms that regulate cytokine production and drive inflammatory responses, illuminating how disruptions in these pathways contribute to disease. By expanding the focus beyond professional immune cells, her studies highlight epithelial cells as critical regulators of early host–pathogen interactions and as potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Complementing her biomedical research, Dr. Gillette also pursues education-focused scholarship aimed at broadening participation in STEM. Her NSF-funded projects—supporting culturally responsive mentoring communities and diversifying the K–12 STEM educator workforce—reflect her dual commitment to advancing discovery while creating equitable pathways into science for underrepresented students.
Service Interests
Dr. Gillette’s service reflects her deep commitment to advancing equity, strengthening academic policies, and supporting student success both within and beyond the university. At Bowie State University, she has served as the Co-Chair on the Provost’s Race Course Committee on Academic Advising and Retention (2019), the Grade Appeals Committee, and former chair of the Academic Standards and Policies Committee of the Faculty Senate (2024), where she provides leadership in shaping academic policies that impact faculty and students. Her service also extends to mentoring and professional development through NSF-funded initiatives that expand equitable pathways in STEM education. Beyond academia, Dr. Gillette is actively engaged in community service as a member of the Prince George’s County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where she contributes to initiatives that promote educational excellence and social action. Together, these roles reflect her commitment to inclusive excellence, institutional leadership, and community impact.
Teaching Interests
- BIOL 102-Introductory Biology for STEM majors
- BIOL 410/510- Immunology (Undergraduate/Graduate courses)
- FRSE 101-Freshman Seminar with an emphasis on STEM
Dr. Gillette is dedicated to fostering student engagement in biology through evidence-based, inclusive teaching practices. Her teaching interests span introductory and advanced biology courses, as well as research-focused seminars that cultivate scientific literacy and critical thinking. She emphasizes active learning, mentorship, and culturally responsive pedagogy to ensure that all students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, feel supported and empowered to persist in STEM.
At Bowie State University, she integrates her research expertise into the classroom, guiding students to connect foundational concepts with real-world biomedical applications.
Awards & Honors
- Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students, FASEB Mentor (2022-Present)
- Outstanding Young Faculty Award, College of Arts & Sciences, Bowie State University (2022)
- Named among 1,000 Inspiring Black Scientists in America, Cell Mentor (2020)
- Travel Award, 11th Conference on Understanding Interventions that Broaden Participation in Science Careers (2019)
- Judge Travel Award, Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (2018)
- Dean’s Award for Inclusive Excellence in Graduate Education (BioCoRE Program), Duke University (2017)
Memberships & Affiliations
- American Association of Immunologists
Other Resources