November 14 is World Diabetes Day, established by the International Diabetes Federation with support from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The day aims to raise awareness about the health and economic threats posed by diabetes.
In October 2023, the Women of Color (WOC) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Conference proudly presented the joint WOC STEM-National GEM Consortium award to Tracy Edwards.
The GEM Consortium seeks to increase the participation of African Americans, American Indians, and Hispanic Americans at the master's and doctoral levels in engineering and science.
At the time of the award, Edwards was a third-year graduate assistant at Michigan State University's Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, which operates as a user facility for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, supporting the mission of the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics.
Focused on creating zinc isotopes that could revolutionize medical devices and help diabetes patients avoid insulin shots, Edwards's research earned her the WOC STEM Conference Graduate Student Leadership Award, recognizing her outstanding achievements.
Edwards is one of fewer than 150 African American women holding advanced degrees in physics.
Her interest in physics was sparked by her brother's autism and his positive response to physics-based therapies.
In addition to her research, Edwards actively supports and mentors fellow students at all levels and contributes to various initiatives at her university.
She serves on the national committee for the National Society of Blacks in Physics, inspiring local students to pursue their scientific ambitions.
Her groundbreaking research and dedication have made her a shining star in physics and a role model for aspiring scientists.
In November 2023, Edwards was named a Spirit of Hope award winner.
These awards, presented by Michigan's governor, honor individuals and organizations for their volunteer and philanthropic efforts.
The award ceremony, held at the Governor's Service Awards in Detroit, Michigan, recognized those whose contributions inspire and promote the spirit of volunteerism and giving in Michigan communities, focusing on social, cultural, economic, and environmental well-being.
Currently, Edwards is a fourth-year Ph.D. student specializing in nuclear physics, with a focus on harvesting radioactive isotopes for medical applications.
Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, she earned her Bachelor of Science in physics from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia.
Her career interests lie in science and nuclear policy, specifically nonproliferation.
She is a member of the APS Physicist Coalition for Nuclear Threat Reduction, and in the summer of 2021, she worked as a graduate intern for the Aerospace Corporation in New Mexico.
