About us

Maximizing Access Committee

The mission of the MAC is to ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion are a priority throughout the society to advance life sciences research and education. The MAC strives to increase the presence, visibility, access and support of historically excluded and marginalized groups by advocating for policies and developing resources to promote more diverse, equitable and inclusive practices.

Lea Vacca Michel

Lea Vacca Michel

  • Chair, Maximizing Access Committee (2023–2026)
  • Rochester Institute of Technology
Allison C. Augustus–Wallace

Allison C. Augustus–Wallace

  • (2024–2027)
  • Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans
Shane Austin

Shane Austin

  • (2023–2026)
  • The University of the West Indies
Ruma Banerjee

Ruma Banerjee

  • (2022–2025)
  • University of Michigan
Anton Bennett

Anton Bennett

  • (2024–2027)
  • Yale University School of Medicine
Reid Blanchett

Reid Blanchett

  • (2023–2026)
  • Van Andel Research Institute
Oluwarotimi Folorunso

Oluwarotimi Folorunso

  • (2022–2025)
  • Harvard Medical School
Yass Kobayashi

Yass Kobayashi

  • (2022–2025)
  • Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership
Anita Nag

Anita Nag

  • (2022–2025)
  • University of South Carolina Upstate
Teresita Padilla–Benavides

Teresita Padilla–Benavides

  • (2023–2026)
  • Wesleyan University
Alberto Rascón

Alberto Rascón

  • (2024–2027)
  • Arizona State University
Timothy Rhoads

Timothy Rhoads

  • (2024–2027)
  • University of Wisconsin–Madison
José Arcadio Rodríguez–Martínez

José Arcadio Rodríguez–Martínez

  • (2022–2025)
  • University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras
Yufeng Wei

Yufeng Wei

  • (2024–2027)
  • New Jersey City University
Kiesha Wilson

Kiesha Wilson

  • (2024–2027)
  • University of South Carolina School of Medicine