An honest conversation on race and the sciences with Prof. Gentry Patrick

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Gentry Patrick is a neurobiology professor, leader, and friend. It’s an honor to have him as my guest on this episode of INTO THE IMPOSSIBLE. We go back many years and it has been wonderful to see him thrive as a colleague at UC San Diego.

Gentry is open about his inspirational success story: growing up a geek in Compton, being the only Black graduate student in his program, and making his way into neurobiology to follow his passion. Learning that his father and uncles are preachers explains his talent with words and engaging personality. Gentry is a huge proponent of scientific storytelling and believes that we have a duty to be able to share our research effectively.

He is also dedicated to making sure that future generations of scientists have it easier than he did. The PATHS scholars program that Gentry established is a remarkable accomplishment. It provides a well-rounded and carefully planned approach to supporting underserved students that helps students learn to succeed in the day to day aspects of science and academia.

While speaking about PATHS, Gentry talks about keeping diverse students in STEM fields and how that helps them, but it’s crucial to highlight that this also helps the university, the field, and really the world. In the rat race or hunger games that is academia, Gentry reminds us that the emphasis should be on collaboration.

“The power of partnerships and the power of storytelling will drive the innovative change that we need,” he says. “Not only in our science but definitely in the realm of providing access, mentorship, and advocacy for those coming from underserved populations.”

Gentry is humble about what a tremendous feat his accomplishments are — using the words luck and serendipity to describe many aspects of his life. But he does know that harnessing those moments got him where he is and that creating those moments for others is a responsibility. “Luck is one thing but taking advantage of the luck that is presented to you is another thing,” he says.

Gentry and I discuss the unfair burden that is placed on him as a Black scientist, to participate in diversity programs and constantly be asked about his background. Though I am grateful he agreed to step up once again as part of this podcast, I do wonder at the energy it must take to keep saying yes. Once again, he inspires with his answer: that being a successful person he feels the welcome obligation to leverage his power.

“I’ve always had to wear two hats — run a lab and I’ve also been very interested in diversity. For me, it has to exist on the same page. Academic excellence and diversity cannot be divergent, they have to be seen as two things that go hand in hand. By being successful, I’ve had a platform…That has allowed me to lend my voice to problems that need to be solved.”

Having Gentry on INTO THE IMPOSSIBLE is a wonderful treat and I have so much still to learn from his wisdom and hopeful attitude. Though I may be a bit fuzzy on the details of his research, hopefully you are able to follow along when he describes his passion for neuroscience during the interview. He is a great asset to UC San Diego and I’m proud to call him a colleague and friend.

Learn more about PATHways to STEM.

Watch Gentry’s story of being the first in his family to go to college.

Find Brian Keating on Twitter @DrBrianKeating and YouTube

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Gentry Patrick is a professor of neurobiology at UC San Diego researching the central nervous system. He has a PhD from Harvard and was a postdoctoral fellow at CalTech. Gentry is the Director of Mentorship and Diversity at UC San Diego and established the PATHways to STEM program to remove barriers for underrepresented students.