Building Diversity in Science

About | Board of Directors | Founders

about/Founders

In August of 2001, Frederick Moore and Michael Penn, Jr. came together to form Brothers Building Diversity in the Sciences, Inc. (BBDS). The idea to start this organization grew out of their experience with Brothers of the Academy (BOTA), an organization that brings together emerging African American Male Scholars in various disciplines around the country. Frederick and Michael were inspired and empowered through their involvement with BOTA and

realized through their own experiences in science that there was a dire need to provide minority students pursuing science degrees support that went beyond traditional programs. The original mission of BBDS was to increase the number of minority students obtaining PhD and MD/PhD degrees in the biomedical sciences. Over the years the organization has evolved and in 2006 BBDS changed it’s name to Building Diversity in Science (BDIS). The mission of BDIS is to utilize science as a platform to empower students to pursue careers available with a science degree. In addition, BDIS aims to equip students with powerful tools to successfully navigate the academy and life.