The DMC Keystone Award

The DMC Keystone Award

The Duke Microbiome Center (DMC) is committed to advancing our mission through discovery, collaboration, and the integration of varied perspectives that strengthen microbiome science at Duke. In alignment with Duke University’s core values of Respect, Trust, Inclusion, Discovery, and Excellence, we recognize that an environment where all members can fully contribute is essential to achieving research innovation and impact. The DMC Keystone Award honors individuals within DMC-affiliated laboratories who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, initiative, and engagement in fostering an inclusive and collaborative research environment—whether through research, mentorship, team-building, outreach, or efforts that expand participation in microbiome research. Nominees should have made notable contributions to one or more of the following ends:

  • Strengthening a culture of mutual respect, accountability, scientific integrity, and open collaboration;
  • Broadening participation in microbiome science through training, mentorship, or outreach;
  • Encouraging the integration of varied perspectives, approaches, and populations in research to enhance rigor and relevance;
  • Advancing impactful research that addresses challenges in human or environmental health, particularly where inclusive approaches have enhanced outcomes.

Through this recognition, the DMC celebrates the people whose contributions exemplify the integration of inclusion and excellence, helping ensure our work benefits from—and benefits—the full spectrum of ideas, experiences, and talent in our community.

Application deadline: 5:00PM EST on Friday, January 9th, 2026

Eligibility of nominee: Any student, fellow, faculty, or staff employed at Duke University in a DMC laboratory for at least 6 months prior to the nomination deadline.

Eligibility of nominator: Any student, fellow, faculty, or staff at Duke University. The nominator does not necessarily need to be affiliated with the DMC. Self-nominations are not permitted.

Nomination package contents:

  1. Nomination letter (2 pages max) written by the nominator describing the specific ways the nominee has contributed to the ends above;
  2. Letter of support (2 pages max) written by someone other than the nominator. This referee does not necessarily need to be employed at Duke University or affiliated with the DMC;
  3. The nominee’s full CV.

These items must be collated into a single PDF and submitted by email to Cindy Wicker <cynthia.wicker@duke.edu> by the deadline shown above. Received nomination packages will be reviewed by a committee of DMC faculty and selected awardees will be recognized in January with a certificate and $500 discretionary funds. We anticipate making 1-2 awards per cycle.

If you have questions about the DMC Keystone Award, please contact Cindy Wicker <cynthia.wicker@duke.edu>.

Previous Awardees (note: this recognition was called the DMC Diversity Matters Award until 2025):

2024 (read more about this awardee here)

  • Dr. Nazema Siddiqui, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

2023 (read more about these awardees here)

  • Jessica Portillo, PhD student in the Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Program.
  • Dr. Sweta Patel, Assistant Professor of Medicine (Division of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine).

2022 (read more about this awardee here)

  • Eva Kim, PhD student in the Pratt School of Engineering.

2021 (read more about this awardee here)

  • Briana Davis, PhD student in the Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Program.

2020 (read more about these awardees here)

  • Brianna Petrone, MD/PhD student in the Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Program.
  • Dr. Claudia Gunsch, Theodore Kennedy Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement, and Associate Director of the Duke Microbiome Center.