Damaris Javier, M.A. is a Co-Investigator the National Research Mentoring Network-Resource Center and Associate Director for Research Training Programs, Institute of Health Disparities at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. Damaris Javier’ passion has centered around supporting individuals and efforts within Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine (STEMM), and biomedical/ behavioral fields, especially for individuals who have been historically marginalized in these career fields. Her professional experiences have focused in secondary and Higher Education with expertise in culturally responsive and effective mentorship, local and national program development and strategic management, course and training development, career development and progression, partnership development, student development, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility (DEIA) efforts, as well as recruitment, retention, and engagement efforts in STEMM education, P-12 and Higher Education. Ms. Javier is also a trained Entering Mentoring and Entering Research Facilitator focused on creating a community of learners to become more effective in mentoring relationships as well as to develop students’ research skills in navigating the research training environment. Previously, she served as the Director for the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs at Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. In this role, she directed diversity programs for underrepresented middle school, high school, and undergraduate populations interested in STEM and health professions. She also directed recruitment/retention initiatives for underrepresented medical, health professions and STEMM individuals at Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. She holds a master’s in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Teachers College Columbia University and a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and Mathematics, minor in Economics from the University of Vermont. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Higher Education at the University of North Texas. Her interest surrounds effective methods and interventions, including those that tackle systemic barriers, to influence persistence, equity and inclusivity within STEMM and biomedical/ behavioral fields.