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Chrystal Starbird

@drstarbird.bsky.social

7.2K followers 590 following 960 posts

Scientist, mother, perpetual learner. Assistant Professor, Structural Biologist, Advocate, and Speaker. Views my own. signal @starbic.01 www.starbirdlab.com

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Chrystal Starbird @drstarbird.bsky.social · Nov 11

Hi All! I’m a structural biologist who studies the structural basis of signaling via RTKs. I’m a new Assistant Professor at UNC and a #firstgen scholar who fights to make science accessible! I’m a bit spicy 😁, but try my best to lead with kindness. A recent lab outing:

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BioTechniques @biotechniques.bsky.social · 5d

Surviving isn’t enough; underrepresented groups in academia need to thrive.

In this STEM Tea episode, @phdgprotein86.bsky.social is joined by @brielleryan.bsky.social and @heydrdukes.bsky.social.
Learn why visibility is sometimes the most important step >>> www.biotechniques.com/podcasts/ste... 🧪

STEM Tea | Founding Black in Neuro

Brielle Ferguson and Angeline Dukes discuss Black in Neuro, the power of visibility in representation and critical lessons about mentorship.

www.biotechniques.com

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Chrystal Starbird @drstarbird.bsky.social · 9h

Happy Birthday! 🎉

Chrystal Starbird @drstarbird.bsky.social · 11h

Please keep telling me how educating about cultural differences and working to foster inclusive working environments, where all are welcome, makes us the ones in the wrong and who are making decisions based on race.

Politico @politico.com · 18h

EXCLUSIVE: Thousands of leaked messages show leaders of Young Republican groups joking about gas chambers, slavery and rape in a private Telegram chat.

Inside rising GOP leaders’ racist chats — obtained by POLITICO and spanning more than 7 months👇

‘I love Hitler’: Leaked messages expose Young Republicans’ racist chat

Thousands of private messages reveal young GOP leaders joking about gas chambers, slavery and rape.

www.politico.com

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Reposted by Chrystal Starbird

Leonora Martínez-Núñez @leonoramartinez.bsky.social · 16h

Hola #PortfolioDay !! I'm Leonora, a scientific illustrator & designer with a strong background in microbiology and biochemistry, translating complex science into radiant and memorable visuals. I'm open to freelance work! www.leonoramartinez.com #sciart

A collection of colorful 3D modeled scientific Illustrations depicting pathogens, bacteria, cells, proteins and protein interactions.

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Reposted by Chrystal Starbird

Black Microbiologists Assoc (Black In Micro) @blackinmicro.bsky.social · 1d

Tomorrow we kick-off #BlackInMicro Week with "Pathways for Change" day. Join Dr. Johnson, Camille Smith, Dr. Sobers, Dr. Motley-Johnson & Dr. Jeffers-Francis for an insightful talk. Secure your spot: linktr.ee/BlackInMicro. Support the cause: tinyurl.com/GiveBiM (links in bio)

Black in Microbiology Week 2025 Panel: Finding Black Spaces in STEM. Event time: 1:15–2:15 PM EST, Oct. 14, 2025. Speakers: Jabril Johnson, PhD (Morehouse School of Medicine), Camille Smith (STEM Soulcial), Courtney Sobers, PhD (Rutgers University), Evangeline Motley-Johnson, PhD (Meharry Medical College), and Liesl Jeffers-Francis, PhD (North Carolina A&T State University).

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Reposted by Chrystal Starbird

Tiffany Lowe-Power 🌱🦠 @tlowepower.bsky.social · 22d

Please repost -- The Univ. California Davis dept of Plant Pathology is hiring a Fungal biologist / Mycologist

Applications due Dec 1

Application portal: recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07339

Screenshot shows part of the job posting (with alt-text of the same text)

he Department of Plant Pathology at the University of California, Davis is seeking applications for a fulltime, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Mycology, with a focus on plant pathogenic, symbiotic,
or mycotoxigenic fungi and fungal-like organisms (e.g., oomycetes). We are looking for a highly
motivated and creative scientist with a strong background in mycology and/or the biology of fungi and
fungal-like organisms that interact with plants. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a
world-class, externally funded research program that integrates both fundamental and applied aspects
of fungal biology within the context of plant pathology. We welcome applicants pursuing a wide range
of research topics related to plant-associated fungi, including but not limited to mechanisms of fungal
pathogenesis or symbiosis with plants, population genomics and evolution of fungal plant pathogens,
plant-associated fungal microbiomes and plant-microbe interactions, and/or one health approaches to
fungal diseases and antifungal resistance. Applicants working in other relevant research areas involving
pathogenic, symbiotic, or mycotoxigenic fungi or fungal-like organisms that affect plant health are also
encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will have significant opportunities for collaboration with
faculty in plant pathology, microbiology, genomics, and agricultural sciences, and to contribute to
addressing issues of importance to California’s agricultural and natural ecosystems.
The appointee primary teaching responsibilities will be teaching Introductory Mycology, an upperdivision lab class, and SAS 30, Mushroom, Molds & Society, a general education class for non-majors.
Additional graduate and undergraduate teaching responsibilities may be assigned based on
departmental needs and the candidate’s expertise. The department offers modern instructional
facilities, including a newly renovated teaching laboratory.

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Abby Cheruiyot @abbycheru.bsky.social · 2d

We’re so excited for our 5th annual HBPA symposium, Friday December 12th at HMS

We are now accepting abstracts for:
-Oral Presentations
-Poster
Registration Link: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Abstract Submission Link: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Deadline for Abstract Submission: 10/31/25

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Chrystal Starbird @drstarbird.bsky.social · 3d

Saturday!

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Sheryl Gay Stolberg @sherylnyt.bsky.social · 4d

BREAKING: Friday night massacre underway at CDC. Doznes of "disease detectives," high-level scientists, entire Washington staff and editors of the MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report) have all been RIFed and received the following notice:

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turrigiano.bsky.social @turrigiano.bsky.social · 4d

Thank You MIT. Now who's next?

Explore this gift article from The New York Times. You can read it for free without a subscription. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/10/u...

M.I.T. Rejects a White House Offer for Special Funding Treatment

www.nytimes.com

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Reposted by Chrystal Starbird

Jeremy Berg @jeremymberg.bsky.social · 4d

Thoughtful and well-informed op-ed from @ianlmorgan.bsky.social

Definitely worth a read!

www.the-scientist.com/nih-leadersh...

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NIH Leadership Is Failing Early Career Researchers

Halted training programs, funding chaos, and hiring freezes jeopardize advancement options for early career researchers.

www.the-scientist.com

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Reposted by Chrystal Starbird

Kate Holterhoff, PhD @kateholterhoff.com · 7d

We are all Dr. Brunkow 😴
“Dr. Brunkow said she did not expect to win a Nobel Prize. ‘My phone rang, and I saw a number from Sweden and thought, well that’s just spam of some sort, so I disabled the phone and went back to sleep,’“ www.nytimes.com/2025/10/06/h...

Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine Is Awarded for Work on Immune Systems

www.nytimes.com

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ClimateFran @climatefran.bsky.social · 7d

All the life goals, right here

www.theguardian.com/science/2025...

Nobel committee unable to reach prize winner who is ‘living his best life’ hiking off grid

Fred Ramsdell was among those honoured with a 2025 Nobel Prize in Medicine but might not know because he is somewhere in Idaho and uncontactable

www.theguardian.com

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Chrystal Starbird @drstarbird.bsky.social · 7d

I have had such a wonderful and helpful experience as a Keystone Fellow. Interested early career scientists should definitely apply!

Keystone Symposia @keystonesymposia.bsky.social · 7d

🚀 Early-career scientists: Apply for the 2026 Keystone Symposia Fellows! Gain mentorship, career guidance & join a global network of scientific leaders. 🧬

🗓 Apply by Oct 20, 2025
🔗 www.keystonesymposia.org/program-enri... #KSFellows #KeystoneSymposia #EarlyCareerScientists

Chrystal Starbird @drstarbird.bsky.social · 7d

Right! I really don’t want to and I’m trying to help you, but I will be if you make it hard to avoid.

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Chrystal Starbird @drstarbird.bsky.social · 7d

You know; with everything going on, I just don’t understand why administrators are working to make our jobs harder and not easier 😤

Chrystal Starbird @drstarbird.bsky.social · 8d

The title says it all ⬇️

Jeremy Berg @jeremymberg.bsky.social · 8d

I have been trying to get this published as an op-ed, but I am going to post it here since I think it is timely in light of the "consent" extortion events.

Deafening Quiet from the Scientific Establishment

jeremymberg.github.io/jeremyberg.g...

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jeremymberg.github.io

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Chrystal Starbird @drstarbird.bsky.social · 8d

Congratulations! 🎉

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Neuropsychopharmacology @npp-journal.bsky.social · 8d

Big news at @npp-journal.bsky.social HQ 👇

We are thrilled to welcome @briannaegeorge.bsky.social as our new NPP Editorial Intern 🎉

We are looking forward to working with Dr. George and are excited to have such a fantastic addition to our team 🤩

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Chrystal Starbird @drstarbird.bsky.social · 8d

Why is it so hard for people to understand that I am usually, and prefer to be, understanding and kind, but not when you mess with my kids!?! You will get the other version of me then.

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Annika Barber @annikabarber.bsky.social · 13d

Despite These Times...my department is hiring! I really like my department, we have a good mix of disciplines and organisms and we're really low-drama. We also get pizza at faculty meeting. So if you're a computational and structural biologist, join us! 🧪 jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/260...

Assistant Professor - Tenure Track Faculty

The Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is inviting applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position. The position requires a doc...

jobs.rutgers.edu

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Chrystal Starbird @drstarbird.bsky.social · 13d

It was a great discussion with amazing peer scientists! Thank you for hosting! 🙌🏾

Reposted by Chrystal Starbird

Black In Biophysics @blackinbiophys.bsky.social · 13d

In our #BIBPSWeek 2025 #BIBPSSpotlight Q&A Webinar with Dr. Chrystal Starbird, we learned about her life, career, and STEM advocacy work. We also discussed the barriers that fellow #BlackInBiophysics scholars @jjalston.bsky.social & @stevenssostre.bsky.social faced when pursuing careers in science.👇🏾

Chrystal Starbird @drstarbird.bsky.social · 13d

We are in this odd climate where people are pretending no barriers exist to careers in science for some groups, but this conversation with 2 outstanding emerging scientists highlights that is just not true.
youtube.com/watch?v=u850...

BIBPSSpotlight - 2025 Black In Biophysics Week

YouTube video by Black In Biophys

youtube.com

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Chrystal Starbird @drstarbird.bsky.social · 13d

That it has! Lots to discuss 😬😁

Chrystal Starbird @drstarbird.bsky.social · 13d

Nothing has disappointed me more than watching institutions cave to ending programs they KNOW have an impact and bring in talented and qualified scientists from different backgrounds. Someday we will have to face what was done here and what we lost.

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