Meet Tiara V. Hinton, Ph.d. | Research Scientist and Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tiara V. Hinton, Ph.d. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tiara V., what is the most important factor behind your success?
Motivation is the drive to take action. Discipline is the ability to take action, even when there’s no motivation.

One of the most important factors that have contributed to my success is discipline. Discipline was instilled in me, not only by my parents, but also by the activities I participated in when I was younger. Whether it was in the arts, during sports, or AFJROTC, I learned the importance of staying focused in order to reach a certain goal. Specifically during my graduate school program, I constantly remembered the phrase, “if you work hard now, you can play hard later…” that my parents often tell my sisters and I. I had to be disciplined and motivated to reach my end goal, which was a successful defense and graduation.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a postdoctoral fellow at an independent research facility that is devoted to improving human health through biomedical research and science education. I currently study the structural biology of proteins related to neurodegenerative disorders. Prior to this, I graduated from Wayne State University with a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, in 2023. I am a trained chemist, holding a B.S. in chemistry from the Illustrious Morgan State University, and I enjoy solving health related science challenges at the chemistry-biology interface.

The journey to where I am was far from easy, but NOT impossible. It takes time, support, and patience.

One thing I am most about proud of is becoming a doctor. There were many challenges along the way, but quitting was never an option. I knew that I would never be given more than I can bear or am capable of. With that, I am proud that I am an example to many people of what a scientist looks like.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Some of my favorite places to eat in the city are Green Dot Stables, Joe Louis Southern Cafe, Yum Village, and Bakersfield (honorable mention to Fishbones; the food list is long, but these are a few!).
For drinks, I’d say Willow, Standby, and The Skip.
And a couple of my favorite things to do include — Skating at Rollercade, Next Level Arcade, Belle Isle, Riverwalk, Painting with a Twist, DIA, and the Wright Museum.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If anyone deserves and recognition in my story, it is my parents and my sisters — they are my foundation. My success is our success.

As for organizations, one in particular is STEMNoire — STEMNoire is a research conference and holistic wellness retreat for women of the African diaspora in the fields of STEM. I have been affiliated with STEMNoire through virtual and in-person conferences, ambassadorship, and as a member of the planning council. STEMNoire has introduced me to a welcoming network of Black women in STEM, life-long friends, healthy mentorship, and has fostered my communication, project management, and leadership skills.

Website: https://linktr.ee/tvhinton_

Image Credits
Nya Williams, D.E. Hughes, Geoff Livingston, Keenan Parker