Dr. Dixon is an Associate Scientist at the Oregon Clinical & Translational Research Institute (OCTRI), as well as a Co-Investigator, faculty lead, career mentor, and research learning community (RLC) coordinator for the URISE and BUILD EXITO undergraduate research training programs at Portland State University. She holds a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from the University of Michigan, and her current research focuses on advocating for support and inclusion of aspiring scientists and health care professionals from marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds in STEAMM. Additionally, Dr. Dixon serves as the Research Thread Director for the Wy'east Post-Baccalaureate Pathway at the Northwest Native American Center of Excellence (NNACoE) and the Assistant Director of Cancer Research Education and Training at the Knight Cancer Institute at OHSU. When not working, she enjoys spending time with family, singing karaoke, and playing board games with her partner and two kittens.

Dr. Susan Jeffords joined Portland State University in 2018 as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. She served previously in numerous roles at the University of Washington, including department chair, Vice Provost for Global Affairs, and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Washington Bothell. Jeffords has written and taught broadly in the area of American popular culture, with a particular emphasis on Hollywood film, the Vietnam War, and feminism. She is particularly committed to increasing opportunities for more diverse and underrepresented communities to participate actively in higher education, including expanding opportunities for international and community engagement.