January 20, 2022
Sade Williams Clayton, PhD, is a Rita Levi-Montalcini post-doctoral fellow under Washington University Orthopedics' Simon Tang, PhD, MSCI. She is uniquely co-mentored by Dr. Tang and Dr. Lori Setton, Chair of WashU Biomedical Engineering.
Why WashU?
Dr. Clayton met Dr. Tang at a conference and was impressed by the innovative work his lab is doing in musculoskeletal research. Prior to her PhD completion, Dr. Tang reached out about a fellowship opportunity at WashU through the Center of Regenerative Medicine. “After a doctoral degree in cell and developmental biology, I was interested in transitioning to regenerative medicine related topics and this fellowship perfectly aligned with my interests. The combination of great mentorship from Dr. Tang and the opportunity to be a part of the fellowship brought me to WashU.”
Piecing Together the Puzzle
Dr. Clayton is fascinated by research. “Research is a problem-oriented field where you must use critical thinking and innovative techniques to solve very complex scientific questions. I equate what scientists do to solving a puzzle, and I love solving puzzles.” Her previous work focused on how the spinal column forms and how TGF beta signaling is important for spinal column formation. Now, she relies on her expertise to study how a structure in the spinal column, called the invertebral disc (IVD), responds to injury or degeneration. “My goal is to simulate repair of damaged IVDs and mediate pain caused by injury or degeneration.”
Representing the Underrepresented
“My passion for research is driven by my love of mentoring and outreach to budding scientists, especially underrepresented minorities, so science becomes more diverse and inclusive.” Dr. Clayton has served many young scientists as a teaching assistant, mentor and advocate. To name a few, she was a Women in Stem mentor, Bridging the Gap Initiative mentor, and leader at Girls in Science and Engineering Day. “The orthopedic research field is multidisciplinary, innovative and collaborative, which is why I love it. Orthopedic research will greatly benefit from increased diversity and I aim to be a champion of diversity in the field.”
Academics Aside
Dr. Clayton draws inspiration from her personal heroes, Harriet Tubman and Fannie Lou Hamer. “These fearless Black women stood up for what was right, even at the threat of death, to better the lives of generations they would never meet.” She aims for the fearlessness and determination these women are known for and she is dedicated to a life of service. “I find I am the most fulfilled when I am helping others. Whether that's teaching courses, mentoring students, or doing outreach or volunteer work. I truly enjoy making lasting, meaningful connections with others that are impactful. I feel that my purpose in this life is to serve others. I find enjoyment in things where I feel like I am making a difference.”