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Xavier University of Louisiana:

Dr. Florastina Payton-Stewart is well-known on campus, but allow me to introduce her to those of you who may not yet know her. An Associate Professor at the Xavier University of Louisiana, she is one of our own, an alumna who received her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry in 1999. From Xavier, she went on to earn her Ph.D. in Bioorganic Chemistry from Tulane University in 2007 and to hold a postdoctoral position at Tulane University School of Medicine from 2007-2010.




Dr. Payton-Stewart is a synthetic organic chemist with experience in both academia and industry.  She has trained and mentored undergraduate and post-baccalaureate researchers. Her current research interests are focused on designing and synthesizing analogs of known phytoalexins such as curcumin/berberine as chemotherapeutic agents for breast and prostate cancer.  Her research has been recognized by the American Association of Cancer Research and published in leading industry journals, such as Steroids.
 

Dr. Patyon-Stewart is passionate about teaching, mentoring and advising students as well as junior faculty. She has dedicated her career to exposing and nurture individuals and undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Dr. Payton-Stewart is now serving her second year as Faculty in Residence for the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Faculty Development, having already served as the Associate Director for Center of Undergraduate Research & Graduate Opportunities.

Dr. Payton-Stewart gives faithfully to the communities that have nurtured and supported her. She serves as the liaison between Xavier and STEM NOLA., is a 2017 Keystone Fellow, a Higher Education Resources (HERS) alumna, and an Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) 2018 Project Kaleidoscope STEM Leadership Institute alumni. Dr. Payton-Stewart is a member of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Scientific Workforce Diversity Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD), the American Chemical Society, the National Organization for the Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers, and STEM Women of Color Conclave.