Mellon Research Fellow: Joani Rayl
Henrietta Lacks: Her Legacy Beyond HeLa
College: Reynolds Community College
Faculty mentor: Emily Montgomery
Project summary: This project highlights the personal life and humanity of Henrietta Lacks, moving the narrative away from her medical exploitation to focus on her role as a mother and her family's accomplishments. It emphasizes a deep sense of gratitude for her involuntary contribution to science while urging the audience to connect with her story on an emotional and personal level.